Frequently Asked Questions

Library registration requires completion of an application form and verification of address. Free library cards are available to residents or individual property tax payers of the West Chicago Public Library.

• Adults (age 18 and over) must register in person and provide proof of residence within the Library District.
• Children (under the age of 18) receive library cards when registered in person by parent or guardian who provides proof of residence within the Library District.
• The parent or guardian assumes responsibility for all charges incurred through use of their child’s card, as well as the content of material the child checks out.
• All patron information, including titles of items checked out or on reserve, is confidential and will only be released to the persons named on the card or to the person who assumed responsibility for the minor.

Documents Considered Proof of Residence
Two pieces of identification imprinted with the individual’s name and current street address to verify residency, as well as one piece of identification with the individual’s name and photo to verify identity. All documents used as identification must contain the individual’s name.

Examples of acceptable identification proving residency (2 such documents from this list):

• Driver’s license or state ID
• Consulate ID
• Current property tax bill
• Mortgage or lease documents
• Certificate of Occupancy from the City of West Chicago
• Current month utility bill (telephone, gas, electric, water, waste disposal)
• Current month credit card, insurance, cable television or medical billing statement
• Current bank statement, personal check, or pay check showing name and address

Examples of acceptable identification proving identity (1 such document from this list):

• Driver’s license or state ID
• Military ID
• Consulate ID
• Passport
• Naturalization Certificate

Resident cards are automatically renewed every 3 years

Business Library Cards

Business Library Cards are available to any business within the Library District. An application for a business card is available at the circulation desk and must be completed by an authorized agent of the business presenting current documentation (dated within the last year) such as a business license, property tax bill, or utility bill by the owner or manager of the business. Current documents must show the name and address of the business. Business Library cards are valid for a period of one year.

Non-Resident Cards

Non-residents of the Library District will be issued Library cards upon payment of a yearly fee based on a tax-method formula. The non-resident’s renter’s annual fee is based on a percentage of monthly rent.

Reciprocal Borrowers

If you have a valid card from another Illinois public library, you may register as a Reciprocal Borrower by presenting your library card and photo ID.

For your own confidentiality please login to My Account and change your PIN. If you have not previously chosen a PIN your default PIN is the last 4 digits of the phone number on file.

Follow these steps to change your PIN:

1. Click My Account
2. Enter your library card number and your PIN.
3. Click on the Personal Information tab then select change PIN
4. Complete all of the fields.

Click the “Update” button to save your new PIN.

If you have any questions contact the library (630) 231-1552.

To learn more about digital services at West Chicago Public Library, visit HERE

We offer WiFi access to visitors who bring their own equipment. Please see the WIFI page for more information.

10¢ per page for black and white.
50¢ per page for color.

To learn more about printing at West Chicago Public Library, visit HERE

To learn more about meeting spaces, visit HERE

West Chicago Public Library District accepts donations of gently used books year-round. Donations for used book sales may be dropped off at the library’s Circulation Desk at any time. The Library looks for adult and children’s books in good condition, as well as audiobooks, DVDs and music CDs.

Encyclopedia sets, magazines, textbooks, VHS tapes, items damaged or with missing pages, and outdated materials cannot be accepted.

Due to space limitations, a maximum of 2 boxes/bags can be accepted at one time.

Donations may be tax deductible. Receipts are obtained at the Circulation Desk.

Fines can be paid in person at the Circulation desk with cash, check, money order or credit card. Patrons may also log into their West Chicago Public Library District account, select fines, and click on pay fines online. The minimum amount that can be paid by credit card is $1.00.

• 3 weeks—Most print and audio materials
• 1 week—DVD’s, kits, video games, holiday items