Every Oak Park resident, educator, and business owner can get a library card.

Pictured above are some of our new library cardholders—welcome! New to the library? Find a general overview of library services and resources to help you get the most out of your library experience.
Need a card? Get started here!
Oak Park residents | Educators | Businesses & nonprofits | Illinois residents
Oak Park residents
Oak Park residents can access all the public library has to offer with a physical or digital card that never expires.
Physical card
Want a card you can hold in your hand? Visit any library location to apply; you’ll need:
- 18+ years: A current photo ID (a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and proof of Oak Park residency (an electronic or paper utility bill or recently postmarked mail).
- Under 18: A parent or guardian with a current photo ID and proof of Oak Park residency.
Digital card
Don’t need another card in your wallet? A digital card gives you the same full library access as a physical card. To apply:
- Complete the appropriate form below to register yourself or a child/minor under 18 for a digital card. Select Register an adult or Register a child to get started.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an email with your card number and a link to set your PIN. You will not receive a physical card.
- You can find and use your barcode by logging into the SWAN Libraries + app.
By registering for a card, you agree to all the terms and conditions: I understand I am responsible for this card and all materials checked out on this card until this card is reported lost or missing. I am further responsible for any charges that may result from late return, loss, or damage of materials borrowed.
Register an adult
Register a child
Oak Park educators
All Oak Park school and daycare teachers, teaching assistants, and staff can apply with their Oak Park employer ID and a current photo ID. These cards have a one-year expiration from issue date but may be renewed. Call us at 708.383.8200 with questions and to renew.
Oak Park business owners, nonprofits & employees
Owners can apply with an electronic or paper lease or tax bill and a current photo ID. Employees can provide current proof of employment and contact information for the business or nonprofit owner (who will be responsible for any fees or lost materials). These cards have a one-year expiration from issue date but may be renewed. Call us at 708.383.8200 with questions and to renew.
Illinois residents & borrowing privileges
- Do you have a temporary Oak Park address? You are welcome to use any resources inside the library during your stay in Oak Park.
- Do you live in Chicago? We share some borrowing privileges with the Chicago Public Library (CPL).
- Register with us using your CPL card after you verify your card is in good standing.
- What to bring to Oak Park: A current photo ID (like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) that shows your current Chicago address.
- These cards have a maximum one-year expiration from the issue date and may be renewed.
- Do you live in a Chicago-area western suburb? Oak Park Public Library is a member of the SWAN library consortium, 100+ libraries that share book borrowing (but not digital resource use) privileges. See if your home library is a member.
- Do you live in Illinois? We offer borrowing privileges with most Illinois public libraries.
- Register using your home library card (please check that your card is in good standing with your home library first).
- What to bring to Oak Park: A current photo ID (like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) that shows your current address.
- These cards have a one-year expiration from the issue date and may be renewed.
- A non-resident card could be purchased for an annual fee of $461.37. To be eligible, based on Illinois administrative code, you must live in an unincorporated area of Illinois and apply at your nearest public library. More: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 3050.10.
Have a card? Use your card!
- Place holds and manage your account: Log in to the catalog.
- Manage your account and check out from your device: Download library apps.
- Stream and download ebooks, movies, and more: Explore your digital library.
- Our library is fine free: About loan periods, limits, renewals, and other fees (we still have fees).
- Need help? Get answers to frequently asked questions.
Have questions? Contact us.