Library Card Policies
The North Riverside Public Library has a print collection of over 45,000 materials and an immeasurable number of digital materials. In order to access these materials and resources, patrons must hold a NRPL library card.
We have several types of library cards available, seen in our options below! The most common card is a resident card – only for residents of North Riverside. If you are not sure which card will work best for you or your family, stop in or give us a call!
Great News! Your NRPL library card now has no expiration date! Come on in and check out your next favorite book.
Great News! The NRPL is now fine-free! Patrons will no longer accrue regular fines for materials returned late. Patrons may still be blocked after the equivalence of what would have been $5 in late fees.
Note: Patrons will still be charged for lost or damaged items. Fees charged for lost items that are returned damage-free will be forgiven.
Because your library is a member of SWAN, your library card will be honored at any of the public libraries in the SWAN System (See List of SWAN Member Libraries), as well as at public libraries in several other library systems in Illinois, including the Chicago Public Library.
a. Immediate issue: Residents over 18 years of age may register for a library card at the library with either:
i. One unexpired government issued photo ID or
ii. One unexpired government ID AND one of the items in column 2A
b. Mailed Cards: Residents over 18 may apply with one government issued photo ID which is not updated (i.e. no current address) and opt to have their card mailed to the residence listed on their ID to fulfill residency verification.
c. Online: Residents over 18 may apply online and pick up their card the following day. All cards must be picked up within 30 days. A current updated government ID or a non-updated government ID and an item from column 2A will be required for verification.
d. High school students: High school students may apply using their current school-issued ID. Students may pick up a library card application at the library, bring it home for parent’s signature and information, then return the application to the library. Librarians will verify parent/guardian’s information by phone and their library card will be mailed to their residence.
e. Age requirement: Infants and children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present when applying for a card. There are no age restrictions for library card issuance.
Note: Residents may choose to verify their residency by having the library card mailed to their residence. Library cards will not be mailed to Post Office Boxes; library notices may be mailed to a PO Box at the patron’s request but patron residence must remain on file. If at any time a library card or notice is returned to the library through the post office, the patron’s account may be stopped and the patron asked to provide proof of residence from column 2A above.
a. Business cards will be issued to any organizational entity, profit or non-profit, that owns or rents property in the North Riverside Public Library District’s boundaries. Businesses must:
i. Fill out an application.
ii. Apply with a letter on business letterhead requesting a library card stating who the designated card holder will be and who is responsible for any charges accrued on the card.
b. Expiration: Business cards a valid for one (1) year and must be renewed with an updated letter noting any changes to the designated card holder.
c. Fines and/or fees: Fines and/or fees apply as they do to any other card. The business will be responsible for those charges.
A non-resident is anyone who lives in Illinois and who does not have their principal residence in the North Riverside Library’s district. A card may be purchased based on the formula set by the Illinois State Library. Those applying must provide their most recent tax bill.