Getting a Library Card
All residents regardless of age and living within the Plainfield Library District are entitled to free Plainfield Area Public Library cards.
How do I know if I am in the Library District? Watch this video to learn if your property taxes include the Plainfield Area Public Library. You can also view the Plainfield Area Public Library boundaries map here.
How do I get a library card? Visit us at the Check Out Desk on the upper level or register for a library card online.
What should I do if…
- I live in Bolingbrook but my tax bill shows the Plainfield Public Library District?
- I don’t see any library on my tax bill?
- My tax bill shows the City of Joliet Library and Plainfield Public Library District?
Learn more about Library District boundaries, your tax bill, and areas that are unserved.
What kind of identification do I need to get a library card?
If you have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state I.D. with your current address, that is the only form of identification you need to apply for a library card. If you do not have a driver’s license or state I.D. with your current address, you’ll need to bring in one of the following items along with a photo I.D.:
- utility bill
- closing papers or rental agreement
- bank statement
- credit card statement
These must be dated and must show your name and current address.
If you are under 18 years of age, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign for your card.
Resident: Any eligible resident of the Plainfield Area Public Library District may obtain a library card by completing an application and providing proof of current residency. A resident will be verified every three years.
Non-Resident: If you live in an unserved area of Plainfield or Bolingbrook and are in School District 202, you may purchase a library card with the Plainfield Area Public Library. The fee is determined by the net equalized value of your home located on your tax bill multiplied by the current tax rate. All household members will receive a card valid for one year. Current tax bill and valid I.D. must be presented upon application.
Non-Resident with Property in the District: Anyone who is not a resident of the Plainfield Area Public Library District but pays real estate taxes on property and/or leases property within the library district may obtain a one-year non-resident card without charge. Current tax bill and valid I.D. must be presented upon application.
Non-Resident Renting: According to state law, non-residents are required to purchase a library card at the nearest participating public library in the school district in which the non-resident has their principal
residence. Qualifying renters may purchase a library card by paying a fee based upon the following formula:
Monthly rent X 15% = Nonresident renter fee
Such cards are valid for one year, renewable with appropriate verification. Non-resident renters
must present a valid lease or current rent receipt in order to obtain a card.
Non-Resident Veteran: Veterans with service-connected disabilities of at least 70% who are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence, an unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who has previously qualified for this exemption prior to their death, or an unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty shall be eligible to receive a free non-resident library card.
Qualifying veterans or surviving partners must present documentation from the county where they reside that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes.
Reciprocal Borrower: Any person holding a valid library card from a library participating in the “Illinois Reciprocal Borrowing Program” will be granted reciprocal borrowing privileges.
Business: Any corporation, partnership, church, or sole proprietorship owning or renting a place of business within the geographic boundaries of the Plainfield Area Public Library is eligible for an annual renewable library card. Current business letterhead designating the library card users and an I.D. must be presented upon application.
Temporary Visitors: Temporary and unsheltered visitors may obtain a library card by completing an application and providing an ID. The card allows a two item checkout (no devices), access to the computers, and local use only. No holds can be placed. The card is renewable annually.
Teacher/Homeschool Educator: There are four different options available for Plainfield area teachers or homeschool educators:
- Use your personal Plainfield Library card to check out materials – no restrictions! Go online to check out, renew and place holds.
- If you have a library card in the Pinnacle Library Cooperative (but not a Plainfield Library card), you may simply use that at the Plainfield Library to check out materials. Go online to check out, renew and place holds.
- If you have a library card from a library outside of the Pinnacle Library Cooperative, visit the Check Out Desk, become a reciprocal borrower and you may then use that card to check out materials. Go online to check out, renew, and place holds.
- If you should live in an unserved area, visit the Registration Desk and you will receive a yearly teacher courtesy card.
Cards for Kids Act: Any student, up to Grade 12, living in the Plainfield Area Public Library boundaries, without library service, who qualifies for free and reduced lunch at school are eligible to receive a library card under the Cards for Kids Act. The library card is good for 1 year and is renewable annually.
Bring identification with the child's current address to the Check Out desk to apply.
Library cards do not expire. You will be asked to verify contact information every three years.
Lost or damaged cards can be replaced at the Check Out desk. There is no fee for replacement cards.
Yes! Your library card can be used at other libraries in the Pinnacle Library Cooperative. You can also borrow materials at most other Illinois libraries with your valid Plainfield Area Public Library card. Some libraries may limit the number and type of materials you can borrow.