Get a Library Card

Please bring a current photo ID along with one document from the list below. If the address on your photo ID is not current bring it along with two additional documents. Documents may include:

• Utility bill
• Vehicle registration
• Mortgage documents
• Rental lease

Children ages 3 to 13 must have a parent or guardian sign their application. Once a student enters high school, a library card may be issued without a parent's signature. The student must show identification showing proof of current address.

Your Prospect Heights Public Library card is automatically registered at our consortium’s 26 libraries. Our cards are also honored by member libraries of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) and by most public libraries in Illinois. Some libraries, however, restrict certain materials and set a limit on the number of items loaned to users from other libraries.

Prospect Heights Public Library cards do not expire, however, cards with no activity within a three-year period will be deleted from our files.

Non-residents may use many of our services. Please bring a valid library card from your home library along with a current photo ID and we will register your card in our system.

Businesses within the boundaries of the Prospect Heights Public Library District are eligible to receive a library card. To receive a card, the business owner or manager must present all the following:

• Photo ID
• A written request on the business or organization’s letterhead
• Business documentation dated within the last year, such as a business license, property tax bill, lease or utility bill.

Business cards must be renewed annually. This card provides access to the Library’s materials and online databases. It cannot be used at other libraries or to request materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan.

If you have lost your card, please contact the Library and we will issue a replacement card at no charge. Please be prepared to verify your address when picking up your new card.

The Prospect Heights Public Library does not charge late fees for overdue items.

• Each item has a due date. Cardholders are responsible for honoring the due date.
• The fine-free policy only applies to overdue items. Fees for lost or damaged items will be applied according to procedure.
• The catalog system will automatically renew, up to 2 times, any items that are eligible for renewal and are not reserved for another patron.
• If an item is 14 days overdue, the cardholder’s account will be blocked from using Library services. Once the item is returned, the block will be removed.
• After 45 days, outstanding items will be considered lost and will be billed to the cardholder.
• Bills for lost or damaged items will include a $5.00 processing fee in order to offset the expense of the Library processing.
• If an item is returned in good condition within 10 days after replacement charges have been assessed, the associated charges will be removed from the cardholder’s account and borrowing privileges will resume.
• Items checked out at area fine-free libraries will not accumulate fines if overdue, regardless of where the items are returned or where the items come from.
• Items checked out at a library that charges fines will accrue fines if overdue, even if returned to a fine-free library.

• A reminder notice will be sent three days before an item is due.
• Three overdue notices will be sent to a patron at the following intervals:
  • 7 days overdue
  • 15 days overdue
  • 28 days overdue
• Billing notices will be sent when an item is 45 days overdue and three overdue notices have been posted to the patron’s account.