What the Chicago Public Library System offers and how to get your free guide

The Chicago Public Library System is a network of 81 branches across the city, plus the Harold Washington Library Center downtown. You can use any branch with a library card, which is free for Chicago residents and people who work or go to school in the city. Non-residents can get a card for a fee. The system lends books, audiobooks, DVDs, and digital materials; offers computer and internet access; hosts programs for children and adults; and provides study and meeting spaces.

To get a card, visit any branch in person with a photo ID and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or government mail works. The process takes a few minutes. Once you have a card, you can search the catalog online at chipublib.org, place holds on items, renew books, and access digital collections from home.

Key Takeaways

  • A Chicago Public Library card is free for residents and people who work or study in the city, and requires only a photo ID and proof of address.
  • The system has 81 neighborhood branches plus the Harold Washington Library Center, and you can use your card at any of them.
  • You can search the catalog, place holds, and renew items online at chipublib.org without visiting a branch.
  • The library offers digital collections, computer access, job training resources, and programs for children, teens, and adults at no cost.
  • Borrowing periods vary by material type — books are typically three weeks, DVDs two weeks, and digital items follow their own terms.

Getting a library card and what you need

You need two things to get a card: a photo ID and proof of your current address. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card counts as photo ID. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address on it. If you do not have a permanent address, ask the staff about options — the library works with people experiencing homelessness.

Bring these documents to any Chicago Public Library branch during open hours. Staff will create your card on the spot, usually in under five minutes. Your card number appears on the card itself and in your online account. You can start borrowing when ready.

Non-residents of Chicago can get a card for a yearly fee, which varies by library district. Ask at your nearest branch for the current cost. Some suburbs also have reciprocal agreements with Chicago, meaning residents of those areas can get a free card — check chipublib.org or call your local branch to confirm.

How to search the catalog and place holds online

The Chicago Public Library catalog is searchable at chipublib.org. You can look for books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and digital materials without logging in. Type a title, author, or subject into the search box. Results show you which branches have the item in stock, whether it is available now or on hold, and when it will be available if someone else has it checked out.

To place a hold on an item that is checked out, log into your account with your library card number and PIN (which you set when you got your card, or can reset online). Select the item and choose which branch you want to pick it up from. The library will notify you by email or phone when the item arrives — you typically have seven days to pick it up before the hold expires.

You can also renew items online if they have no holds waiting. Most books renew for another three weeks. If an item is not available at your preferred branch, you can request it from another location, and it will be transferred to your branch at no cost.

Borrowing periods and late fees

Different materials have different borrowing periods. Books are typically available for three weeks. DVDs and Blu-rays are two weeks. Audiobooks borrowed as physical items follow the same rules as books, but digital audiobooks have their own terms set by the publisher — usually 14 to 21 days. Magazines are typically two weeks. Children's materials often have the same periods as adult materials, though some special collections may differ.

The Chicago Public Library does not charge late fees. If you keep an item past the due date, you straightforward cannot borrow again until you return it. This policy applies to all physical materials. If you lose an item, you will be charged a replacement fee, which varies by the item's cost.

You can renew items online, by phone, or in person if no one else has placed a hold on them. Renewing extends the due date by the same number of days as the original loan period.

Digital collections and online resources

The Chicago Public Library offers digital materials you can access from home with your library card. These include e-books and audiobooks through OverDrive and Libby, digital magazines through Flipster, and streaming video through Kanopy. You log in with your library card number to access these services.

The library also provides access to databases for job searching, resume writing, and career development. These include LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of video courses on professional skills, software, and creative topics. Access is free with your library card.

Some digital materials have waiting lists if many people want them at once, similar to physical holds. Others are available when ready. Check the specific service's terms when you search — each publisher and platform sets its own rules.

Computer access, programs, and community services

Every Chicago Public Library branch has computers available for public use. You can use them for job searching, explore for benefits, taking online classes, or general browsing. Most branches offer free Wi-Fi as well. Computer time is usually limited to a certain number of hours per day, though the exact limit varies by branch — ask staff when you visit.

The library runs programs for children, teens, and adults throughout the year. These include story times for young children, homework help and tutoring, job training workshops, English conversation groups, and classes on topics like technology and financial literacy. Many programs are free; some require registration. Check chipublib.org or ask at your branch for the current schedule.

The Chicago Public Library also connects people to community services. Staff can point you toward resources for housing, food, job training, and other needs. Some branches host partner organizations that provide services on-site.

Branch locations, hours, and special collections

The 81 neighborhood branches are spread across all 77 Chicago community areas. The Harold Washington Library Center, located downtown at 400 South State Street, is the system's main library and holds special collections, rare books, and materials not available at neighborhood branches. You can search for your nearest branch and its hours at chipublib.org or by calling 312-747-4050.

Hours vary by branch. Most are open six or seven days a week, but some have limited hours on certain days. The website shows each branch's specific schedule. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some branches offer extended evening or weekend hours.

Special collections at the Harold Washington Library include the Chicago History, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection (African American history and culture), the Archival and Manuscript Collection, and the Bluebook Collection (Chicago government documents). These materials do not circulate — you use them in the library. Call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours and access policies for special collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I lose my library card?

Visit any branch with your photo ID and ask for a replacement. Staff will issue a new card with the same number. If you are concerned someone else might use your old card, tell staff and they can deactivate it. There is no fee for a replacement card.

Can I borrow materials from other library systems in Illinois?

Yes, through the Illinois Library Card program. Your Chicago Public Library card works at many public libraries across Illinois. Check chipublib.org for a list of participating systems, or ask your branch librarian whether a specific library participates.

How do I get help finding a specific book or topic?

Ask a librarian at any branch in person, call 312-747-4050, or use the "Ask a Librarian" chat on chipublib.org. Librarians can help you search the catalog, suggest titles, and point you toward resources on specific topics.

Are there restrictions on what I can borrow?

No. The library does not restrict borrowing based on age or background. Parents can set parental controls on children's accounts if they want to limit access to certain materials, but this is optional.

What happens if I cannot return an item on time?

There are no late fees. You straightforward cannot borrow again until you return the item. If you know you need more time, renew the item online or in person before the due date, as long as no one else has placed a hold on it.