Obtaining a library card

Who can obtain a card

Any person providing proper identification, which includes proof of residency in the Village of Dolton, is eligible to obtain a Dolton Library Card.  Cards will NOT be issued to patrons who are known to have overdue obligations (unpaid fines or overdue, lost, or damaged materials) at any library in Illinois.  Note:  Applications for library cards will only be processed up to thirty (30) minutes prior to closing time.

How to obtain a card

First, you will be asked to provide two (2) forms of identification, one from Group A and one from Group B:

Group A - To establish ID

• Illinois Drivers License
• Illinois State ID
• Insurance Card (What kind?  Health, Auto?)
  
• Local School ID (must be current)
• Medicare/Medicaid Card
• Traffic Ticket
• Voters Registration Card (must be current)
  

• Automobile Registration (must be current)
• Credit Card Bill (must be within last 3 months)
  
• Government Mailing (must be within last 3 months)
• Insurance Bill (must be within last 3 months, auto, home, medical, etc.)
• Lease/Mortgage Documentation (must be current)
  
• Local School ID (must be current and if not used for Group A)
  
• Pay Stub (must be within last 3 months and show address)
• Postmarked Magazine (must be within last 3 months)
• Property Tax Bill (must be current year)
• Utility Bill (must be within last 3 months)
• Voters Registration Card (must be current and if not used for Group A)

Next, you will be asked to fill out a library card application which asks for such information as your name, address, apartment number, Social Security number and telephone number.  Please be aware that all information provided to the library will be kept strictly confidential.

Afterward, we will request the name, address and telephone number of a personal reference who can verify your current address.  Please DO NOT provide the name of a person with whom you reside.  In addition, the personal reference must reside in one of the following area codes:  312, 630, 708, 773, 847 or live within the State of Illinois.

Finally, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent (or legal guardian?) with valid identification.  The parent (or legal guardian?) must sign the application accepting responsibility for any checked out materials.  If possible, the child should also sign the registration card (library card application?).

When will my card expire?

Dolton Public Library Cards expire three (3) years from the date issued.

What if I already have a Chicago Public Library Card?

If you already have a Chicago Public Library Card, you are eligible for an (MLS?) Reciprocal Borrower Card.  There is no fee and the card expires one (1) year from the date issued.  In order to receive a Reciprocal Borrower Card:

• You must present a current Chicago Public Library Card and it must be in good standing
• You will be asked to provide two (2) forms of identification, one from Group A and one from Group B (see above)
• You must then fill out the appropriate paperwork (see above)