Checkout, Renew, & Reserve Materials

Library Card Applications

If you already have a Downers Grove Public Library card and need to update your personal information, replace your existing card, or renew your expired card, you must do this in person at the library's Circulation Desk.

Residents of Downers Grove may register online for a library card.
You will receive a temporary library card number that expires in 14 days.  

• You can use the temporary card number to create an account to place holds on up to 3 items.   
• You must visit the library in 14 days to complete the registration process and receive a permanent library card number. 
• When you pick up your library card you must show one form of identification with your current Downers Grove address listed.  We will accept parent’s identification for minor children.  Form of identification may be:
• Driver’s License or State ID
• Current utility bill, bank statement, pre-printed checks, mortgage or lease with your name and current address
• A piece of first-class mail with your name and a current postmark
• Parents/guardians must sign for minor children under the age of 18.  
• Information for parents about internet use by minors can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

Please note that there are four types of juvenile cards available for parents to sign for when they pick up their child’s card in the library:

• Unrestricted: I am aware that there are no age restrictions on what my child may borrow and I accept responsibility for my child’s selection of materials. 
• Restricted to Junior Materials Only: I understand that this allows the card owner to borrow materials from the Children’s Department. These are labeled “J” or “Z.” No other materials may be borrowed from the library. This restriction applies to use of the card to borrow materials from the Downers Grove Public Library. Restrictions do not apply to in-library use of materials. Restrictions do not apply to use of the card at other libraries.
• No Video Recordings from the Adult Collections: I understand that this allows the card owner unrestricted borrowing of all materials except DVD and video recordings from the adult collections. This restriction applies to use of the card to borrow materials from the Downers Grove Public Library. Restrictions do not apply to in-library use of materials. Restrictions do not apply to use of the card at other libraries.
• No Video or Audio Recordings from the Adult Collections: I understand that this allows the card owner unrestricted borrowing of all materials except DVD, video and audio recordings from the adult collections. This restriction applies to use of the card to borrow materials from the Downers Grove Public Library. Restrictions do not apply to in-library use of materials. Restrictions do not apply to use of the card at other libraries.

Permanent library cards issued to residents of Downers Grove are honored by members of the Metropolitan Library System and many other Illinois public libraries.