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Library cards are free for adults and children who live in the Schaumburg Township District Library service area. Search your address to find out if you're eligible for a card.

Questions? Email us at @email.

Getting a Library Card

Visit any Library location with your current photo ID, or you can sign up for a Library card online. Acceptable forms of photo ID include driver's licenses, state issued IDs, passports or in-district high school IDs.

Online sign up gives you immediate access to eBooks and other online resources. Online cards expire after 30 days. For your card to remain valid, you can use our online renewal form to submit your photo ID with your current address. We will then mail your Library card to you.

If your photo ID does not have your current address, please include one proof of residency. Acceptable forms of proof of residency include:

  • Driver's license or state ID 

  • Voter ID card 

  • Utility bill 

  • Bank statement 

  • Lease or mortgage statement 

  • Checkbook 

  • Firearm Owner's Identification card 

  • Fishing license 

  • Paycheck stub 

Have access through your phone to one of those items? That works, too!

Children ages 14 and younger require a parent or guardian's signature.

Renewing Your Library Card

Schaumburg Library cards don't expire! That means that as long as you're still living in our service area, you can use your card to access our many resources — online and in print.

If you recently applied for a Library card online and want to make it permanent, submit a form of photo ID with a current address and we'll mail your Library card to you.

This is also the form to fill out if you use a card from another library with us (those may have an expiration date).

Lost Library Cards

If you've misplaced your Library card and would like access to online resources including eBooks, fill out a short form and we'll email your card number to the address on file. If your information has changed, please visit any Library location or call Circulation at (847) 923-3160.

Want to borrow physical materials but can't find your card? Stop by Circulation with your photo ID and we'll replace it.

Don't Live in the District?

If you live outside the Schaumburg Library service area, you may be able to borrow materials with a valid card from your home library. Call Circulation at (847) 923-3160 with any questions.

We'll need to call to verify your library card, so make sure you stop by during your home library's business hours.

Non-Resident Homeowners/Renters

If you live in an unincorporated area outside of our District, you may be able to purchase a 1-year, full-service, non-resident Library card (as permitted under applicable state laws and regulations) for an annual fee. Eligibility is based on the school district of your residency. For assistance, please contact our Circulation at (847) 923-3160 or @email

You will need:

  • A current and valid photo ID.
  • A copy of your most recent tax bill (home-owners) or lease agreement (renters).

To calculate your fee:

Homeowners: Multiply the equalized assessed value (EAV) on your tax bill by .003491 (the Library District’s current tax rate is 0.3491%). Or, enter your EAV below and we'll calculate your fee for you.

Renters: Multiply your rent by .15 or enter your rent here and we'll calculate your fee for you:

Business Library Cards

Businesses and nonprofit organizations located in the Schaumburg Library service area are eligible to receive a free business Library card. Only one card will be issued per business.

To receive a card, the business owner or another authorized user must visit a Library location in person with all of the following:

  • A personal photo ID, such as driver’s license or state 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 Library cards must be renewed annually.

This card provides access to the Library's materials and online databases, but cannot be used to reserve meeting rooms. It also cannot be used at other libraries or to request materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan.