Metropolitan Library System Card Holders

If your valid Metropolitan Library System card has no barcode, present the card and proper identification at the Circulation desk and a label will be attached. You can then proceed with your checkout.

Oak Lawn staff will place reserves as requested for Oak Lawn residents.

For card renewal or replacement of lost cards, you must return to your home library.

Chicago Residents

Chicago residents must present a valid Chicago Public Library card and one preprinted form of identification with current name and address to verify that you reside in Chicago, and fill out the application form.  You will receive your Metropolitan Library card on the day that you apply.

No reserves may be placed on Oak Lawn materials by Chicago patrons.

Cards expire in one year.  To renew, you must present your valid Chicago Public Library card, proof of residency in Chicago as stated above and fill out the application form.  The card must be free of fines and overdues.

If your card is lost or stolen, please notify the library immediately so the card can be invalidated.  There is a $3.00 fee for replacement of lost or stolen cards.

Business/Property Owners

The right to use the Oak Lawn Public Library is extended to non-resident owners of taxable Oak Lawn property or businesses. Cards will be issued upon completion of an application form, presentation of proper identification and a current tax bill, or upon presentation of proper identification and a letter on the business's stationary requesting such service, signed by a business owner or officer.

Only one card will be issued for each taxable parcel or business. The card expires in one year and may be renewed if free of fees and fines, by repeating the application process.

If the card is lost or stolen, please phone the library so it can be invalidated. There is a $3.00 fee for replacement of lost or stolen cards. A fee of $1.00 is charged for replacement of a damaged barcode.

Library Cards

Oak Lawn Residents

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to obtain a library card. Patrons under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present to obtain a library card. 

Patrons ages 16 & 17will be given a juvenile library card; only adults ages 18 and older may receive an adult card.  An adult card entitles patrons to check out all materials at the library; a juvenile card allows patrons to checkout all materials except for DVDs and videos (unless a parent or legal guardian is present and gives permission to put that item on the juvenile card.)

A parent or legal guardian may also sign a permission form giving children and teens permission to check out movies. The form is available at the circulation desk.

Patrons must be present to renew a library card, and patrons under 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present to renew a card.

Residents

Applications must be made in person at the circulation desk.  Patrons must present one of the following PHOTO ID and current address as proof of residency:

• driver’s license with current address,
• state identification card or other governmental-issued card.

If any of the above are not available, the following proof of residency forms with current address may be used but MUST be accompanied by a photo ID labeled with the patron’s name (such as a school ID, passport, immigration card):

• utility bill
• motor vehicle registration card
• property transfer certificate or lease or mortgage papers
• voter registration card
• senior citizen membership card
• class schedule
• Public Aid or medical aid ID card
• envelope with a postal change of address label and current postmark
• current magazine with mailing label
• checks
• any pre-printed form of bill with name and address

Parents or legal guardians must present proof of residency as above and sign application card assuming responsibility for materials lent to patrons under the age of 16.

Cards expire in three years.  For renewal, patrons must present proof of residence in Oak Lawn as stated above and card must be free of fines and overdues.