2: Library Cards

Library Cards

• Library cards for use in borrowing library materials and for other library services are granted free of charge to Fox Lake Library District residents.

• Adult library cards are granted to those ages 16 and over. A parent’s permission and proof of address will be required of those under age 15 who are unable to provide proof of address in their own name as required below (See Accepted Forms of Identification).

• Juvenile library cards may be applied for by children able to print their first and last names. A parent or guardian’s permission will be required on library cards through age 15. The guardian must provide a proof of address as required below (See Accepted Forms of Identification).

• Library card applicants must pay all fines, fees and charges that may be due before library cards are issued. The library may also delay issuance of library cards until fines or charges due at other libraries are paid. Other than routine overdue fines, all fines and other charges owed at other libraries must be paid at those libraries.

• On approval of the electronic library card application, applicants are granted immediate use of the library and it's digital resources. Actual issuance of physical library cards requires presentation of an accepted form of identification.

• Original library cards are issued to residents free of charge; a fee of $2.00 is charged for the replacement of lost, stolen or destroyed cards. The library will replace free of charge library cards which have become worn or damaged in normal use.

• Resident library cards are issued for a period of five years, after which the patron must show proof of address for library card renewal.

• Eligible non-residents may purchase a library card for the fee of $277.33 for one year.

A Fox Lake District Public Library cardholder is responsible for and accepts financial responsibility for any loss, damage or overdue fines on all materials borrowed on their card. Present your card each time you check out materials. Cardholder agrees to abide by the policies of the library. Please inform the library immediately of a lost card, change of address or name change. A fee will be charged for lost cards. Library card can only be used by the person in whose name the card was issued.

The Library does not provide account information over the phone or electronically.

Library Card FAQs

Library cards are available for free to residents of the Fox Lake Library District. With a Fox Lake District Library card, you can:

check out books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, e-books, e-audiobooks, digital magazines, Wonderbooks, Great Courses, Playaway Launchpads, Early Literacy Kits, and Engagement Bags
access your account & place holds and online
access library databases from home
download audiobooks, books, and music
use the library’s public computers and internet

Get a Library Card

How do I get a library card?

Can I get a library card online?

Can I renew my library card online?

What about library cards for kids?

What about library cards for high school students?

I own property in Fox Lake but live outside the district; can I get a library card?

Can I get a library card if I don't live in Fox Lake?

Using Your Library Card

May I use other library systems in Illinois?

What if I lose my library card?

What if I forget my library card?

Updating Your Library Card

Does my library card expire?

Does my child's library card expire?

How do I update my address?

How do I update my email address?

Get a Library Card

How do I get a library card?

Visit the Main Circulation desk to apply for a library card or go to www.fllib.org/OnlineBorrowerRegistration to fill out a temporary card form. You’ll then come into the library to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo, and address that is in the Fox Lake Library District, such as any Illinois state-issued identification to pick up the physical card.

One of the following identification cards (not expired) with current address:

State of Illinois Driver’s License
State of Illinois ID Card
Firearms Registration Card
Alien Residency Card
Military ID (will not be photocopied)

If address is not current, or if one of the former listed cards are not available, please provide one of the following forms of identification in addition to your photograph ID:

Voter’s Registration Card
Auto Registration
Check Book or Bank Statement
Utility Bill (electric, gas, telephone)
Formal Lease or Rental Agreement (not hand-written)
Insurance Policy or ID Card
Property Tax Bill
E-Bills are accepted

Post office box numbers are not accepted. If you don’t have a fixed address, you may use a letter certifying your Fox Lake Library District residency from the social service agency where you receive mail.

Can I apply for a library card online?

Yes, Fox Lake residents who have never had a Fox Lake Public Library card may apply for a temporary card. The temporary card will expire 30 days after the date of issuance. You have 30 days from the date of issuance to come into the library to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Fox Lake Library District address, such as any Illinois state-issued identification.

One of the following identification cards (not expired) with current address:

State of Illinois Driver’s License
State of Illinois ID Card
Firearms Registration Card
Alien Residency Card
Military ID (will not be photocopied)

If address is not current, or if one of the former listed cards are not available, please provide one of the following forms of identification in addition to your photograph ID:

Voter’s Registration Card
Auto Registration
Check Book or Bank Statement
Utility Bill (electric, gas, telephone)
Formal Lease or Rental Agreement (not hand-written)
Insurance Policy or ID Card
Property Tax Bill
E-Bills are accepted

Can I renew my library card online?

The library does not have a Remote/Online Renewal Policy.

What about library cards for kids?

Children under 16 are eligible for a juvenile card. A parent or guardian needs to show one piece of ID with home address and will be named as the juvenile patron’s responsible party.

What about library cards for high school students?

If you are 16 or older, you may show your current, valid student ID from Grant high school as one form of ID when getting a library card. You'll need to show another piece of ID that includes your home address.

I own property in Fox Lake but live outside the district; can I get a library card?

Yes, you’re eligible for a Fox Lake Public Library card. Please visit the online application page to fill out a temporary card form. You’ll then come into the library to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address, as well as your current Fox Lake Library District property tax bill.

Can I get a library card if I don't live in Fox Lake?

Yes, your address may still be within the Fox Lake Public Library District. You may call the library to find out what library district you reside in.

• Residency

The Fox Lake District Library serves most of Grant Township, Illinois, with a total service population of 25,284 people (2010 census) in Fox Lake, Ingleside and portions of Lakemoor, Round Lake, Spring Grove, Volo and also small portions of Antioch and Burton Townships.

• Eligible non-residents may purchase a library card for the fee of $277.33 for one year.

• Reciprocity

If you are an Illinois resident who lives in a community with a reciprocal library, you are eligible for Fox Lake Library privileges. Visit the library to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library, in order to use our services.

Illinois Reciprocal Libraries

Using Your Library Card

May I use other library systems in Illinois?

Yes, as a Fox Lake Public Library card holder, you’re eligible to use library services provided at other Illinois reciprocal libraries:

Illinois Reciprocal Libraries

What if I lose my library card?

If you lose your library card or key chain, please call the library as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.
Replacement cards are $2.00. Please visit us to receive a new library card. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Fox Lake address.

If your library card is damaged or broken from normal wear and tear, please bring it to the Fox Lake Library and we'll replace it free of charge.

• Reciprocity

If you’re a reciprocal library card holder that has registered with our library, you’ll need to call the library as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported. Call your home library to report the loss as well, and after you have taken the necessary steps with your home library to get a replacement card, you must visit us to show a current, valid ID with your name and Fox Lake Library District address, as well as your current library card from your home library, in order to use our services again.

What if I forget my library card?

You may still use library services. You’ll need to show your current, valid driver’s license or state ID to allow staff to access your account.
A parent or guarantor listed on a child’s library card may still use library services for the child after showing a current, valid driver’s license or state ID to allow staff to access the child's account.

Updating Your Library Card

Does my library card expire?

Yes, Fox Lake Public Library cards must be updated every five years. Please ask for your library card’s expiration date or view it in your account.

To renew your library card, you’ll need to show current, valid ID with your name and Fox Lake Library District address to complete the process.

Reciprocal Library Card holders
If you’re a reciprocal library card holder, we'll need to get verification from your home library. The expiration date of your Fox Lake Library account will be the same as the expiration date of your card at your home library. When updating your card in person, please show your current library card from your home library.

Does my child's library card expire?

Yes, Fox Lake Public Library cards must be updated every five years, including those for children (under 16). Please ask a librarian for the expiration date of your child’s library card or view it in their account.

To renew your library card, you’ll need to show current, valid ID with your name and Fox Lake Library District address to complete the process.

How do I update my address?

To update your address, you’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your updated information, such as your driver’s license or state ID, when updating your address in person.
Visit the Main Circulation desk to apply for a library card or go to www.fllib.org/OnlineBorrowerRegistration to fill out a temporary card form. You’ll then come into the library to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo, and address that is in the Fox Lake Library District, such as any Illinois state-issued identification to pick up the physical card.

One of the following identification cards (not expired) with current address:

State of Illinois Driver’s License
State of Illinois ID Card
Firearms Registration Card
Alien Residency Card
Military ID (will not be photocopied)

If address is not current, or if one of the former listed cards are not available, please provide one of the following forms of identification in addition to your photograph ID:

Voter’s Registration Card
Auto Registration
Check Book or Bank Statement
Utility Bill (electric, gas, telephone)
Formal Lease or Rental Agreement (not hand-written)
Insurance Policy or ID Card
Property Tax Bill
E-Bills are accepted

How do I update my email address?

You may update your email address in person and online. Log in to your account and go to Account Summary>Contact Information.

Please note that updating your email address through your account online does not opt you in to receive email notifications.