Get a Library Card

Online or at the Library

Need a new library card? Apply for a temporary or full digital library card below. A staff member will verify your eligibility and email you your card number and PIN so that you can begin using your Library online.

What to bring in for a Library card

If you live in our district, or have a business here, you can get a library card. To get your card, please bring in:

• A photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license or State I.D.)
• Additional proof of residence if your photo I.D. does not have your current address

Additional proof of residence includes:

• Driver’s license or State I.D. with current address
• Apartment lease or rent receipt
• Utility bill
• Bank statement or blank check
• Letter on letterhead from a shelter
• Business card (for businesses only)

We also ask for your email address, if you have one. Your email address is used to provide you with library information only, including notice of items on hold or due.

Minors Under 16

A minor under the age of 16 must have their application co-signed by a parent, guardian, or other adult relative who is responsible for the child on a long-term basis. This adult accepts responsibility for any financial liabilities and/or damages incurred by the minor.

The parent or guardian determines internet filtering levels for the minor until the minor reaches 16 years of age.

Businesses

Business library card applicants must be the owner or manager of the business. One card is available per business.

Renew Your Library Card

Did your library card expire? Look at the sticker on the back.

Bring your card and your current photo ID (with current address) to Patron Services for updating or request a renewal through the PrairieCat app. (In My Account, tap on Library Card Signup. Choose the "Renew Existing Card" option.)

Until your card is updated, you might not be able to check out books, access certain services, or use the computers or the Digital Media Lab.

What’s My PIN Number?

If you haven’t changed it, your default PIN number is the last four digits of your library card number.

Be safe! Change your PIN number in your Encore Account. If you need help, ask a staff member. We’re happy to assist.

What if I’m not in your library district?

We hope you’ll still visit us! If your home library is a member of the PrairieCat system, you have many of the privileges that New Lenox card holders do. You can check out books, use our computers, and use the Digital Media Lab.

If your home library is not a PrairieCat member, you can register as a Reciprocal Borrower. To register as a Reciprocal Borrower, bring your home library card and photo ID with proof of current residence to Patron Services here at New Lenox. As of March 29, reciprocal borrowers no longer have checkout limits for books or DVDs.

If you don’t have a library card, but want to use the computers, please ask for a guest pass at one of our reference desks. You will also be able to access in-library services like study rooms (we ask for a photo ID from everyone, not a library card) and Ancestry.com.

If you live in an unserved area and do not pay property taxes to another library, you may be eligible to purchase a nonresident card. The fee for these cards are equivalent to the average amount a library district resident pays towards the library in taxes each year. Ask for more information at the front desk in the lobby.

If you don't know, we can help you find the library district you reside in.

Local Libraries in PrairieCat

We belong to a library resource-sharing system called PrairieCat. Have you noticed the other libraries that show up when you do a catalog search? They’re in PrairieCat, too. Some local members include:

• Homer Township
• Manhattan-Elwood
• Mokena
• Three Rivers (Channahon and Minooka)
• Wilmington

And many more!