Your Library Card: Get it. Bring it. Use it.

If you've seen our site this month, you probably noticed that September is National Library Card Month. It's a chance to libraries to promote the value that libraries offer to people. Think about it. Signing up for a little 3.5" by 2" plastic card makes thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and online content available to you for free!

Get It

Obviously if you want to take advantage of the library, you need to get a library card. Traditionally residents of incorporated Des Plaines could come to the library and sign up for one. This month we just launched a new online library card application. The application takes you through the process of determining your eligibility and submitting your application.

If you aren't sure if you are eligible for a card, checkout the map of Des Plaines on the application. If live inside the blue area on the map, you are eligible for a card. You can search for your address and a marker will appear on the map showing where you live. Still confused? Just call the library at 847-376-2788 to confirm your eligibility.

After you complete the application, we will have your card ready in 3 days. Bring a valid ID and proof of address with you to pick it up. Remember that a child's parent or guardian must accompany him or her to pick up a card.

Bring it, Use It

Now that you have your card, don't forget to bring it with you and use it. Here's just some of the things you can get with your card:

• Unlimited access to more than 362,669 books, audiobooks, DVDs & CDs
• Free access to Mango Languages &ndash learn more than 39 foreign languages online
• Free eMusic downloads from the Sony Music Catalog
• Free eBook downloads and eReaders available for check out
• Free access to ReferenceUSA, Consumer Reports, Morning Star, Ancestry.com, World Book Encyclopedia and over 100 other online reference resources
• Live online homework help from expert tutors for 3rd grade and older

Enjoy your library card!