Residents
Library cards are free to anyone who resides within the incorporated limits of the Village of Mount Prospect. To obtain a card, you must provide identification that shows your current name and address to the Circulation desk at the Main Library or South Branch. The library reserves the right to ask for additional forms of identification. Cards for children under 18 years of age must be countersigned by a parent or legal guardian with proof of guardianship before receiving a card.
Forgot your card? Circulation staff will check out items to registered cardholders with a current Illinois driver’s license or state ID card. Download the Mount Prospect Public Library app and log in to access your card from anywhere on a mobile device.
Accepted Forms of Identification for Library Card
Paper or electronic formats will be accepted.
- Illinois driver’s license or state ID
- Checks imprinted with current Mount Prospect address
- Illinois voter’s registration
- Current utility bill — within the last two months
- Lease or mortgage papers
- Apartment or condominium ID; the property must be within the village limits of Mount Prospect and have the complex name on the ID
- Vehicle sticker renewal form; must be issued by the Secretary of State, not handwritten
- Current payroll check
- Current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
- Illinois driver’s permit; must be issued by the Secretary of State, not handwritten
Cards for Kids Program
Pre-K-12 students who live in nearby unincorporated areas not served by the Mount Prospect Public Library may be eligible for a free MPPL library card. The Cards for Kids Program ensures students have a library card when they:
- reside in an unincorporated area not served by a library or library district and;
- attend a public or nonprofit private pre-K-12 school served by the Mount Prospect Public Library and;
- are eligible for free or reduced lunch at school.
To qualify for the Cards for Kids Program, households must meet the Income Eligibility Guidelines used to determine eligibility for free and reduced meals under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To sign up for a student card under this program, a parent or guardian needs to complete the attestation form and provide identification with their current name and address. Please bring the form to the Circulation desk or South Branch.
Para Español: Certificación del programa Tarjetas para Niños
Polskie: Karty dla Dzieci – Zaświadczenie
If you have questions or need assistance, please call the Circulation department, 847-590-3624, or South Branch, 847-590-4090.
Teacher Library Cards
Educators employed by a school or daycare in Mount Prospect may be eligible for a Teacher library card through their employer. For more information visit mppl.org/services/educators.
Business Library Cards
Businesses located in Mount Prospect are eligible for a library card. To apply, bring a recent tax bill or lease for the business, one other form of identification showing the current business address, and a photo ID to the Circulation desk or South Branch. One card can be issued per business.
Unincorporated Area Residents
Library cards may be purchased by individuals or families living in an area that is not taxed for public library service by Mount Prospect. Residents living in unincorporated areas must purchase their card or apply for a free card under the Cards for Kids Act at the public library that is within their current school district. The cost of this card is based on the amount of taxes paid by residents. For more information, contact the Circulation department, 847-590-3624.
Nonresidents
Not a resident of Mount Prospect? You may be able to borrow materials by registering the library card issued to you by your home library. For reciprocal borrowing privileges, you must have a current library card in good standing and present identification with your current address. See the Circulation Policy for current checkout limits to reciprocal borrowers.
