Approved 05-16-2026

CIR-1: Library Card Application and Registration

Applicants who wish to apply for borrowing privileges at the Lake Bluff Public Library must meet all of the requirements listed in the following sections.

CIR-1.1: Identification

Applicants must present a valid photo ID and current proof of address in order to register for borrowing privileges. A valid Illinois Driver’s License or an Illinois State Identification Card may serve as both a photo ID and proof of address if it lists the applicant’s current residence. If this identification is not available, applicants must present two forms of identification.

Minor applicants under the age of 18 may present their own photo identification and current proof of address; if this identification is not available, a parent or legal guardian may present their own photo identification and proof of address on behalf of the minor applicant.

Acceptable photo identification includes:

  • Driver’s License issued by any US State or US Territory 
  • State Identification Card issued by any US State or US Territory
  • Student or Faculty Identification Card
  • Passport
  • Illinois Public Aid Identification Card
  • Military Identification Card
  • Photo Identification cards issued by state or federal agencies

Acceptable proof of address includes:

  • Illinois Driver’s License
  • Illinois State Identification Card
  • Instructional Driver’s permit
  • Current lease or housing agreement
  • Utility bill (telephone, gas, water, electric, or cable) dated within the last 60 days
  • Credit card or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
  • A property tax bill for the most recent tax year
  • A pay stub or check dated within the last 60 days

CIR-1.2: Library Card Application

Applicants must fill out a library card application at the time of registration. The card application will consist of basic identification and contact information. The Lake Bluff Library adheres to the Library Records Confidentiality Act in the handling of patron information. Birthdates and a parent signature are required for applicants under the age of 18. A copy of the completed card application will be kept on file at the library. At a minimum, card applications will be retained for as long as the applicant holds borrowing privileges at the library.

Card applications are valid as long as the patron remains in the same library district. If a patron moves to a different library district, he or she will need to fill out a new library card application. Juvenile applicants must fill out and sign their own application after they turn 18. 

CIR-1.3: Patron Account Purge

The Lake Bluff Public Library purges patron accounts that have been inactive and expired for two years. Expired accounts with fees of $10.00 or more will be retained for six years. This purge will happen on an annual basis.

CIR-2: Resident Library Cards

Resident Library Cards are issued to residents of incorporated Lake Bluff for a three-year period.

CIR-2.1: Applicants Who Own Lake Bluff Property, But Do Not Live in Lake Bluff

Resident Library Cards may be issued to individuals who own Lake Bluff property and pay Lake Bluff Village property taxes, but do not reside within Village limits. Eligible applicants must own taxable Lake Bluff property, either as an individual, partner, principal stockholder, or other joint owner. In addition to the requirements listed in CIR-1, applicants must also present their most recent property tax bill for their taxable Lake Bluff property. 

By law, only one such card will be issued for each parcel of property. Such cards will be valid for a three-year period.

CIR-3: Non-Resident Library Cards

Non-Resident Library Cards may be purchased by residents of unincorporated Lake Bluff properties that do not pay property taxes to specifically fund any local library. The cost of library service for residents outside the boundaries of incorporated Lake Bluff is determined by the taxable valuation of the of the primary residence property multiplied by the current tax rate for library service for Lake Bluff taxpayers. Non-Resident fees are charged on an annual basis and provide library cards for the entire household. When necessary, the Library Board of Trustees may make adjustments to that formula within the extent allowed by law.

By law non-Resident Cards are valid for one year from the date of payment. Non-Resident cardholders are entitled to the same privileges and access as Resident cardholders.

CIR-3.1: Applicants Who Own Unincorporated Lake Bluff Property, But Do Not Live In Lake Bluff

Individuals who own property in unincorporated Lake Bluff properties but do not reside in Lake Bluff should apply for a library card from the library that services their residence. If the individual’s home library participates in the reciprocal borrowing program, Lake Bluff Public Library will create a reciprocal library account for the patron as outlined in CIR-4.

CIR-3.2: Veterans Disability Exemption

Per Administrative Code Title 23: Education and Cultural Resources, Subtitle B: Cultural Resources, Chapter 1: Secretary of State, Part 3050 Public Library Non-Resident Services, Section 3050.60 Non-Resident Fee Formula:

  • The non-resident fee shall not apply to veterans with service-connected disability of at least 70% who are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
  • The non-resident fee shall not apply to the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for this exemption prior to death.
  • The non-resident fee shall not apply to an unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty.
  • Qualifying veterans or surviving spouses must present documentation from the county where they reside that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes.
  • The non-resident fee shall not apply to veterans with a service-connected disabilityof at least 70% who do not own their principal residence and who reside outside of a public library service area. The veteran shall present documentation of at least 70% disability from the US Department of Veterans Affairs when applying for their non-resident card.

CIR-4: Reciprocal Library Cards

The Library will register any currently valid library card issued by an Illinois Public Library participating in the reciprocal borrowing program. In addition to requirements outlined in CIR-1, reciprocal card applicants must also present their valid library card in order to register. As part of the registration process, library staff will contact the applicant’s home library to verify account standing and the card expiration date. The library will honor the card expiration date set by the cardholder’s home library. Cards that do not have an expiration date assigned by the home library will be valid for a three-year period at Lake Bluff Public Library.

CIR-5: Juvenile Cards (All Types)

Juvenile card types are assigned to cardholders under the age of 18. There is no minimum age requirement for Juvenile card types. Juvenile card applicants of all types must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to apply for borrowing privileges. Parents or legal guardians of Juvenile cardholders are responsible for all items and fees associated with a Juvenile account. When a cardholder turns 18, they are no longer eligible for Juvenile status and must fill out and sign a new library card application as an Adult cardholder. 

CIR-6: Educator, Business/Institutional, and Intergovernmental Agreement Cards

Lake Bluff Public Library offers library cards to Lake Bluff educators, businesses, and institutions as well as to individuals approved through intergovernmental agreements.

CIR-6.1: Educator Cards

Educator Cards may be issued to teachers or teacher’s assistants who are residents of Lake Bluff, teach in Lake Bluff classrooms, or teach in a public school district that serves Lake Bluff. Educator Cards are issued through an agreement between the library and the school. 

Schools that wish to provide Educator Cards for their teachers must provide the library with the following:

  • A letter on school letterhead stating that the school accepts financial responsibility for fees and replacement costs accumulated by Educator Cards;
  • A list of individuals who are authorized to have Educator Card privileges.

The following restrictions apply to Educator Cards:

  • Educator Cards may only be used to access items intended for use in the classroom or items related to professional development.
  • Educator Cards may not be used to check out personal items.
  • Misuse of an Educator Card may result in consequences up to and including loss of card privileges.
  • Educator Cards are valid at the Lake Bluff Library only and may not be registered at other libraries for reciprocal privileges.

Items borrowed with Educator Cards have loan periods of 6 weeks with the exception of items from the Library of Things. Educator Cards are valid for one year from the start of the current school year. 

CIR-6.2: Business/Institutional Cards

Business or Institutional Cards may be extended to businesses or institutions located in Lake Bluff. Businesses or institutions that wish to obtain a business/institutional card must provide the library with the following:

  • A letter on the organization’s letterhead stating that the organization accepts financial responsibility for items and fees associated with the account.
  • A list of individuals in the organization who are authorized to use the card.Individuals listed must be over the age of 18.

Such cards will be valid for one year and may only be used at the Lake Bluff Library.

CIR-6.3: Intergovernmental Agreement Cards

The Lake Bluff Public Library reserves the right to enter into contractual agreements with other governmental bodies in which library services are provided in exchange for fair compensation. Such agreements will clearly state what services are provided, what restrictions (if any) apply, and who is eligible to receive these services. Where the agreement does not provide specific instruction, the Library will provide policies and procedures in a consistent and fair manner using existing policy and procedure as a guide. The client organization will be consulted as appropriate for the resolution of any such gaps.

Some Intergovernmental Agreement Card types, such as Student Cards, may have limited borrowing privileges (see Borrowing Materials for more information).

CIR-7: Renewal of Library Cards

All cardholders must provide verbal confirmation of their current address, phone number, and/or email address. Lake Bluff Public Library account renewal length is based on card type.

  • Incorporated Lake Bluff Resident Cards: 3 years
  • Unincorporated Lake Bluff Resident Cards: 1 year
  • Business/Institutional/Educator Cards: 1 year
  • Intergovernmental Agreement Cards: Dependent upon the terms outlined in the agreement.
  • Reciprocal Cards: The patron’s home library’s expiration date or 3 years, whichever comes first. The library will verify the standing of reciprocal borrowers with the home library; reciprocal borrowers must have no account restrictions at their home library in order to renew their privileges at Lake Bluff Library.

CIR-8: Patron’s Change of Address

All registered borrowers are required to notify the Library of any change of address. If the Library learns that the address on file is no longer accurate, the patron’s Library Card will be blocked until new address information is provided. If the address changes the status of the borrower, he or she will need to re-register.

CIR-9: Ownership of Library Cards

All cards issued by the Library remain the property of the Library and may be repossessed by the Library for the violation of Library policy. 

CIR-10: Appeals

Anyone who believes that he or she has been unfairly denied a Library card may appeal to the Library Director. Notice of an appeal should be made in writing to the Library Director, who will inform the appellant of the date of the meeting at which the appeal will be heard.

CIR-11: Borrowing Materials

CIR-11.1: Loan Periods

Standard loan periods for physical Lake Bluff Library materials typically range from 1 – 3 weeks with up to three renewals for eligible items (see Renewals for more information). Loan periods for digital items are determined by the software license or other agreements with the vendor.

Loan periods for Interlibrary Loan materials are determined by the lending library.

CIR-11.2: Physical Item Checkout Limits

A maximum of 50 physical items may be checked out on a single cardholder’s account at any given time. Those 50 items may be comprised of any combination of Library materials with the following item type limits:

  • Interlibrary Loan items: 4 items checked out at a time
  • Library of Things items: 3 items checked out at a time
  • Videogames: 10 items checked out at a time
  • Launchpads: 3 items checked out at a time
  • Juvenile Kits: 2 items checked out at a time

The Library is not liable for any damage to a borrower’s person or personal equipment used in conjunction with Library materials.

CIR-11.3: Library of Things Collection

The Lake Bluff Public Library offers a Library of Things collection for the enjoyment and enrichment of the Lake Bluff community. To access materials in this collection, borrowers must have an active account with the Lake Bluff Public Library and be in good standing without any account blocks (see Account Blocks section for more information). The Lake Bluff Library does not censor access to this collection for any borrower based on age; however, some items from the Library of Things collection may require a signed waiver to borrow.

  • Student Card holders may not borrow Library of Things items that require a waiver.
  • At the discretion of Library staff, Educator Card holders may be allowed to borrow Library of Things items that are intended for classroom use.
  • Only Lake Bluff Public Library cardholders may place holds on Library of Things items. Library of Things items may not eligible for Interlibrary Loan.
  • Reciprocal borrowers may use the Library of Things collection on a first-come, first-served basis when items are physically available in the Library.

CIR-12: Renewals

Each title may be renewed up to 3 times provided that no one is on hold for the item. Renewals will happen automatically, unless there is a hold on the item or a block on the patron’s account. Patrons who exhaust the renewal limit are encouraged to return the item to the Library shelves for a period of 24 hours before checking the item out again.

CIR-13: Lost/Claims Returned Materials

Patrons are expected to pay for lost items as detailed in the Fees section of this policy. Patrons are encouraged to contact the library if they believe that they returned an item that is still associated with their account.

CIR-14: Damaged Library Materials

The Library does not charge for normal wear and tear on any item. If an item is damaged—either intentionally or accidentally—to the extent that further circulation is impossible, the patron will be responsible for the replacement cost of the item. The Library may charge a repair fee for items with reparable damage. Refer to the Replacement Fees section of this policy for more information.

In addition to paying for the replacement cost of the item, patrons who intentionally deface, destroy, or otherwise damage library materials will have their library privileges suspended. The term of the suspension will be at the discretion of the Library Director or designee.

CIR-15: Fees

Cardholders are responsible for all items and fees associated with their account. In the case of cardholders under the age of 18, parents or legal guardians are responsible for items and fees associated with the account. The Library may make use of a collection service or other appropriate legal remedies to obtain the return of or payment for lost, claims returned, or damaged Library materials. 

CIR-15.1: Overdue Materials 

The Lake Bluff Public Library does not charge late fees for overdue items; however, the library applies replacement charges dependent on the length of time an item is overdue or if any item components are missing at the time of return (see Replacement Fees for more information). Library materials are considered overdue when they are still checked out after 11:59pm on the stated due date. The Library will send curtesy notifications about overdue items to patrons. After 14 days past the due date, the patron’s account will be blocked. An item becomes ‘Lost’ when it is 45 days overdue and the replacement cost will be charged to the patron’s account. If a ‘Lost’ Library item is returned in good condition within 90 days of the original due date, and only if the Library has not yet replaced the item, the replacement fee may be waived. After 90 days, the Library will not accept returned overdue items. 

CIR-15.2: Replacement Fees

Replacement fees are charged to patrons who lose or irreparably damage library materials, or who fail to return any part of a multi-component item within 7 days of the date the item was returned. Fees will cover the full replacement cost, as well as a nonrefundable $5 processing fee. The Library reserves the right to select all replacement items, as well as the vendors from which replacement items are purchased. The Library does not accept replacements for damaged and/or lost materials in lieu of payment.

CIR-15.3: Repair Fees

The Library may charge repair fees for reparable damage that does not result from normal wear and tear. Other fees may be assessed based on the extent and nature of the damage, the supplies needed, and the staff time required.

CIR-15.4: Interlibrary Loan Items

Replacement and repair fees for Interlibrary Loan items are determined by the lending library.

CIR-15.5: Copying & Printing

Black and white copies/printouts: $0.10/copy

Color copies/printouts: $0.30/copy

CIR-15.6: Faxing & Scanning

Lake Bluff Public Library offers faxing and scanning services for free.

CIR-15.7: Replacement Cards

Replacement Library Cards cost $2.00 per card.

CIR-16: Account Blocks 

Patrons are not permitted to check out Library materials when they owe fees totaling $10.00 or more. Additionally, patrons with items overdue 14 or more days will be blocked until the item(s) are returned or replacement cost is paid.

CIR-17: Refunds 

Fees paid to the Library are nonrefundable.

Approved by the Lake Bluff Library Board of Trustees. Revised May 16, 2026.