Get a Card
Every Berwyn resident is encouraged to obtain a current Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) card. For applicants who are minors and who cannot present a high school ID, a parent or legal guardian must be present to accept responsibility for the minor’s account.
Register for a Library Card at the Library
Applicants must provide photo ID and proof of residency:
Photo ID
A) Present government-issued photo ID
- Must show responsible party’s name
- May be either State or Federal
- Matricula card accepted
B) Present high school issued photo ID
- Must show responsible party’s name
- Must be valid for the current school year
Proof of Residency
A) Show one:
- Current lease or mortgage statement
- Utility bill, revolving account, or bank statement issued within past 30 days in paper or electronic format
- Official first class mail postmarked within past 30 days – Items marked “Or Current Resident” are not acceptable
- Current car registration or auto insurance
*If you have a photo ID but do not have a proof of residency, you may verify residency by having the library card mailed to you.
Register for a Library Card Online
Sign up for a library card online for access to books, movies, online resources, and more. Register online.
Library Card Renewal
To renew your library card, simply bring in your current physical or digital card and a government-issued photo ID to the Circulation Desk. If you no longer have your library card, we will need to see a government-issued photo ID and a proof of residency to issue a new card.
To renew a child's card, a parent or legal guardian's government-issued photo ID is required.
Additional Types of Library Cards
An Easy Access Card will be provided to patrons who have a government-issued photo ID but cannot provide proof of residency. This card will be valid for 1 year.
Businesses located in Berwyn are eligible for one free library card per business. The card will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The business applicant must verify Berwyn business ownership by showing either their FEIN certification or a City of Berwyn business license.
Teachers at Berwyn schools are eligible for one free library card per year. Teachers can use this card to check out or request materials for classroom use. The card will be valid for one school year and must be renewed annually. To obtain a card, teachers must present a teacher ID and a government-issued photo ID.
Questions? Email circulation@berwynlibrary.org or call (708) 795-8000, ext 0.
