Obtaining a Library Card

The Schaumburg Township District Library issues free library cards to all eligible residents of the library district. Residents are required to furnish two forms of current address verification; A driver’s license, utility bill or voter’s registration card are example of proof of residency.

Click Here for a Map of the Library Service Area

There are no age restrictions for obtaining a library card; however, individuals who are under high school age must have a parent’s signature on their application. Both a parent and child must be present to apply for a card.

Once a student enters high school, library cards are issued without a parent’s signature. High school students must bring in two forms of I.D. with their current address to apply for a card.

Individuals who own property within the Schaumburg Township District’s boundaries and pay real estate taxes for property within the Schaumburg Township District’s boundaries, but do not live within the township are also entitled by state law to a library card which can be obtained by presenting their recent tax bill.

STDL library cards are issued at the Central, Hanover Park or Hoffman Estates Branch Libraries. All library cards are valid for three years.

The entire library collections (with the exception of R-rated videotapes) is open to persons of all ages. It is the responsibility of parents to aid their children with their selections. Staff is happy to make suggestions, but parents have the responsibility to guide their children’s us of library materials.

STDL library card holders may use their cards at other libraries. STDL library cards are honored by member library of the North Suburban Library System and by most public libraries in Illinois. Some libraries, however, restrict audiovisual materials and set a limit on the number of items loaned to users from other libraries.

The Schaumburg Township District Library also honors all valid public library cards from any public library within the United Sates or Canada. Two forms of identification including name and address are required for individuals from other libraries along with their valid library card.

Additional information on obtaining or using your STDL library card can be obtained from the Library Card Desk at (847) 923-3160.

EZ Pay Card Option

The Schaumburg Township District Library card doubles as an EZ Pay card, combining the traditional library card with today's technology. The EZ Pay option gives STDL cardholders the ability to deposit money (credit) directly on their library card using the EZ Pay machines located on both floors of the Central Library and at the Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates Branch Libraries. Credit on any EZ Pay card can then be used for any of the following library services:

• printing from library computers (not library catalog)
• photocopying
• printing from microform reader-printers
• paying overdue fines
• paying for library programs
• paying for lost or damaged materials
• purchasing library supplies
• other future uses

The actual dollar value added to the library card is maintained in a computer database and not on the card’s magnetic strip. Therefore there is no possibility of an individual losing his/her investment through damage to their card or by a demagnetized strip.

Money (credit) can be put on the cards through various EZ Pay machines located on both floors of the Central Library or at the Main Desk of the Hanover and Hoffman Estates Branch Libraries. Library users who take advantage of the Value Card option on their library card can expect a cost savings by means of a reduced cost per sheet for photocopies and printing.

Reusable EZ Pay Card

Library users who are not Schaumburg Township residents (and therefore, ineligible for an STDL library card) can purchase a Reusable EZ Pay Card and deposit money (credit) as needed. There is no charge for the card itself -- the full purchase price of the card is deposited as credit on the card.