FAQs (original) (raw)
Top Questions
Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses and log in with your library card number and PIN. Once logged in, you can view all attractions and offers available to you.
You can also search for offers by date, attraction name or location. Information about each attraction and offer is available before making a reservation.
Using the calendar, you can choose what date you want to make the reservation for and then choose the Reserve option under the attraction. A confirmation box will appear, and you will receive a confirmation email.
Reservation details:
- Reservations must be made for a specific date. The digital pass is only valid for the reservation date listed on the pass - attractions have the right to decline a pass if you attempt to use it on a different date.
- We recommend waiting to print or download your digital pass until you are sure you will be able to use it on the reservation date. Learn how to cancel or change your reservation.
- You will get a reminder email three days before your reservation.
- Some attractions will accept a mobile pass or printed pass; others will accept a printed pass only. We encourage you to visit your local library location if you need assistance printing.
- Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance (specifically, the current month plus the next two full months.
- The person who makes the reservation must be present and able to provide an ID with the same name as is on the reservation.
- Make sure to bring your confirmation - the attraction you visit will not be able to look up your digital pass reservation.
Related: Digital Museum Passes | Services
It's an open environment where you choose what you want to do and skilled library staff provide coaching and assistance. You can hang out, mess around and geek out. All YOUmedia locations have books, 3D printers, laptops, cameras, music and gaming equipment, and some YOUmedia locations have sewing machines and more.
Physical Materials
You may have up to 12 "not ready" or "paused" holds on physical materials. This does not include hold requests that are "in transit" or "ready for pickup."
Digital Materials
You may have up to 5 holds on OverDrive titles in addition to any holds you have on physical materials.
Related: Holds | Your Account
You can borrow a WiFi hotspot from CPL through our Internet to Go program.
A WiFi hotspot is a device you can use to connect a mobile-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet, to the internet.
The hotspot is portable, so you can connect your device almost wherever you are, like at home, on the bus or in the park.
The hotspot works in any area covered by the T-Mobile 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G network.
Related: Internet to Go WiFi Lending | Technology
Please visit any CPL location to fill out a library card application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address, such as any Illinois state-issued identification. You can choose the name you want to use on your library card registration.
If you don’t have a photo ID with your name and current Chicago address, please a bring a piece of mail to the address that matches the name on your ID, as well as a current photo ID.
Post office box numbers are not accepted. If you don’t have a fixed address, you may use a letter certifying your Chicago residency from the social service agency where you receive mail.
Related: Get a Library Card | Library Cards
Yes. Print documents for pickup at any library location by uploading them or forwarding them as email attachments.
Printing at all CPL locations ends 10 minutes before closing.
Related: Printers and Copiers | Technology | WiFi
Weddings, meetings, gala receptions, music or dance performances—whatever the event, we have the perfect venue for you. Please see Private Event Rentals for information about rooms, fees and more.
Related: Facilities | Private Event Rentals
Once you've scanned a document or photograph, you can:
- save it to a USB drive
- email it to yourself or others
- print it
- upload it to a Google Drive account
- download it to a smartphone using a URL embedded in a QR code
Please note, printing at all CPL locations ends 15 minutes before closing.
Related: Scanners | Technology
If you’re a CPL cardholder and a resident of Chicago 14 years or older, you can check out a WiFi hotspot.
Related: Internet to Go WiFi Lending | Technology
From any page on our website, click "Browse" in the menu along the top. This will display another menu; please click "eBooks."
Once you're on our eBooks page, you'll see links for:
- OverDrive eBooks, Audiobooks and Magazines
- Hoopla Audiobooks, Music, Video and eBooks
- Flipster Magazines
You can also find eBooks and other digital content in our catalog.
Related: eBooks
Your PIN is initially your ZIP code.
To change your PIN, log in to your account and go to My Settings.
If you've forgotten your PIN, you may be able to get a reset link by email. If you're unable to request a reset link by email, contact us.
Related: Logging In | Your Account
The loan period depends on the type of material:
- Books and other materials not listed below: 3 weeks
- CDs, cassettes, LPs, digital players: 3 weeks
- DVDs and VHS: 1 week
- DVD TV series: 3 weeks
- Finch robots: 3 weeks
- Interlibrary loan: Varies according to lending library
- Internet to Go WiFi hotspots and kits: 3 weeks
- Launchpads: 3 weeks
Related: Borrowing | Your Account
Materials will be automatically renewed up to 15 times if no one else has placed them on hold. Or you may renew materials yourself. Renewals you initiate count toward the 15-renewal limit.
Interlibrary loan materials may not be renewed.
Related: Renewals and Returns | Your Account
Yes. If you don’t have a Chicago Public Library card, opens a new window, you can request a daily guest pass for computer access.
Related: Computers | Technology
Children under 14 are eligible for a juvenile card. A parent or guarantor needs to sign the child’s library card application and show one piece of ID with home address.
Chicago students can also visit any CPL location and request an 81 Club student card.
Related: Get a Library Card | Library Cards
You can have up to 5 holds on OverDrive titles.
All CPL locations have computers with the Edge browser and Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office includes:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Publisher
CPL computers also have:
- Adobe Reader
- 2D Graphic Design
- Inkscape
- Krita
- 3D Graphic Software
- Sculptris
- Blender (can also create animations)
- Photo Editing
- Gimp
- Paint.net
- Audio/Video Creation and Editing
- OpenShot
- LMMS
- Coding
- Notepad++
Related: Computers | Technology
If you are 14 or older, you may show your current, valid student ID from a Chicago high school as one form of ID when getting a library card. You'll need to show another piece of ID that includes your home address.
Library cards for teens 14 to 17 have the same privileges as library cards for adults, except that teens under 18 cannot check out Digital Museum Passes.
Chicago students can also visit any CPL location and request an 81 Club student card.
Related: Get a Library Card | Library Cards
Check with each YOUmedia location for hours.
YOUmedia is free. It doesn't cost anything to use equipment or visit any YOUmedia space.
It's free to scan a document and either save it to a USB drive or email it.
Black and white printing of a scanned document costs 15 cents for each single-sided page. Double-sided and color printing is not available from the scanners.
Related: Scanners | Technology
If you're in high school, bring your school ID and your library card if you have one.
If you're in sixth through eighth grade, just bring yourself.
If you don't have a library card, you can still visit YOUmedia, and we can also help you get a library card.
No, but you'll need to fill out a form with your name, birthdate and what school you attend when you visit YOUmedia for the first time.
No, we do not offer library cards to out of state visitors. However, you don't need a library card to use materials on site at the library.
Related: Get a Library Card | Library Cards
You can book the studio once you're certified. To get certified, you must attend studio certification.
To learn more about using other YOUmedia studios, reach out to the teen staff at the appropriate CPL location.
Yes, but we'll need to transfer your information from your old card to your new card.
Please send your old and new card numbers to OverDriveSupport@chipublib.org and we'll transfer your information (checkouts, holds, wish list items and history) to your new card number.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Please contact your neighborhood location about possible volunteer opportunities.
Related: Get Involved
Adobe Digital Editions 2.0, which is an app used to read eBooks from OverDrive, is compatible with several screen readers for people with low vision or visual disabilities.
Individuals who are unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability are eligible for downloadable book service via the National Library Service Braille and Audio Reading Download Service. This service is available through the Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center.
Related: eBooks | People with Disabilities | Services
If you lose your library card or key chain, please call any CPL location as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.
Please visit any CPL location to fill out a new library card application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address.
If you’re a reciprocal library cardholder, you’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library. After verification from your home library, we’ll replace your Chicago Public Library card.
If your library card is damaged or broken, please bring it to any CPL location and we'll replace it free of charge. (lost card)
Related: Library Cards | Using Your Library Card
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities works to meet the needs of people with disabilities who live and work in Chicago. It offers services for accessible housing, employment, transportation and more.
Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center provides disability related referral and information for city, state and national services. It also provides access to books, equipment, technology and resources designed for individuals with disabilities. Please call (312) 747-4001 or email artbc@chipublib.org.
Related: People with Disabilities | Services