Borrow
With your River Forest Library card, you have access to millions of books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, and more! Our staff is always ready to provide friendly, professional assistance when you need it. Come see what your library has to offer you today.
Use your card at:
- River Forest Public Library.
- any library in the SWAN System.
- Dominican University and Concordia University libraries. Please bring a current driver’s license showing your current River Forest address. Access may vary due to Covid restrictions, please check the current policies.
- many libraries in Illinois, including Chicago Public Library.
You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card so please,
- Do not lend your card to friends and relatives.
- Report any lost or damaged materials promptly.
- Keep any fines below $10. Patrons with fines over $10 will have their library privileges suspended until fines are paid below that threshold.
- Notify the Library immediately if your card is lost or stolen. If you need to replace a library card, present a photo ID with your name and current River Forest address to the Circulation Desk.
- Notify RFPL of your new address if you move.
Please contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 ext 304 if you have any questions.
River Forest Residents
Online Option
Digital Library Card
If you don’t want to visit the library in person, you can register for an online-only library card that will grant you access to the library’s eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming services, and research databases. You will have the option to make it a full access card after registering and will be notified within a week by our circulation department. If you choose to change to a full access card, you can stop in with your ID or it can be sent to you in the mail.
In Person
Visit the front desk and complete the application when you visit. You can choose to receive your card right away or receive it in the mail.
You will need to present a picture ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID) reflecting a current River Forest address. If you do not have an updated ID, please bring your ID and another document that shows current proof of residency in River Forest (utility bill, bank statement, or vehicle registration).
Children and teens under the age of 18 must have a parent sign their application for a card and present current proof of River Forest residency. Parents or guardians are responsible for materials checked out using their children’s cards.
Your card can be used in all SWAN libraries, as well as Chicago Public Library, Dominican and Concordia University libraries, and many other Illinois libraries.
Dominican and Concordia University Students
At the Library, present your valid student ID and a picture ID reflecting your current home address. Student library cards expire at the end of August. Students returning to campus in the fall must renew their cards for the new school year.
Renew Your Card
River Forest Public Library cards are valid for 5 years. If it is time to renew your library card, stop by the Circulation Desk with a photo ID that includes your River Forest address. Outstanding fees for overdue materials and lost/damaged items must be paid before the card can be renewed.
Lost Card
If you have lost your library card, please contact the Circulation Desk as soon as possible. Stop by the desk next time you are in the Library or call us at (708) 366-5205 x 304 so that we can suspend your account. We will be happy to issue you a new card at no charge.
Your online account allows you to view items you currently have checked out, see items you’re waiting for, pay fines, change your PIN, set your preferences, and set up text messaging for holds and overdue notices. Access your account by clicking on the orange “My Account” button at the top of any page of the RFPL website and enter your library card number and PIN. If you do not see the orange button, you are in mobile mode. You can amend this by maximizing your browser window. If you are on a mobile device or tablet, you will find the account link by clicking on the person icon at the top of the menu.
If you have forgotten your PIN, you can easily reset it online. Or, contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x 304 and we will be happy to reset it for you!
You are able to place holds and renew items through the online catalog. Once you have found your desired item, click on its title to open the full record to view copy availability and location. If your desired items are checked out, click Place a Hold. You will be prompted to log into your library account to complete placing the hold. You can also call any service desk, and we’d be happy to place a hold or renew an item for you.
While you are logged into your account, you can view your current checkouts and renew items. Click the box next to the item(s) you’d like to extend and click Renew. You might not be able to renew items if other patrons are waiting or if you have reached the renewal limit. If renewal is approved, a new due date will appear on the screen. You can also call any service desk, and we’d be happy to place a hold or renew an item for you. Items will automatically renew unless there is a hold on an item or you have reached your two renewal limit. If you have an email address on file you will receive an email indicating which of your checked out item automatically renewed.
Loan Periods
| Material
Type |
Loan Period |
Renewals Allowed |
Renewal Period |
|
Books |
3 Weeks | 2 | 3 Weeks |
|
Lucky Day |
2 Weeks | 0 | 0 Weeks |
|
Audiobooks |
3 Weeks | 2 |
3 Weeks |
| DVDs | 2 Weeks | 2 |
2 Weeks |
|
CDs |
3 Weeks | 2 |
3 Weeks |
|
Magazines |
3 Weeks | 2 |
3 Weeks |
|
Kindles |
3 Weeks | 2 |
3 Weeks |
| Technology | 2 Weeks | 0 |
0 Weeks |
| Video Games | 2 Weeks | 2 |
2 Weeks |
Please note that items with holds cannot be renewed.
Feel free to contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x 304 for more information.
Fines can be paid in person during library hours. The first floor Circulation Desk accepts cash, check or credit cards for payment of lost/damaged items or for overdue fines incurred at other libraries. You may also pay any outstanding charges online by logging into your library account, with your library card barcode and PIN. If you have forgotten or lost your PIN, you may reset it online or contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x 304.
Once in your account, click the Fines tab and select the fine(s) you would like to pay. All major credit cards are accepted and fines must be a minimum of $1.00 to pay online. Select your credit card type, enter your credit card information, and follow the prompts to complete your payment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Circulation Desk. We are happy to talk you through this process.
