FAQs

You must be a River Forest resident to get a library card. Visit the library to apply in person and bring a state-issued photo ID with your 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.

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. 

Review our Get a Library Card page to get started.

Your online account allows you to view items you currently have checked out and on hold, view checkout history, pay fines, change your PIN, set your preferences, and set up text messaging for holds and overdue notices. Click on the My Account button at the top of any page of the RFPL website and enter your library card number and PIN to access your information.

If you have forgotten your PIN, you can easily reset it online. Or you can contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x 304 and we will be happy to reset it for you!

Yes, you can place holds on items that are in our catalog and currently checked out, or items available at other SWAN libraries. We will notify you when the title is ready for pickup. You can place holds online through our catalog or call the library for assistance. 

See our Borrowing Guidelines page for additional details about holds.

If you have an item checked out, it will automatically renew twice (unless there is a hold on the item). You can also request item renewals online through our catalog or call the library for assistance. 

See our Borrowing Guidelines page for additional details about renewals.

RFPL is fine-free for overdue items, so the only fines you will have to pay are on lost or damaged items. Fines can be paid in person via cash, check, or credit card during library hours at the first floor Circulation Desk. You may also pay any outstanding charges online by logging into your library account with your library card barcode and PIN.

See our Borrowing Guidelines page for additional details about fines.

As a River Forest Public Library patron, you have access to museum and cultural passes with your RFPL card. RFPL participates in the Museum Adventure Pass program as well as the Explore More Illinois Program. Visit our Museum & Cultural Passes page to learn more.

Home delivery is available for patrons who are temporarily or permanently unable to come to the library because of illness, disability, lack of transportation, or other factors. Please see our Home Delivery Service page for registration details.

You can print from one of the library’s public computers or send them to our printer remotely from your device. Please see our Print, Copy, Scan & Fax page for pricing, instructions, and additional details.

Both the Barbara Hall Meeting Room and the Community Room are available for groups to reserve. Submit your room requests online.

Please note that meeting room reservation requests are subject to the conditions of the library’s Meeting Room and Study Spaces Policy.

Fill out our online Program Proposal form if you are interested in presenting a program at the library.

Yes! If you need help finding something to watch, read, or listen to next, you can fill out a form with information about your preferences, and our librarians will send you recommendations to match your taste.

Online Recommendation Request Form

Yes! You can complete our online Suggest a Title form or contact the library to request a book or other title you would like to borrow.