FAQs

Can I volunteer at the Library?
I have to do community service hours. Can I do them at the library?
How do I renew my card? Can I do it online?
How do I get an Elmhurst Public Library card? Can I get one without coming into the library?
I have a library card from another library. Can I use it here?
Can I renew items without coming into the library?
I am interested in planning a program at the library. Who should I contact?
Can I use the computers at the library?
Can I take my coffee/drink/food upstairs?
Does the library proctor tests?
Is there a limit on how many items I can check out?
How do I reserve a meeting room?
Can I use a group study room?
Does the library have wireless internet?
Does the library have a fax machine?
Does the library have a notary public?

Can I volunteer at the Library? back to top
The Kids' Library has volunteer positions available for middle school students during Summer Reading and during the school year.

Other Library departments have a very limited number of volunteer positions.  Any openings will be posted here.

I have to do community service hours. Can I do them at the library? back to top
The Library has a limited number of positions available for teens and adults who are required to perform Community Service.  Please read the requirements before filling out an application form.

How do I renew my card? back to top
To renew a library card, bring your card to the Checkout Desk along with two IDs that show your name and current address. Children may bring two forms of identification with the family name and address.

How do I get a library card? Can I get one without coming into the library? back to top
You can apply in person or online. To apply in person, print an application or pick up one at the Checkout Desk. Present application and 2 ID's at the library. To apply online, fill out and submit online library card application.You will be notified by e-mail when your card is ready for pickup (usually within 2 hours) Your card will be activated when you present 2 ID's at the library.

I have a library card from another public library. Can I use it here? back to top
If you have a card from a public library that is a member of the Metropolitan Library System, your library card will be honored at EPL. We also honor cards from most other public libraries in other library systems in Illinois, including Chicago Public Library.

Can I renew items without coming into the library? back to top
Yes, you can. You can renew items and check your account online by logging into the library catalog. For more information, click here.

I am interested in presenting a program at the library. Who should I contact? back to top
If you are interested in presenting a program for adults, contact Nadine Bachman, adult programming librarian, at Nadine.Bachman@elmhurst.org.

If you are interested in presenting a program for children, contact Eileen Matthies, Kids' Library program coordinator, at ypsref@elmhurst.org.

Can I use the computers at the library? back to top
The Elmhurst Public Library has 70 computers available to the public as well as internet plug-ins and a wireless network throughout the building. To use the library’s computers you must have ONE of the following: an Elmhurst Public Library card -OR- a library card from another public library which has been registered to check out items at EPL -OR- an EPL Guest computer use card available at the Checkout Desk Click here for more information.

Can I take my coffee/drink/food upstairs? back to top
Cold snack food may be eaten in the Elmhurst Public Library lobby and meeting rooms. Covered non-alcoholic drinks are allowed throughout the building, except near the computers.

Does the library proctor tests? back to top
Yes. Click here for more information

Is there a limit on how many items I can check out? back to top
No, however there are different loan periods for different materials.

How do I reserve a meeting room? back to top
To reserve a room you must have an Elmhurst Public Library card in good standing and submit a completed meeting room use agreement form. Forms will be accepted by mail or in person. Click here for meeting room forms, information, and policies.

Can I use a group study room? back to top
Yes. Contact and reservation information can be found here.

Does the Library have wireless internet? back to top
Yes. More information about using computers at the library is available here.

Does the library have a fax machine? back to top
Yes. A self-service fax machine for public use is available in the Lobby near the restrooms. Faxes may only be sent, not received. The fax machine accepts payment by credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover), debit card and check card. Cash is not accepted.

Cost: Domestic
1st page: $1.50
Each additional page: $1.00

International
1st page: $4.95
Each additional page: $3.45

Does the library have a notary public? back to top
No, but you can find one near you at this site.