Get a Library Card

A LIBRARY CARD is all you need to borrow free books, movies, CDs, magazines, and a whole lot more!

If you live or own property in the City of Champaign, sign up for a card. You’ll be able to use your card immediately to access our E-Library—so you can listen to audiobooks, stream movies, get help with your resume, build a business plan, and use dozens of resources right away. After signing up online, you’ll have 90 days to stop by in person and upgrade your card for full access to library services—including taking home books, Blu-rays, and hotspots.

Cards for kids

• Children and teens enrolled in Champaign Unit 4 School District can get a library card, regardless of where they live.
• The child or teen (up to age 18) receiving the card and a parent/guardian must both be at the library when the card is issued.
• A parent/guardian’s signature is required to get a card for anyone under the age of 18.
• You can choose to restrict your child from checking out movies rated R  (ratings given by the Motion Picture Association of America).  You may change your child’s access to R-rated movies at any time.
• You can also set up a starter card that allows just 3 books to check out at a time.

For details, see our Policy on Library Card Registration.

Use your card at local libraries.

You can use your Champaign Public Library card at The Urbana Free Library and all public libraries in the Illinois Heartland Library System. Which libraries? Check the list »

Sign up!

When you come in, show us:

• A photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport
• Verification of your current Champaign address, such as a recent (within the last 6 months) bank statement, bill, apartment lease, paycheck stub, or e-statement on your mobile device.