Cards for Kids Program
Palos School District 118 and the Palos Park Public Library have teamed up to ensure every child that lives in an unincorporated area that is served by 118, is 18 years or younger, and receives free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, obtains a free library card at their local library.
The State of Illinois recently passed the Cards for Kids Act to decrease the barrier for any child 18 years or younger to obtain a free library card. The Cards for Kids legislation (PA 101-632) specifies that K-12 students living in unincorporated areas in Illinois who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches under the National School Lunch Program, as determined by the Income Eligibility Guidelines established by the USDA, shall not be charged a nonresident fee to use the library. The student cardholder is entitled to the same services the library provides residents.
How to obtain a Cards for Kids library card at Palos Park Public Library:
If Palos Park Public Library is your closest public library, take the letter of free and reduced lunch eligibility, received from School District 118, and a picture ID (driver's license or state ID) with your current address, to the Palos Park Public Library's Circulation Desk. If your ID doesn't have the current address, please bring a second form of ID such as automobile insurance, utility bill, checkbook. If you have misplaced the letter, please request documentation from your school. Illinois State Law requires this information to determine eligibility. The library card cannot be issued without this information. Parent/guardian and student must be present.
