Chicago Public Library discontinues e-cards, sets new digital borrowing limits

Starting May 1, the Chicago Public Library is making changes to library cards and borrowing limits it says will make materials more accessible to Chicago residents.

E-cards will be discontinued, and library users will need to apply for a new access card with two options — a full-access card for Chicago residents or a temporary card with limited access.

To get a full-access card, a photo ID with a current Chicago mailing address or photo ID, along with a document showing a current Chicago address must be provided. This card will also have no expiration date, and card holders will not need to renew it . If that documentation cannot be provided, patrons can get a temporary access card, which is only valid for 90 days and cannot be renewed.

Chicago Public Library said this change is meant to prioritize Chicago residents in borrowing library materials.

There will be new limits on the number of digital materials that full-access card holders can borrow each month. The limits will include 10 OverDrive checkouts — down from 15; five OverDrive holds — down from 12; and five Hoopla checkouts — down from eight.

The library system raised those limits during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with less need for digital copies and increased costs, it decided to lower the limit to ensure more availability of materials.

“Unlike print books, which we purchase once and keep indefinitely, libraries pay up to three times more for digital titles and often more than consumers pay directly,” the library system stated in a news release.