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The Chicago Public Library (CPL) is set to implement new policies on digital borrowing, library card types, and expiration dates starting May 1, 2025. These adjustments are designed to maintain fair access to resources for all Chicago residents.
Beginning next month, CPL will introduce reduced limits for digital borrowing. Holders of the Full Access Library Card will now have a maximum of 10 OverDrive checkouts (down from 15), five OverDrive holds (down from 12), and five monthly Hoopla checkouts (previously eight). "At Chicago Public Library, the rising costs of digital books have made it increasingly challenging to meet the growing demand," CPL explained, highlighting the need to revert to pre-pandemic borrowing levels after previously increasing limits to cope with higher demand.
A significant policy change is the discontinuation of eCards. CPL will replace these with two types of library cards: the Full Access Library Card and the Temporary Access Card. The Full Access Library Card grants complete borrowing privileges for patrons who provide sufficient documentation. The Temporary Access Card offers limited access for 90 days, after which patrons must obtain full documentation to upgrade their card. According to CPL, "By transitioning to Full Access and Temporary Access Library Cards, we are creating a simpler, more inclusive system that ensures more Chicago residents can get a library card."
Starting May 1, 2025, CPL will also remove expiration dates for Full Access Library Card holders to facilitate uninterrupted access. This change seeks to eliminate the inconvenience of renewals, aligning with CPL’s goal to streamline library usage. "By removing expiration dates for Full Access Library Card holders, we’re eliminating the hassle of renewals," the library stated.
Individuals holding eCards must transfer their information, such as checkouts and holds, to the new Full Access Library Card by sending their current and new card numbers to OverDriveSupport@chipublib.org. After August 1, 2025, eCards will not be renewed and users will need to obtain a new card type to maintain library access.
For further inquiries regarding these updates, patrons can contact Chicago Public Library through their main information email, info@chipublib.org.
