Library Services
EVERYONE who lives in Lake Bluff can have a library card!
Lake Bluff is a village library which is governed by state laws. Library service in Illinois is based on property taxes, and this varies by street address, even within the same zip code of 60044. There is a different scenario for residents of incorporated and unincorporated Lake Bluff. You may qualify for a resident card, a reciprocal card or a non-resident card.
Resident Card: Residents of incorporated Lake Bluff (including Tangly Oaks and the Sanctuary) may get a library card for each resident household member; this includes adults (18+) with specific proof of residence and children under the age of 21 whose primary residence is in incorporated Lake Bluff. People in incorporated Lake Bluff pay specific taxes that support the Lake Bluff Public Library.
Reciprocal Card: Some residents of unincorporated Lake Bluff (Knollwood) pay taxes to support OTHER libraries or library systems, either Cook Memorial or North Chicago. These Knollwood residents, based on street address, may be eligible for cards from those libraries instead of from Lake Bluff Public Library, and need to contact that library. Once a card is received, these cardholders may register as a reciprocal borrower from Lake Bluff Public Library as well as at other libraries.
Non-Resident Card: Residents of Knollwoood who do not pay taxes to support any library may register as a non-resident card holder at Lake Bluff Library, for a fee (calculated by the State) based on property tax values. This card is a one-year card and works for the whole family (up to two adults and all children under age 21 who live at home).
Ask us about Institutional Cards for teacher classrooms in Districts 65 and 115, as well as for business tax-payers (in incorporated Lake Bluff). Replacement cards are $2 each.
Contact us: 847-234-2540 or in person at 123 E. Scranton Avenue in Lake Bluff with questions.
Neighborhoods & their library districts
Sanctuary Annexation
These addresses pay Lake Bluff taxes. No additional charge for a card.
- Atkinson Road - 5 digit addresses
- Birch Avenue - 29502 and higher
- Butterfly Court
- Environ Circle
- Meadow Court
- Sancutary Lane
- Sanctuary Court
Lake Bluff Subdivisions paying taxes for other public libraries
- Forest Point - North Chicago Public Library
- Hamptons - North Chicago Public Library
- Hampton Blvd.
- Pembroke Circle
- Welwyn Street
- Welwyn Court
- Hemstad Street
- Woodbury Lane
- Meadowbrok Lane
- Templeton
- Laurelton
- Deervalley - North Chicago Public Library
- Whispering Lake - Cook Memorial Library
- Glenmore Woods - Cook Memorial Library
- Scarborough
- Braelock Court
- Isleworth
- Windmere Court
- Ashford Drive
- Ashford Court
- Oakhaven Court
- Stratford Court - North Chicago Public Library
- River Drive - North Chicago Library
