Educator Cards

All K-12 educators who teach at a school located within the Algonquin Area Public Library District are eligible for an Educator Card. This card allows educators from public and private K-12 schools to check out physical materials and use online resources in the classroom.  ​Pre-Schools within district boundaries are eligible for a business card.

Getting an Educator Card

  • Visit any Algonquin Area Public Library District registration desk or complete an online application.
  • Bring a photo id (such as a driver’s license) and proof of employment at a school within our library’s district boundaries.
  • Acceptable proof of employment include: paystub, school ID, business card, or letter signed by the principal on school letterhead. Proof of employment must include school name.

Fast Facts

  • Educator Cards allow teachers to check out up to 150 items (books, audiobooks, CDs, movies, kits) as well as access AAPLD’s digital resources.
  • Teachers are financially responsible for all items checked out on their Educator Cards.
  • An Educator Card can only be used at Algonquin Area Public Library locations, but holds may be placed on items from other libraries and picked up at Harnish or Eastgate.
  • Educator Cards are NOT eligible for booking meeting rooms, checking out museum passes, or signing up for programs. Cards are intended for school use, not personal use.
  • Educator Card barcode numbers may not be shared with students for the purpose of accessing digital resources as a classroom.
  • Educator Cards can be obtained in person at either the Main Library or the Eastgate Branch. Cards expire annually on July 31st and must be renewed in person each year with proof of employment at an eligible school.