Season 1 was Root. Season 2 was Log On. Season 3 was Branch Out. Season 4 was Turn Over a New Leaf. Season 5 is Made in the Shade.
Having a library card is part of a good life. That’s why the arboreal theme for our fifth installment of “5 Seasons of Library Card Love & Prize Drawings” is MADE IN THE SHADE!
How many things that we use or consume or subscribe to or engage with nowadays make our lives better with little to no downside? Library cards consistently enrich our experiences. They provide open access to information that can make things easier, improve our situations, and support our successes.
This season is the final stage of our push to increase the number of Lake Forest Library cardholders by 10%, but even if you don’t participate by the end of November, know that it’s never too late. Any time is a TREEmendous time to get your library card.
Our goal is for 10% more Lake Foresters to get and use library cards by December 2025. That means that out of approximately 19,000 residents, the stable pool of library cardholders climbs from 7,300 to 8,000.
Season 5 Prizes
New and active cardholders are eligible to enter their respective prize drawing once each quarter, plus additional entries from successful referrals. (Details below.) When you sign up for or use your Lake Forest Library card September through November, you are automatically entered for a chance to win a Deer Path Inn gift card.
Last Chance for Extra Entries into the Prize Drawing
If you already have and use your library card, your word of mouth can help us increase the number of cardholders.
Through November 2025, complete the form on the Library website to let us know when you encourage a fellow Lake Forester to get a library card. For every form you submit, you get an extra entry in the final season’s prize drawing!
Plus, You’re Entered in the Grand Prize Drawing!
If you got or used your Lake Forest Library card between September 2024 and November 2025, your name is re-entered into a drawing for a surprise Grand Prize!
Your referrals during all 5 seasons count again, too.
A New Card Design
Congratulations to Monica Cardestam for winning the Library Card Photo Contest! While supplies last, new cardholders can choose the special, limited-edition library card design featuring her lovely photo.
If you would like to swap your library card for one with Monica’s photo, please note that your library card number will change and you will need to sign in again to apps such as Libby and Hoopla.
Update on the Potential Library Card Mixer
In the spring 2025 Library newsletter, we put a call out for Library Liaisons, power users who would be interested in sharing their love of the Library with new cardholders at a possible Library Card Mixer. With the Courtyards and 1931 Historic Rooms projects, we anticipate a special event to share the refreshed spaces, and realized it would be a perfect event for liaisons and new users to enjoy as well.
Stay tuned for details.
Renewing Your Card is Easy!
Every three years, you’ll get an email or phone notification that it’s time to renew your library card. You just need to bring 1 or 2 documents to a Library service desk so that we can re-verify your identity and residency. (Documents in your name can also be used for verification if a child/dependent in your care has a library card that is expiring.)