Library Card Love and Prize Drawings
September 2024 through November 2025During the campaign to increase the number of library card holders, we saw:
- 5 seasons featuring arboreal themes and sharing ways that library cards are beneficial
- 8 library lovers encouraged their friends or family members to get a library card
- 13 prizes awarded
- 469 promotional postcards sent to new residents, 24 of whom applied for a library card
- 8,059 unique cardholders (1,677 new and 6,382 active) participated in the TREEmendous Library Cards campaign
The goal of the TREEmendous Library Cards campaign was for 10% more Lake Foresters to get and use library cards by December 2025. That means that out of approximately 19,000 residents, we would have climbed from 7,300 (the July 2024 total at the time the newsletter went to press) to 8,000 cardholders.
The above graph shows that we did not meet our goal, and continue to maintain between 7,300 and 7,400 unexpired library cards. These results are partly due to ongoing purging of cards. While we may gain a number of new cardholders, we lose a comparable amount through expiration (of both temporary cards which need to be verified within 3 months, and standard cards which are due for renewal after 3 years).
Library staff now have an opportunity to further analyze cardholder data to determine next steps, identify innovative ways to reach non-cardholders, and review library policies and procedures to improve library card retention.
- How can we make library card sign-up easier or more accessible?
- How do we encourage ongoing library card usage, especially by new cardholders?
- Can we reconsider the card renewal process? Is it still best practice to assign expiration dates to library cards?
- When compared to other areas, Lake Forest has a higher proportion of residents with library cards. What can we do to move the needle in our unique community?
We look forward to exploring these questions and more as we work to identify additional ways to reach Lake Foresters who don’t have library cards.
The Power of Library Cards
During the 15‑month‑long TREEmendous Library Cards campaign, we shared the following tips:
- Residents, students at LF schools, LF business owners, City employees, and caregivers and nannies of LF families are all eligible for Lake Forest Library cards.
- Many eligible people can kick‑start their library card application by completing the form on the Library website.
- Having a library card for each member of your family (instead of sharing cards) is manageable with the help of the Lake Forest Library app.
- Your library card supports your freedom to read and empowers you with no-risk opportunities to try something new and read outside your comfort zone.
- You can access numerous services remotely with your library card, including 3D Printing, Homebound Delivery, and digital content from Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and Freegal.
- Your library card also extends beyond the building with access to collections across the North Shore through the CCS library consortium, plus free interlibrary loans across the state through Find More Illinois and across the country through OCLC.
- When your library card is due for renewal, we just need you to come in to show proof of your identity and residency. A driver’s license or state ID with your current address often suffices!
As a library cardholder, knowing these details can help you leverage the power of your card. We want nothing more than for you to take full advantage of everything Lake Forest Library provides for you!
Rewarding Library Usage
In addition to the opportunity to increase awareness about library card details, our other favorite outcome of the campaign was the opportunity to delight our library users.
Each quarter, all new library cardholders and all active cardholders (who had used their card to check out physical items or digital items from Libby, Hoopla, or CloudLibrary) were entered into one of two drawings for a chance to win a prize.
Lucille, John, Robert, Sarah, David, Simone, Sun, Mari, Joyce, and Tara were the winners! Prizes included Kindle Paperwhites, baskets full of treats from local businesses, and gift cards to The Cafe at Elawa Farm, AMC Theatres, and Deer Path Inn.
At the end of the campaign, all new and active cardholders were reentered into a grand prize drawing. Patti and Ashley each won a Book of the Month Club subscription from Lake Forest Book Store.
Recognizing how impactful word of mouth can be, everyone who referred someone to get a library card was entered in a special drawing. Courtney won a gift card to Lake Forest Book Store for referring a couple family members to get their cards.
We also held a photo contest during the campaign, with the winning entry printed on a limited edition batch of library cards. Beginning in August 2025, new cardholders have had the option to choose a card featuring the beautiful image of the library entrance captured by Monica.
Lake Forest Library staff is incredibly grateful for you, our fellow library fans and supporters. The goal of the TREEmendous Library Cards campaign was to create more of you! We look forward to finding creative ways in the future to finally reach 8,000 (and more!) unexpired library cards.