Indian Prairie Public Library

What Indian Prairie Public Library does

Indian Prairie Public Library (IPPL) is a public library district organized under Illinois state law, serving residents of Darien, Willowbrook, part of Burr Ridge, and unincorporated areas in DuPage County, Illinois. Founded in 1988 and operating from a single location at 401 Plainfield Road, Darien, the library employs 101–250 staff and provides a comprehensive portfolio of traditional and digital library services, including physical lending (books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines), digital content platforms (eMediaLibrary/OverDrive/Libby, hoopla, Kanopy, PressReader, LOTE4Kids), research databases (EBSCO, Ancestry Library Edition, Brainfuse tutoring), and specialized programs in early literacy, teen engagement, small business support, citizenship preparation, and veterans' history documentation. The library also operates a Maker Studio with professional-grade fabrication equipment (3D printers, laser cutter, embroidery and sewing machines), Wi-Fi hotspot lending, museum passes, passport acceptance services, and homebound delivery.

IPPL's technology backbone is the SWAN (Shared Website Area Network) integrated library system, which powers the catalog, account management, interlibrary loan, and a shared mobile app across multiple Chicago-area libraries. Revenue is generated primarily through local property taxes levied on district residents, supplemented by non-resident card fees ($254/household/year), transactional fees for printing, faxing, passport execution, and license plate renewals, and voluntary donations channeled through the IPPL Foundation & Friends nonprofit. The library distributes services through its physical building, mobile and web apps, partner-referral networks (College of DuPage, Literacy DuPage, SCORE, SBA), and a homebound delivery partnership with Community Assisted Rides.

The library is governed by an elected Board of Trustees and is not a privately held or investor-backed entity. Its competitive position is defined by its legislatively granted monopoly over library service in its district, the SWAN consortium's shared infrastructure, and a deep community partnership network including the Library of Congress, local schools, historical societies, and immigrant-services organizations. The library has no parent company, no subsidiaries of commercial significance, and no disclosed revenue figures.

Name

Indian Prairie Public Library

Legal name

Indian Prairie Public Library

Website

https://ippl.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Indian Prairie Public Library is a public library district serving Darien, Willowbrook, part of Burr Ridge, and unincorporated DuPage County, Illinois. It provides free physical and digital lending, research databases, Maker Studio access, business and immigrant services, and government transactions funded primarily by property taxes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (519210), Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital media lending
• Community education programs
• Maker space access
• Research databases

Headquarters

HQ city

Darien

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Revenue: As a public library district, primary funding comes from property taxes collected from residents within the Indian Prairie Public Library District boundaries covering most of Darien, Willowbrook, part of Burr Ridge, and unincorporated areas.
2. Non-Resident Card Fees: Households outside the district pay $254 per year for library access, with rates adjusted annually on July 1 based on average tax contribution
3. License Plate Renewal Convenience Fees: $9.50 convenience fee plus Illinois state fee for license plate sticker renewals processed at the library
4. Printing and Copying Services: Black and white printing/copying at 10 cents per page, color at 25 cents per page. Additional fees for photo paper and resume paper. Faxing at $1 per page.
5. Passport Processing: $35 execution fee charged by the library for passport acceptance services as an official Passport Acceptance Facility
6. Maker Studio Materials Sales: Sale of consumable materials for maker projects including 3D filament (20¢/gram), vinyl, sublimation prints, wood pieces, buttons, and various craft materials
7. Donations and Grants: Voluntary contributions through IPPL Foundation & Friends, including sponsored equipment donations such as 3D printers (donated by Foundation & Friends), embroidery machine (Sadowski Family), iMac (Robert Marshall Family), and various maker equipment

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Indian Prairie Public Library is a tax-funded public library district providing free physical and digital lending, research databases, maker fabrication equipment, government transaction services (passport acceptance, license plate renewals), and community programming to residents of Darien, Willowbrook, part of Burr Ridge, and surrounding unincorporated areas in DuPage County, Illinois. Core assets include traditional book/media lending, digital streaming and download platforms (Libby/OverDrive, hoopla, Kanopy, PressReader), the Maker Studio with 3D printers and laser cutters, and accessibility-focused services such as homebound delivery.

Product overview

Indian Prairie Public Library operates as a comprehensive public library system serving the Darien, Willowbrook, and Burr Ridge communities in Illinois. The library offers a multi-platform service architecture combining physical collections with extensive digital services. Core offerings include traditional book lending (books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines) alongside digital platforms including eMediaLibrary (OverDrive/Libby) for eBooks and eAudiobooks, hoopla for streaming media, Kanopy for video content, and PressReader for newspapers and magazines. The library differentiates through specialized services including the Library of Things (lending tools and equipment), the Maker Studio (3D printing, laser cutting, crafting equipment), Kids Technology Collection (tablets, STEM kits, VOX Books), and extensive databases like NoveList for reading recommendations and Brainfuse for academic tutoring. Additional services span early literacy programming, accessibility accommodations, passport acceptance, museum passes, homebound delivery, and community resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Gardens at IPPL: Outdoor learning gardens and green spaces including Keshav's Garden, Bea's Garden, and a Seed Library program for community gardening education and food cultivation.
• Maker Studio
• Little Town

Products and services

• eMediaLibrary (OverDrive/Libby) Digital catalog providing thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines accessible through the Libby mobile app for IPPL cardholders.
• hoopla Digital Digital platform for streaming and downloading movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, eBooks, and comics with always-available titles and no waiting lists for IPPL cardholders.
• Kanopy Streaming Streaming video service offering movies, documentaries, critically-acclaimed films, and TV series including the Criterion Collection and Great Courses, accessible via 15 monthly tickets for IPPL cardholders.
• PressReader Digital platform providing IPPL cardholders with access to over 7,000 magazines and newspapers from around the world with daily updates and instant translation in up to 18 languages.
• Library of Things Collection of non-traditional lending items including home repair tools, crafting equipment, entertainment devices, and technology available for one-week checkout exclusively to IPPL cardholders.
• Maker Studio Creative maker space providing access to professional-grade fabrication and crafting equipment including 3D printers, laser cutter/engraver, cutting machines, embroidery machine, sublimation printer, and sewing machines for IPPL cardholders by appointment.
• Kids Technology Collection Technology lending collection for children including VOX Books, Wonderbooks, STEM Kits, Family Roku devices, LaunchPad tablets, and LeapPad tablets designed for early literacy and learning at IPPL.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices available for checkout to IPPL cardholders, enabling internet access outside the library.
• A-Z Databases and Research Resources Comprehensive collection of research databases including A to Z Business Research, EBSCO research databases, Ancestry Library Edition, LearningExpress, NoveList, and 50+ other research tools covering business, career, consumer, creative, genealogy, health, legal, newspapers, and research topics.
• Computers and Printing Services Public access computers, laptops, and express stations with internet, Microsoft Office, and database access, plus printing, scanning, and faxing services for library patrons.
• Early Literacy Programs (Little Town) Early literacy programming space featuring storytimes, family events, play areas, and resources including ABCmouse for children ages 2-8 at IPPL.
• LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) Online platform offering digital picture books in 65+ world languages with English translations, released monthly with new books and languages.
• ABCmouse Early Learning Academy Comprehensive online curriculum for children ages 2-8 covering reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music with 10,000 interactive activities including 2,000 STEM activities and 1,200 Spanish-language activities.
• Passport Acceptance Services Official U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility accepting DS-11 applications for new passports with appointments available during extended library hours, charging a $35 execution fee.
• Homebound Delivery Service Contactless delivery of library materials including books, movies, music, large-print, audiobooks, and children's materials twice monthly to patrons unable to visit due to illness or disability.
• Supporting Students Resources Academic support resources including Brainfuse live tutoring, NoveList K-8, Elementary and Middle School Search databases, History Reference Source, and study spaces for K-12 students at IPPL.
• Checkout and Lending Services Traditional library lending services including books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, board games, and kits with various checkout periods from one to six weeks and auto-renewal capabilities under IPPL's fine-free model.
• On-Demand Streaming Devices (Roku) Pre-loaded Roku streaming devices available for checkout, offering access to streaming services including AcornTV, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, BritBox, Disney+, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and SlingTV Blue.
• Museum Passes Program Museum Adventure Pass and Explore More Illinois initiative providing discounted or free admission to Chicago-area museums and cultural destinations for IPPL cardholders.
• eReaders and Audiobook Tablets Pre-loaded device lending including Kindle Paperwhite for adults and teens with 80+ titles, audiobook tablets, and mid-kid Kindle Paperwhite with Amazon Kids+ subscription.

Quantifiable outcome

• 120+ veterans' oral histories preserved and submitted to Library of Congress
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Darien Historical SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership for collecting and sharing local history of Darien, including oral history documentation and historical archive access. Society participates in community programming and local history initiatives.
• Flagg Creek Heritage SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on documenting and preserving local history of the Flagg Creek area, supporting community heritage initiatives and historical research resources.
• Library of CongresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans History Project participant. IPPL has recorded and submitted over 120 veteran oral histories to the Library of Congress national archive for preservation and public access.
• Indian Prairie Genealogical Group (IPGG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly programs for genealogical researchers with local experts sharing research tips. Meets 4th Thursday monthly (3rd Thursday in November, no December meeting).
• Darien Garden ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Seed Library and garden programming. Provides expertise and support for Gardens at IPPL, including Bea's Garden pollinator habitats.
• Community Assisted RidescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer transportation service delivering library materials to homebound residents twice monthly. Volunteers handle contactless delivery for those unable to visit due to illness or disability.
• College of DuPagecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree citizenship classes and adult education programs. IPPL refers patrons seeking citizenship preparation and ESL instruction to COD's programs.
• Literacy DuPagecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree one-on-one English language tutoring and citizenship test preparation. Partner for adult literacy services in DuPage County.
• People's Resource CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree one-on-one English language learning, computer skills, and citizenship test preparation services for community members.
• World Relief DuPageminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree citizenship assistance and legal immigration questions. Partner for refugee and immigrant services in the DuPage area.
• Southwest Suburban Immigrant ProjectminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree 12-week citizenship preparation classes for community members seeking naturalization.
• TEACH (Tutoring English to Advance Change)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdult literacy and English language tutoring organization serving La Grange area. IPPL refers patrons to their services.
• Fox Valley SCOREcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree business mentorship and counseling through SBA partnership. SCORE mentors provide guidance for business planning, startup, and growth.
• Small Business Administration Illinois OfficecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness guidance and resources from SBA's Illinois office. IPPL provides access to SBA resources and refers business owners to SBA programs.
• Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Chamber of CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal business network providing connections for Chamber members to IPPL business resources and programs.
• SWAN (Shared Website Area Network) Libraries ConsortiumcoreTechnology or IntegrationShared library consortium providing integrated catalog system, mobile app, interlibrary loan, and shared digital collections across multiple Chicago-area libraries.
• OverDrive/eMediaLibrarycoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital lending platform powering eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. Libby app integration for mobile access to over 4,000 magazine titles and digital books.
• hoopla DigitalcoreTechnology or IntegrationStreaming and digital content platform for movies, TV, music, eBooks, and audiobooks. Always-available titles with no waiting lists.
• KanopycoreTechnology or IntegrationStreaming video service offering movies, documentaries, and Criterion Collection content. 15 tickets monthly for film access.
• EBSCO Information ServicescoreTechnology or IntegrationResearch database provider offering Academic Search, Business Source, Health Source, Literary Reference, History Reference, Science Reference, and youth-oriented databases.
• Ancestry Library EditioncoreTechnology or IntegrationIn-library genealogical database access including U.S. and worldwide census, immigration, military, and vital records collections.
• PressReadercoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital newspaper and magazine access with 7,000+ international publications. Real-time updates with newspaper-style layout and 18-language translation.
• BrainfusecoreTechnology or IntegrationLive online tutoring (2-11pm daily), writing feedback, test prep (AP, GED, ACT, SAT, GRE), and Career Services for all ages.
• Monarch WatchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonarch Waystation certification program. Gardens at IPPL certified in 2020 for creating monarch butterfly habitat supporting conservation.
• GoodWorxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal founding partner for the Gardens at IPPL (formerly Prairie Patch) starting in 2016, establishing community garden programming.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Woodridge Public Library: Nearby DuPage County suburban library serving a comparable community with overlapping digital platforms, SWAN membership, and similar programming structure.
• White Oak Library District: Crest Hill/Romeoville area library district in the southwest suburban Chicago region serving a comparable community with shared digital platforms and similar municipal-library operating model.
• Glen Ellyn Public Library: SWAN consortium member library in adjacent DuPage County village with similar municipal library scale, patron demographics, and program mix including maker and digital services.
• Downers Grove Public Library: Adjacent DuPage County municipal library serving a similar suburban population profile with comparable collections, programs, and digital lending through SWAN consortium membership.
• Fountaindale Public Library District: Bolingbrook-area library district serving a southwestern DuPage County community of comparable size with similar programming, maker services, and digital resource offerings.
• Wheaton Public Library: DuPage County library in a comparable suburban municipality, sharing SWAN consortium membership and offering similar programming, databases, and community services to a similar demographic profile.
• Naperville Public Library: Neighboring DuPage County library district serving a comparable suburban Illinois community. Direct functional peer offering traditional lending, digital resources, and community programming at similar scale.
• Lisle Library District: Adjacent DuPage County library district serving Lisle and parts of neighboring communities. SWAN consortium member with similar service portfolio and suburban demographic focus.

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Public Library: Major metropolitan Illinois public library system offering overlapping services (maker spaces, digital lending, business resources) but at much larger scale and across 80+ branches — useful as a strategic benchmark for service breadth and scale.

Regional players

• Aurora Public Library: Larger Illinois public library system serving Aurora and partial DuPage/Kendall areas. Comparable in offering but operates multiple branches and serves a larger, more diverse population base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ipplinfo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ipplinfo
• Facebookfacebook.com/ipplinfo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indian-prairie-public-library
• Instagraminstagram.com/ipplinfo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Indian Prairie Public Library