Des Plaines Public Library
Des Plaines Public Library is a tax-funded public library district in Des Plaines, Illinois, serving district residents free of charge with 250,000+ physical items, extensive digital content partnerships (Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal), research databases, community programming, and accessibility services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1954
- HeadquartersDes Plaines, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Des Plaines Public Library does
Des Plaines Public Library (DPPL) is a public library district serving the city of Des Plaines, Illinois, operating under Illinois state law as a tax-funded government entity governed by a Board of Trustees. Founded in 1907, the library employs 51-100 staff and operates from a single main building at 1501 Ellinwood Street, open seven days per week with hours extending to 9pm on weekdays. The library serves district residents free of charge through a library card, recording 400,000+ annual visits and maintaining a physical collection of 250,000+ items, supplemented by extensive digital content and community programming.
DPPL's core offering is a unified content and community platform combining a physical collection with an aggregated suite of digital content vendor partnerships. The BiblioCommons-powered online catalog provides the central account and discovery layer, while eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, streaming video, streaming music, comics, newspapers, and research databases are delivered through integrations with Overdrive/Libby (50,000+ eBook titles, 20,000+ audiobooks), Hoopla Digital (15 monthly borrows per cardholder from January 2025), Kanopy, Freegal Music (15 million songs), ComicsPlus, PressReader, EBSCO, Gale, ProQuest, and Brainfuse/HelpNow. Special Collections extend the lending model beyond traditional media to include the Library of Things, Discovery Kits, Memory Kits, Preschool Kits, board games, and video games. Adjunct services include public and private meeting rooms, computer and Wi-Fi access, printing/scanning/faxing, accessibility services compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA, museum passes (Museum Adventure, Explore More Illinois), genealogy access via FamilySearch affiliate status, and educational databases (Mango Languages, Northstar Digital Literacy, LearningExpress).
The business model is non-commercial: the library is funded primarily through local property taxes, grants, and charitable donations, with supplementary revenue from the Friends of the Des Plaines Public Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1954 that raises funds through book sales and memberships. All services are free to eligible district residents. Customer segments are diversified across children and families, teens (grades 6-12), adults, educators, the Spanish-speaking community, and patrons with disabilities. Marketing is conducted through a content-and-community model spanning the website, blog (Rocky's Recs, Miner Recs, DIY with DPPL), email newsletters, Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, and a Podomatic podcast. The library is governed under a 2026-2028 Strategic Plan that defines its near-term direction.
Des Plaines Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Des Plaines Public Library
- Legal name
- Des Plaines Public Library
- Website
- https://dppl.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1954
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Des Plaines Public Library is a tax-funded public library district in Des Plaines, Illinois, serving district residents free of charge with 250,000+ physical items, extensive digital content partnerships (Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal), research databases, community programming, and accessibility services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Des Plaines Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)
Keywords
Where Des Plaines Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Des Plaines
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Des Plaines Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free library card for eligible residents |
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
Des Plaines Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Des Plaines Public Library is a public library district providing free access to physical collections of 250,000+ books and materials, digital content platforms (eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, digital magazines), research databases, and community programming for all ages. Services are delivered through a main library building and an integrated suite of digital platforms including Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal Music, and ComicsPlus, supplemented by meeting/study spaces, computer/WiFi access, and educational resources.
Product overview
Des Plaines Public Library operates as a public library system offering a unified suite of physical and digital services centered around content access and community programming. The core digital offering is the eBooks & More platform, which aggregates multiple vendor partnerships (Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla Digital, Kanopy, Freegal Music, Comics Plus, PressReader) into a single patron experience. Physical collections include Special Collections featuring unique items like the Library of Things, Discovery Kits, and Memory Kits. The library provides extensive research databases through partnerships with EBSCO, Gale, and ProQuest, plus dedicated Kids' Resources including ABCmouse.com and educational tools. Supporting services include meeting room reservations, volunteer programs through the Friends of the Library organization, and accessibility accommodations compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Canvas: Creative space on the 4th floor for artistic projects and community engagement
- Rocky's Recs
- Libby by Overdrive
- Hoopla Digital
- Freegal Music
Products and services
- eBooks & More Digital content platform aggregating multiple vendor partnerships (Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal, Comics Plus, PressReader) to provide library cardholders 24/7 access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, magazines, and comics.
- Overdrive/Libby (Digital Library of Illinois) Digital Library of Illinois powered by Overdrive, providing access to over 50,000 eBook titles, 20,000 audiobooks, and 3,000 magazines through the Libby mobile app and web browser.
- Hoopla Digital
- Kanopy
- Freegal Music
- Comics Plus
- PressReader
- Special Collections (Board Games, Discovery Kits, Library of Things, Memory Kits, Preschool Kits, Videogames)
- Library of Things
- Online Databases & Research Resources
- Meeting & Study Rooms
- Museum Pass Program
- Kids' eBooks & More
- Kids' Resources
- Accessibility Services
- Outreach Delivery (Homebound Delivery)
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Quantifiable outcome
- 400,000+ annual visits
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Des Plaines Public Library
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Des Plaines Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration22 records
AI capability4 records
Feature4 records
Des Plaines Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Friends of the Des Plaines Public LibrarycoreNon-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1954 that raises funds through book sales and memberships to support library programs, materials, and equipment. Operates the Book Nook ongoing book sale.
- Digital Library of Illinois (Overdrive)coreStatewide digital library consortium providing access to eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines through the Libby app and Overdrive platform. DPPL participates as part of the statewide Illinois library network.
- Hoopla DigitalcoreDigital media platform providing streaming and download access to movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, ebooks, and comics. Beginning January 1, 2025, each DPPL cardholder receives 15 instant borrows per month.
- KanopycoreStreaming video service featuring independent, foreign, classic, and documentary films including The Criterion Collection and Kanopy Kids with PBS favorites and literary adaptations.
- Freegal MusiccoreMusic streaming service providing access to 15 million songs with 5 free MP3 downloads per week. Includes AI-powered recommendations and playlist features.
- ComicsPlus / Library PasscoreDigital comics and graphic novel platform offering unlimited access to thousands of titles across children's, teen, and adult collections with no holds or waitlists.
- Museum AdventureminorMuseum pass program allowing Des Plaines Public Library cardholders to check out passes for free or discounted admission to museums and cultural venues. One pass per family for 7 days.
- Explore More IllinoisminorFree service providing instant online access to discounted and free tickets for museums, science centers, sporting events, zoos, theaters, and other cultural venues throughout Illinois.
- EBSCO Information ServicescoreProvider of research databases including Academic Search Elite, Business Source Elite, MasterFILE Complete, NoveList Plus, and other educational resources accessible with library card.
- Gale (Cengage Learning)coreProvider of research databases, eBooks, and learning platforms including Gale Courses, Biography in Context, and various subject-specific resources.
- ProQuestcoreProvider of historical newspaper archives including Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Daily News, Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3 military records, and other research databases.
- Brainfuse / HelpNowcoreOnline homework help and tutoring service with 24/7 availability, Spanish-speaking tutors, practice tests, resume assistance, and career support.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Des Plaines Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Evanston Public Library: Illinois public library serving a similar suburban population with broad digital content offerings (Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy equivalents) and youth/adult programming comparable to DPPL.
- Palatine Public Library District: Suburban Chicago-area library district serving a similar-sized population. Operates an analogous model of free public access to physical and digital collections plus community programming.
- Schaumburg Township District Library: Adjacent Illinois library district serving a suburban community of comparable size. Operates the same general model of physical collections, digital lending, and community programming that defines DPPL.
- Mount Prospect Public Library: Neighboring Illinois public library serving a community of comparable scale and demographics. Operates similar physical collection, digital lending platform, and youth/adult programming mix.
- Elk Grove Village Public Library: Adjacent suburban public library serving a community comparable in scale to Des Plaines; similar physical collection, digital lending platform, and community programming model.
- Skokie Public Library: Suburban Illinois library district with comparable patron base, similar digital lending integrations, and analogous focus on community programming and accessibility.
- Arlington Heights Memorial Library: Suburban Chicago-area public library with similar service population, breadth of digital resources, and community programming focus, making it a closely comparable peer.
- Oak Park Public Library: Illinois public library with a comparable role as a community hub; similar breadth of digital content, multilingual programming, and community engagement initiatives aligned with DPPL's mission.
Broad incumbents
- Chicago Public Library: Large municipal library system serving Chicago. Comparable as a tax-funded public library providing free physical and digital collections, programming, and community services to Illinois residents.
Others
- Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS): Statewide Illinois library consortium that supports resource sharing and interlibrary loan for member libraries including DPPL. Relevant as an ecosystem/infrastructure provider rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Des Plaines Public Library social profiles
Digital presenceDes Plaines Public Library compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Des Plaines Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Des Plaines Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Des Plaines Public Library subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Des Plaines Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Des Plaines Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Des Plaines Public Library
What does Des Plaines Public Library do?
Des Plaines Public Library is a public library district providing free access to physical collections of 250,000+ books and materials, digital content platforms (eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, digital magazines), research databases, and community programming for all ages. Services are delivered through a main library building and an integrated suite of digital platforms including Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal Music, and ComicsPlus, supplemented by meeting/study spaces, computer/WiFi access, and educational resources.
Is Des Plaines Public Library a public or private company?
Des Plaines Public Library is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Des Plaines Public Library founded?
Des Plaines Public Library was founded in 1954. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Des Plaines Public Library based?
Des Plaines Public Library is headquartered in Des Plaines, United States, in the North America region.
Who are Des Plaines Public Library's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Evanston Public Library, Palatine Public Library District, Schaumburg Township District Library, Mount Prospect Public Library, Elk Grove Village Public Library, Skokie Public Library, Arlington Heights Memorial Library and Oak Park Public Library. Chicago Public Library is listed as a broad incumbent. Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) is listed as an others.
Does Des Plaines Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Des Plaines Public Library.
What industry is Des Plaines Public Library in?
Des Plaines Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAF, Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing). Its NAICS code is 51921 and its SIC code is 8200.