Read below to find out what we have available for checkout, how long you can keep library material, whether an item is renewable, and any limits.
Click here for the full Circulation Policy, and visit My Account to manage your holds and renewals through the SWAN Catalog.
Main Collections - Loan Periods, Limits, & Renewals
Libraries are more than just books! Check out these other popular collections:
| Item | Loan Period | Limit | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 |
| Magazines3 | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 |
| CDs & Audiobooks | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 |
| DVDs & Blu-rays | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 |
| "HITS" DVDs4 | 1 week | None | No |
| Video Games | 3 weeks | 5 | No |
| Video Games - NEW | 1 week | 5 | No |
| eReaders (Kindles)4 | 3 weeks | 1 | No |
1We are now fine free, but any lost or damaged items are still billed to your library account for the cost of the item. Once your total billed fees reach the threshold of $25.00, Library privileges are suspended, which means that you may no longer check out items, place holds, use the computers for free, or use the Library's online databases. You can pay off fees at the Library with cash or credit card. You can also log in to My Account online to pay your fees with a credit card.
2Items will automatically renew 2 days before the due date, as long as there are no holds on that title, and as long as you have not already reached the maximum number of renewals. To check the due dates of your checked out items, or to manually renew items, you can call 708.453.7645, visit the Library in person, or log in to My Account online. Please note: If you need to speak to staff to renew an item, please call ahead instead of bringing in the item to be renewed. Thank you.
3Back issues only. Magazines with NEW stickers cannot be checked out.
4HITS DVDs and eReaders can only be checked out by Elmwood Park residents.
Special Collections - Loan Periods, Limits, & Renewals
We are always trying to add new and fun things for people to check out and try.
| Item | Loan Period | Limit | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle Locks5 | 1 day | 3 | No |
| Phone Chargers5 | 1 day | 1 | No |
| Laptops5,6 | 2 hours | 1 | No |
| Explore-to-Go Kits | 3 weeks | 1 | No |
| Vacation Bags6 | Negotiable - 6 weeks max | 1 | No |
| Video Game Consoles (Nintendo Switch, DS) | 3 weeks | 1 | No |
| Beyond Books - most items6 | 1 week | 1 | Yes - Up to 2 times2 |
| Beyond Books - WiFi Hotspots & Chromebook Laptops6 | 3 weeks | 1 | Yes - Up to 2 times2 |
| Beyond Books - Portable DVD Players6 | 3 weeks | 1 | No |
| Beyond Books - HappyLight Touch6 | 3 weeks | 1 | No |
| Beyond Books - VHS to Digital Converter6 | 3 weeks | 1 | No |
5These items can only be checked out and used within the Library.
6These items can only be checked out by Elmwood Park residents ages 18 and older.
Notifications by Text or Email
For your convenience, you can get automatic notifications about due dates, renewals, overdue items, and when holds are ready for pickup.
Just log in to My Account and under the Personal Information tab you can add/edit your email address, as well as set up text messaging.
