Important Information about Library Cards while the Building is Closed
Fines - If you had fines before we closed, don't worry! Access to our digital collections won't be blocked as long as your fines are under $100.
Expirations - Cards expiring January 1 - September 8, 2020 have been renewed thru September 8, 2020.
Forgot Your Library Card Number? - You need your library card number to access our digital collections. If you've forgotten it, click here to try to recover your library card number.
Forgot Your PIN? - In addition to your library card number, you also need your PIN number to log in to digital services. If you've forgotten it, click here to reset your PIN number.
Don't Have a Card? Get a Temporary Digital Library Card - If you don't have a library card, temporary online cards are now available for Elmwood Park residents! Follow this link to apply online for a temporary digital library card so that you can access all of our digital resources, including eBooks and databases.
Read below to find out how long you can keep library material, whether an item is renewable, what overdue fines there are for returning material late, and more.
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, Renews, & Fines
Libraries are more than books. Check out these other popular collections.
| Item | Loan Period | Limit | Renewable? | Overdue Fines1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 | $0.15 a day |
| Magazines3 | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 | $0.15 a day |
| CDs & Audiobooks | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 | $0.15 a day |
| DVDs & Blu-rays | 3 weeks | None | Yes - Up to 2 times2 | $1.00 a day |
| "HITS" DVDs4 | 1 week | None | No | $1.00 a day |
| Video Games | 3 weeks | 5 | No | $1.00 a day |
| Video Games - NEW | 1 week | 5 | No | $1.00 a day |
| eReaders (Kindles)4 | 3 weeks | 1 | No | $2.00 a day |
1Overdue fines are added to your account for late materials for each day the Library is open. Lost or damaged items are billed at cost of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee. Once your accrued and billed fines & fees reach the threshold of $10.00, 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 fines at the Library with cash or credit card. You can also log in to My Account online to pay your fines 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.
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, Renews, & Fines
We are always trying to add new and fun things for people to check out and try.
| Item | Loan Period | Limit | Renewable? | Overdue Fines1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle Locks5 | 1 day | 3 | No | $20.00 a day |
| Phone Chargers5 | 1 day | 1 | No | $1.00 a day |
| Laptops5,6 | 2 hours | 1 | No | $2.00 an hour |
| Explore-to-Go Kits | 3 weeks | 1 | No | $1.00 a day |
| Vacation Bags6 | Negotiable - 6 weeks max | 1 | No | varies by item |
| Video Game Consoles | 3 weeks | 1 | No | $1.00 a day |
| Beyond Books - most items6 | 1 week | 1 | Yes - Up to 2 times2 | $1.00 a day |
| Beyond Books - WiFi Hotspots6 | 3 weeks | 1 | Yes - Up to 2 times2 | $1.00 a day |
| Beyond Books - Portable DVD Players6 | 3 weeks | 1 | No | $2.00 a day |
| Beyond Books - HappyLight Touch6 | 3 weeks | 1 | No | $2.00 a day |
| Beyond Books - VHS to Digital Converter6 | 3 weeks | 1 | No | $2.00 a day |
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.
