How to Checkout Materials
With your valid library card in hand, you may check out printed materials, audiovisual materials, and use the Computer Center.
Materials can be checked out with our Self-Check equipment, our Mobile App, or by staff at the Customer Service desk. Ask our Customer Service staff for details. Receipts listing items checked out and their due dates may be printed for each transaction. Self Check-out Equipment located here.
Drive-Up Window
Drive up windows are available at both the main library building and at the Rakow Branch.
The Main Library Building Drive-Up Window is open:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
We accept debit and credit cards for payment of lost materials at the Main drive up window.
The Rakow Branch Drive-Up Window is open:
Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Payment for lost materials must be handled inside the library at the Customer Service Desk.
To ensure prompt service, please limit your request to 5 items.
Library card registration is handled at the Sign-up Desk inside the building or our online portal.
When all copies of an item are checked out, library district residents may place a "hold" or "reserve" on up to 40 items. When they become available, you will be notified by telephone, e-mail, or U.S. mail.
Items may be reserved in two ways:
-
Through the library catalog.
- Search for the item.
- After finding the item you are looking for click "Place Hold" and when prompted, login with your library card number and your PIN number.
- Select where you would like to pick out the item.
- A message will verify if the request was successful
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Call the Service Desk in the department the material is available, staff will locate the material and place it on the hold shelf or drive through window.
- Books for adults, call 847-429-4680
- Books for kids, call 847-429-4685
- DVDs, CDs, recorded books and other AV items, call 847-429-4696
- Books and other AV items at the Rakow Branch, call 847-531-7271
- Books and other AV items at the South Elgin Branch, call 847-931-2090