Extended use fees (overdue fines) are no longer assessed.
Printing, Copying, Scanning:
- Black/white: $0.10 per page
- Color: $ 0.25 per page
- Printing from microfilm station: no charge
- Scanning: no charge
Faxing:
- $1.00/page for domestic
- $2.00/page for international
Charges for Removable Media/Equipment
- Ear Buds: $1. 00
- USB Flash Drive: $5.00
- 2-pocket folder: $0.50
- Manilla folder: $0.10
Lamination charges:
- Personal, wallet size items: $ 0.25 per item
- Linear lamination of materials: $ 0.04 per inch
Inter Library Loan:
- no charge
Lost Materials:
Patron will be assessed the price of the item based on the cost recorded on the item record.
Refund Policy:
If the patron finds lost material for which they have paid, no money will be refunded, and they can keep the item.
Replacement Items:
The library does not accept replacement items in lieu of payment for lost material.
Damages/Missing Pieces:
When materials are returned damaged, library staff will assess the extent ofthe damage. If, due to condition, the item can no longer be used in the collection, as determined by the relevant collection manager, the item will be discarded and patron assessed the price of the item based on the cost recorded on the item record.
When items are returned with missing pieces, staff will contact patrons for missing components. The patron will be assessed the price of the item based on the cost recorded on the item record if pieces are not returned.
A $5.00 flat rate will be charged for the following materials that are missing or needing repair in multi-part sets and for items with limited damage:
- Bags, cloth, or mesh
- Barcode packet on collection basket (if not returned)
- Beanbags
- Booklet from Recorded Book (CD)
- Case sleeve insert from DVD or recorded book
- CD or DVD case missing
- Finger puppet
- Game box, repair or replacement
- Libretto bag, plastic
- Lyric sheet (song sheet with CDs; compare libretto @ cost of set)
- Maps (as part of travel guide)
- Pamphlets (per barcode)
- Plastic container for game
- Rhythm instrument
- Zipper kit bag
Exceptions to the $5.00 fee are listed below:
- Art prints: $25.00 broken glass; $10.00 repairable frame damage (item to Adult Services for review)
- Art print bags: $20. 00 (22 3/4" x 33") and $24. 00 (larger than 22 3/4")
- Books requiring re-binding: $10. 00
- Books with any electronic media missing: Each item must be reviewed by the selector; full price or partial
- Cases for Recorded Book: $10.00 per case
- CD from Recorded Book: $10.00 per CD;
- If supplier appears on lists for replacement tapes, not to exceed cost of recorded book; If supplier is not on list, cost of the set
- CD from CD set: Cost of set
- Classroom collection basket: $5.00 (small) and $8.00 (large)
- DVD with more than one DVD: total cost of set, if any part of set is missing Kits: missing CD or book; cost of kit
- Leap pads: Adapter $19. 95; Instruction sheet $5.00; Book $15. 00-must order both parts
- Libretto and CD insert: full cost of item (excluding lyric sheet @$5.00)
- Magazines: $5.00 unless otherwise stated on cover
- Puppets, larger than finger puppets: cost of puppet
- Puzzle piece: full cost of puzzle
No charges:
- Barcode or label missing
- Broken AV cases
- Pamphlet or puzzle envelope missing
- Rule Sheet missing
Approved by the Board on November 11, 2021
Borrowing History keeps a list of the titles you have checked out from the library. It is accessible online when you login to Account Info. The Borrowing History records the title, author, and checkout date for all items you check out. This feature also allows you to limit a search to items that are not recorded in your Borrowing History. Titles are stored in Borrowing History until the Library no longer owns a title or you choose to delete a title from your list.
You may enable/disable your Borrowing History any time when you login to Your Account. If you choose to enable your Borrowing History, and later disable, all stored records will be deleted from the system. Please be aware that if you elect to keep a Borrowing History, it may be subject to examination by law enforcement authorities without your permission.
To Enable Borrowing History, click on your account name (upper-right) and then click on My Settings
and then click on Borrowing Settings
You will see:
click on toggle
then you will see:
then click onand the system will start keeping track of the titles you check out.
To Disable Borrowing History, do the same as above to get to the Borrowing History setting, and once there, click on toggle
then you will see:
then click on
Disabling Borrowing History will permanently erase your borrowing history.
To DELETE ALL titles from Borrowing History, simply follow the instructions above for turning Off Borrowing History.
As a member of the RAILS Library System, the Gail Borden Public Library participates in the Reciprocal Borrowing Program. This program allows residents to borrow materials from other public library districts in which they do not live or pay taxes. Regulations of the program allow each local library to place restrictions on the number and format of the materials loaned to non-residents.
Gail Borden Public Library, its Board of Trustees and staff readily and willingly share its materials and services with residents from other library service areas. However, there are restrictions on the use of materials, services and the facility. It is our responsibility to provide for the taxpayers of this district first, just as it is the responsibility of your home library to provide for your library needs. These restrictions apply:
- Requesting materials via interlibrary loan.
- Placing reserves on any materials.
- Accessing subscription databases from home.
- Checking out library devices.
- Checking out items from one of the library's media dispensers.
- Checking out eBooks.
- Registering for certain library programs. These programs are clearly designated in publicity.
Other items which may be checked out include: games, puzzles, puppets and kits.
Please note: Non-resident borrowers are limited to a total of 30 items on their library card at any given time.
We encourage you to contact representatives of your home library with your questions and concerns about the services and resources available to you.
Out of District Customers
Out-of-district customers who live in an area unserved by a public library and whose property is contiguous to the library district, must annex their property in order to obtain a library card. Those whose property is not contiguous can purchase a contract card for full service. The fee for a contract card is based on the equalized assessed valuation of one's residence. A copy of the tax bill for the residence must be presented in order to apply.
Please contact the Administration Office at 847-742-241 for more information
Privacy Information
To learn more about RAIL's privacy policy please read the article on their Website
The Gail Borden Public Library District offers online access to books, movies, music, digital media, and subscription-based databases to all valid library card holders. A library card is available to all residents of the library district.
How to Get a Library Card
Register Online
Once your online registration is complete you will receive a barcode number via email, this number can be used immediately to access online materials and databases.
If you wish to make your new card a full-use card, please bring identification to any Gail Borden Public Library location or bookmobile to receive a physical card and access to the full range of materials and services the library offers.
Apply In Person
Bring identification to any Gail Borden Public Library location or bookmobile to receive a physical card and access to the full range of materials and services the library offers.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
- Driver's license
- Property tax bill
- School ID (must have name & address)
- State ID
- Bank statement
- Utility or cable television bill
- Credit card statement
- Pay stub (must have name & address)
- Illinois motor vehicle registration
- Mail with current postmark within 2 weeks & address
- Identificación consular
All forms of identification must be current and up-to-date.
Don't Live in the District?
Living Out-Of-District With A Public Library
If you do not reside within the district boundaries and want a Gail Borden Library card, you must first obtain a library card at your home library. When you visit the Gail Borden Public Library in person, you can have your home library card registered as a Reciprocal Borrower
Reciprocal Borrowers are limited to a total of 30 items on their library card at any given time. The following restrictions also apply:
- Requesting materials via interlibrary loan.
- Placing reserves on any materials.
- Accessing subscription databases from home.
- Checking out library devices.
- Checking out items from one of the library's media dispensers.
- Checking out eBooks.
- Registering for certain library programs. These programs are clearly designated in publicity.
Living Out-of-District Without A Public Library
Out-of-district customers who live in an area unserved by a public library and whose property is contiguous to the library district, must annex their property in order to obtain a library card. Those whose property is not contiguous can purchase a contract card for full service. The fee for a contract card is based on the equalized assessed valuation of one's residence. A copy of the tax bill for the residence must be presented in order to apply. Contact the Administration Office at 847-742-2411 for more information.
Just Visiting?
Visitor cards are available to persons who are temporary residents (minimum of 3 months) within the Gail Borden Library District boundaries. These persons may be:
- Employed temporarily in the library district
- Exchange students residing within the library district
- Guests of library district residents
- Minors residing temporarily at a special facility or school with the library district
- Adults residing temporarily at a special facility within the library district.
Library cards issued to visitors will be valid for a period of 3 months to one year, depending on the conditions of the residency. Renewals will be considered on an individual basis.
Qualifications & Requirements for a Visitor Card
If employed temporarily with an area business, applicant must present a letter from the business personnel office on company letterhead.
Exchange students or guests must confirm the host family name, address, and phone.
Minors who are temporary residents at a special facility or school must present a letter, on official letterhead, indicating that the facility is the responsible party. This letter must be signed by the Executive Director, Principal or equivalent.
Adults who are temporary residents at a special facility or school must present a letter, on official letterhead, indicating that the facility is the responsible party. This letter must be signed by the Executive Director, Principal or equivalent. A "Computer Use Only" card is available for these individuals. No items may be checked out.
Loan Period & Checkout Limits
| Items | Loan Period | Checkout Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 28 Days | No Limit |
| Book Club Books | 45 Days | - |
| DVDs, Blu-rays, Binge Boxes, TV on DVD, Wifi Hotspots | 14 Days | - |
| Media Dispenser DVDs and Blu-rays | 5 Days | 5 items total from the Media Dispenser |
| Media Dispenser Video Games | 7 Days | 5 items total from the Media Dispenser |
| eBooks & eAudiobooks | Checkout limits and loan periods are outlined on the eLibrary page. | - |
| Library of Things (Chromebooks, Rokus, electricity usage monitors, telescopes, etc.) | 7 or 28 Days | 2 devices (includes eBook readers, Rokus, Wifi hotspots & Library of Things items) |
| Art Prints | 90 Days | 6 prints |
I want to:
Check out an item
Valid library card holders may check out or borrow items from the library.
Items can be checked out with the library's self-checkout equipment, the library's mobile app, or by staff at the Customer Service desks at each branch. Receipts listing items checked out and their due dates may be printed or sent to your email address under your account.
Place an item on hold
When all copies of an item are checked out, library district residents may place a hold or reserve on up to 40 items. When the items become available, you will be notified by telephone, e-mail, or U.S. mail.
How to place a hold
There are two ways to place a hold:
- Through the library catalog
- Search for the desired item.
- Click "Place Hold" and when prompted, login with your library card number and your PIN number.
- Select a pick up location.
- Contact the service desk where the item is available using the table below. Staff will locate the item and place it on the hold shelf or drive-up window.
| Location | Item Type | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Main Library | Adult Books | 847-429-4680 |
| Main Library | Kids Books | 847-429-4685 |
| Main Library | DVDs, CDs, Audiobooks on CDs, and other audio visual items. | 847-429-4696 |
| Rakow Branch | Books and audio visual items. | 847-531-7271 |
| South Elgin Branch | Books and audio visual items. | 847-931-2090 |
Renew an item
Most items may be renewed if:
- The item allows for renewals.
- There are no holds on the title.
- The item has not been renewed the maximum number of times allows.
- There are no blocks on your account.
The following items can not be renewed:
- Video Games
- Media Dispenser discs
- Audio/Visual Equipment
- Rokus
- Launchpads
- Kindles
- Wifi Hotspots
To renew items
- Online - Login into your account and follow the on-screen instructions to renew your items.
- GBPL App - Download the GBPL Mobile App on your device and renew your items
- Phone - Call our Telephone Renewal System (TRS) at 847-742-3210 and follow the instructions.
- In Person - Bring items to the self-check machines for renewal.
Any item that is eligible for renewal is automatically renewed two days before it is due based on the item's due date. These renewals will be noted on the courtesy notices that are sent via email. You can also log into your account to check for due date changes. Note: Items will not be renewed automatically if there are holds or any other renewal blocks.
Return an item
Library Branch Locations
Most items may be returned at the drive-up return, unless otherwise specified.
| Branch | Interior Book Drop | Drive-up Return |
|---|---|---|
| Main Library | Available | Available |
| Rakow Branch | Available | Available |
| South Elgin Branch | Available | Not Available |
Media Dispenser Discs
Media Dispenser discs must be returned directly to the dispenser where it was originally dispensed:
- Red cases must be returned to the Main Library Mediabank during building opening hours.
- Black cases must be returned to the Rakow Branch Mediabank at any time.
Remote Bookdrops
The library has established bookdrops at various locations in the library district for the return of books, videos, and non-Media Dispenser DVDs and Blu-rays only. Please return all other formats to the Main Library or to the Rakow Branch.
To avoid unnecessary fees do not return materials to a book drop if the contents do not fit safely inside. When book drops are full please return at a later date or visit one of our other conveniently located bookdrops.
Returns only accepted at a Bookmobile Stop.
Renew my library card
Library cards expire every three years to ensure we have your current contact information.
If your card is expired, bring identification showing your name and current address to any library branch. If your address is not correct on your ID, you will need to show a proof of address (in the form of a utility bill, rental agreement, tax bill, or first class mail with your name and address postmarked with the last two week).
Report a lost or stolen library card
Please notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen, or if your address changes. Visit any Gail Borden Public Library branch to have a lost or stolen library card replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my PIN?
A PIN is your Personal Identification Number. It provides additional security when you use your library card.
Your PIN is required when you wish to:
- Place a hold/reserve on an item using the library catalog.
- Log into your account to view your account status and to renew materials online.
- Reserve titles in one of the library's Media Dispensers.
- Check out materials using one of the library's self checks.
- Access some of the library's online resources and databases.
- Log in to use a computer at any of the library locations.
Can I obtain my library card number over the phone or the Internet?
No. To assure security, users will be required to visit the library and present two valid forms of identification (one must be a photo ID) to verify the card-holder's identity.
My items are overdue - are there fines?
Fines are no longer assessed for overdue items, however after items are 14 days overdue, your card will be blocked meaning you can no longer checkout any additional items until you bring the overdue item(s) back.
You will be charged replacement fees for the library items that are not returned 28 days overdue. Replacement fees vary, depending on the cost of the lost item. When the items are 42 days overdue, the account is sent to a collection agency. If you return the items, the replacement fee will be waived.
See Fine Free FAQ for more details about the elimination of overdue fines.
See Fees for information about library materials that are not returned or are lost and how you can pay for those materials.
Why is my library card showing as "blocked" when I login to my account?
There are many reasons why your card may be showing as blocked. The most common reasons include:
- You have items that are 14 days overdue.
- You have fees over $10 for lost or damaged items.
- Your card was reported lost.
- We received returned mail from your address.
If your account is blocked, you will not be able to access eBooks and other digital content.
Call us and we’ll see how we can help you.
The library doesn't seem to have what I am looking for. What are my options?
The library may purchase the item for the collection or borrow through an Interlibrary Loan. Fill out a Materials Request Form or ask for assistance at any service desk.
Overdue Materials
Fines are no longer assessed for overdue materials.
Fine Free Frequently Asked Questions
The Gail Borden Public Library has recently gone Fine Free for all materials. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions section on what this means for you.
Lost Materials
You will be charged for library materials that are not returned to the library or are lost. Replacement fees vary, depending on the cost of the material.
Refunds are not given for Lost & Paid materials. If you find the lost item that you have already paid for, you may keep it.
If you have lost a Linkin or ILL item, please contact the customer service desk before paying.
Paying Library Billed Items
In person:
Library patrons can pay for their billed materials and manual charges in person with cash, check and credit cards at any location.
Online:
By using any computer with internet access, patrons may log into their Gail Borden Library account, select unpaid fines and bills, and click the Pay Online button to pay their fines and bills. The minimum fine amount that can be paid is $1.01.
No credit card data is received or retrieved by the library. The library records the amount paid in the library system and immediately credits the users library account with the payment.
Materials Recovery System
Accounts with an unpaid balance of $25.00 or more and are 42 days overdue are submitted to Unique Management Collection Service. They will contact delinquent account holders until balances are paid or arrangements are made with the library for repayment.
To check the status of your account, check the library web site at http://innovative.gailborden.info/patroninfo and have your library card available.
To make payment arrangements, visit the library or call 847-429-4690. Please have your library card with you.
Fine Free Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still owe replacement and collection agency charges or are they forgiven?
Replacement costs are excused if items are returned to the library. Collection agency fees have been forgiven.
Are all material(s) fine free?
As of December 15, 2021, all materials are fine free.
What happens if material(s) are overdue?
After material(s) are 14 days overdue, your card will be blocked, and you can no longer check out additional material(s). Once you return the material(s), your card will be unblocked and the fine will be removed from your card.
What if material(s) are still not returned after the extra loan period?
After material(s) are 28 days overdue, you will be charged a replacement fee for the material(s). When material(s) are 42 days overdue, the account is sent to the collection agency. If you return the material(s) the replacement fee will be waived.
My card is still blocked. Why can’t I use it?
There are many reasons why your card may be showing as blocked. The most common reasons include you have fees over $10 for lost or damaged items, your card was reported lost or we received returned mail from your address. Please feel free to contact us and we’ll see how we can help you.
What if I use my Gail Borden library card to check out material(s) from another library?
If you check out material(s) from a library that does charge fines, you’re still responsible for paying any fines due to that lending library.
Will this impact the availability of popular items?
Our research shows that this should not be a problem. We will monitor and adjust our purchasing as needed.
Why is this a good idea for our library?
Slowly, we have been taking steps to decrease the impact of fines at our library, such as offering fine free kid cards, allowing kids to read off their fines, implementing automatic renewals and lowering the cost of fines. Being fine free removes a barrier to access our materials.