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Library Circulation Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I get a Library card?
- How do I display brochures and flyers at the
Library?
- How do I get an answer to a question after the
Library has closed?
- How do I sign up to display my collection in the
display case?
- How do I book the Library's meeting room?
- How do I volunteer at my library?
- Are my records confidential?
- How long can I borrow books and other items?
- I am going on vacation. Can I get an extended due date
on my materials?
- Where can I use my card?
- What is the quickest way to return my materials to
avoid overdue fines?
- What if I can’t find my book within Prairie Area Library System?
- I checked out a book at Lockport. Can I return it at
Crest Hill?
- Is there a limit to the number of things I can
check out?
How do I get a Library card?
In order to get a Library card you must bring two forms of identification
with your current address that show
residency in the library
district One of the forms must be a photo ID. Examples of
acceptable identification are: valid Illinois drivers license, state ID card,
current utility bills, voters registration card, check books, or car
registrations. You will then be asked to fill out an
application that will contain your contact information. Your card will
be issued during your visit that same day. A parent or legal guardian must be
present for persons 12 years of age and under to receive a card. Cards are valid
for 3 years from the month of issue.
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How do I display brochures and flyers at the
Library?
The library district does not display flyers or
brochures for businesses or "for-profit" enterprises.
Not-for-profit organization can request that flyers for upcoming meetings,
informational brochures, etc. be posted at the Library. If you would like
something posted or displayed, please give these items to a staff member to turn
into an administrator for approval.
Library administration reserves the right to evaluate the appropriateness of all
posters, brochures, and flyers prior to their display. Because display space in
the libraries is limited, posters and flyers for library events and programming
take precedence.
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How do I get an answer to a question after the
Library has closed?
Fill out our Reference question form and a librarian will respond to your
answer via phone or email.
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How do I sign up to display my collection in
the display case?
Our Lockport branch has a display case to showcase patron’s personal collections.
We’ve hosted everything from toy collectibles and movie memorabilia to wood
burning items and fossils. Displays are showcased on a monthly basis. Please contact Lockport
Library at 815-838-0755 to verify availability or for more information.
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How do I book the Library's meeting room?
Call or stop by the Library to receive a copy of our
Buildings and Grounds Policy and a
Meeting Room Application Form. Once
completed, an administrator will review your application. Rooms are subject to
availability and available on a first come, first serve basis. Groups meeting on
Library premises must be holding a not-for-profit function and at least one
member of the group must live within the Des Plaines Valley Public Library
District’s boundaries.
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How do I volunteer at my library?
Both locations are happy to accept volunteers to assist with special
programs, cleaning and other duties. Contact either facility and ask for a
volunteer application form.
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Are my records confidential?
The Library is committed to keeping your borrowing records confidential. To
do this we require that you present your library card or photo ID in order for
staff to provide borrowing information to you. Limited information regarding
your borrowing record may be given over the phone.
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How long can I borrow books and other items?
|
TYPE OF MATERIAL |
LOAN PERIOD |
RECIPROCAL BORROWING |
RENEWABLE |
|
Books |
3 weeks |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Periodicals |
3 weeks |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Audio Recordings |
3 weeks |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Videos & DVDs |
1 week |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Interlibrary Loan Items |
4 weeks |
No |
Yes |
You can renew an item once, as long as no one else is waiting for it. Please
visit our online catalog for
renewals or call the library where you checked out your items. Overdue items
cannot be renewed. Any items requested through interlibrary loan carry a due
date and fee schedule assigned by the lending library.
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I am going on vacation. Can I get an extended due
date on my materials?
Yes. Due dates can be extended to accommodate vacations for up to four
weeks. Please alert the staff member of this request prior to checkout.
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Where can I use my card?
Your Des Plaines Valley PLD library card is valid in most
libraries in the state of Illinois. Please
call us to verify whether your card is valid at a library in question. Any
libraries outside of Prairie Area Library
System will have you apply as a reciprocal borrow and may require you bring
up to two pieces of identification.
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What is the quickest
way to return my materials to avoid overdue fines?
Each location has outside book drops available for your convenience. These
drops are checked periodically throughout the day. Audiovisual items (videos,
DVDs, CDs, and books on tape/CD) may not be returned in the library book drops.
There is a $2.00 fine for each item found returned in the book drop.
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What if I can’t find my book within
Prairie Area Library System?
Each location has designated staff members trained to locate the materials
you are looking for. Most requests can be found within the United States and
are available at no charge.
This service is only available to Des Plaines Valley Public Library District cardholders.
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I checked out a book at Lockport. Can I return it
at Crest Hill?
Yes. We receive courier service daily that transports items between all
libraries in Illinois. However, any out of system requests must be returned to
the library at which checkout occurred.
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Is there a limit to the number of things I can
check out?
Other than CDs (limit of ten) and DVDs (limit of five),
we do not limit the number of checkouts to any patron account in
good standing.
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