Number of Items Which May be Borrowed
The following parameters are set up in our circulation software. Patron cards must be in good standing to circulate materials.
Books (General Collection): No limit
CDs, audiobooks: 100
DVDs, Blurays (General Collection): 20
Homeschool Book Collection: 25
Homeschool DVD Collection: 5
Video Games, Library of Things: 2
Use of Library Card
Borrowers’ library cards, or the SWAN app, are used to identify library patrons and to expedite and accurately record circulation transactions. A current library card, physical or digital, must be presented at all times in order to borrow or renew materials and to initiate a reserve or interlibrary loan request. Patrons who have a library card in good standing, but not in their possession at the time of checkout, may borrow materials with a valid driver’s license or state I.D. card. Patrons should use only their own library card.
Patrons are encouraged to place their own holds through the SWAN catalog, available online, on the library’s catalog computer, or through the SWAN app. Borrowers who have overdue materials or unpaid library fines or fees may be denied borrowing privileges until the matter has been corrected.
Loan Periods
The loan period for all circulating materials is three weeks. See below for loan rules on special items.
1. Newspapers. Newspapers do not circulate.
2. Reference Materials. Reference items may not be taken from the library without special permission from the Adult Services Manager.
Homebound Loans
Materials are loaned to homebound residents of Park Forest and Olympia Fields for a period of six weeks.
Interlibrary Loan (I.L.L.) and Reserves
Any patron with a valid SWAN card who wishes to borrow an item either already in circulation or not owned by the library may reserve the item through Interlibrary Loan (I.L.L.). The patron will be notified when the item is received via an automated phone call, email, or text. Materials will be held at the self-serve pick-up hold shelf for one week.
Book Discussion Group
The library will make every effort to secure copies of books currently being discussed, subject to availability.
Automatic Renewals
Books, Homeschool Books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, and Blurays are automatically renewed up to two times unless there is a hold on the item. Renewals are for three weeks at a time. Other items are not renewable.