Basic Loan Policy

RECENT CHANGES TO BASIC LOAN POLICY (See below)

Effective July 1, 2010, there will be some changes with regard to borrowing limits for Dolton Public Library District's Library Card Holders.

• The maximum number of items that a patron can have on their card at any one time is 25 items.
• The maximum number of holds that a patron can have on their card at any one time is 10 items.
• The maximum number of CDs, cassettes/kits that a patron can have on their card at any one time is 10 items (provided the patron does not exceed the 25 total item limit).
• The maximum number of DVDs and videos that a patron can have on their card will remain at 4 items.

Please note, that while items may be checked out for a loan period of one week or two weeks (depending upon the items), patrons can always bring items back earlier in an effort to free up space on their card and to obtain additional items.  Please remember that fines of $1.00 or more must be paid immediately in order for patrons to use their library cards.  In addition, patrons wishing to interlibrary loan items must pick up items within 5 days or less of the item's arrival.  Failure to do so will result in items being returned to the owning library.  Because there is currently no charge for delivery of in-state items, we hopt that everyone abides by this policy.

Questions about this policy or further explanation can be directed to Allison Y. Heard, Administrative Librarian.

(See above) RECENT CHANGES TO BASIC LOAN POLICY

Standard Loan Periods

The following materials may be checked out for a two (2) week period:

• Books
• Audio Books (available on audio cassette or compact disc)
• Foreign Language Learning Materials (available on audio cassette or compact disc)
• Kits (book accompanied by audio material)
• Music (available on audio cassette, compact disc or vinyl record)
• Pamphlet

The following materials may be checked out for a one (1) week period:

• Cliff Notes and Monarch Notes
• Equipment (8 mm film projector, 16mm film projector, motion picture screens, slide projector, etc.)  Note:  Patron must be an adult (18 years or older) and must be a Dolton resident or represent a local business or community organization.
• Journals and Magazines
• Videos (available on DVD or VHS cassette, LIMIT 4)

Special Loan Periods

• Museum Adventure Pass (1 week then it expires)
• Vacation Loan (four to six week period)
• Teacher Loan (six week period)

Renewals

In most cases your materials can be renewed if they're not overdue and there are no holds placed on the item by other patrons.  Some restrictions do apply.

Most materials may be renewed two (2) times either.

Videos may only be renewed one (1) time and have no grace period

Renewal by phone

Phone renewal is a courtesy provided to patrons for emergency use.  A library card number is required for verification by telephone as well as in person.  Just have your library card handy and phone us at (708) 849-2385.   

Holds

Dolton Public Library patrons have the option to ask for items to be placed on hold.  A hold is a request for an item to be pulled as soon as it is available and set aside for the patron who is next in line for the item.  Holds are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and do not have a set arrival date.  Once the requested item arrives you will be contacted by Circulation staff via telephone.

Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

The Information Desk will help you find the materials the Library does not own.  We will try our best to brorrow the item from another library system (provided it is within Illinois.  What is the fee?)