Pod_top

Borrowing Information

How long can I borrow materials?

  • Most books are loaned for a three-week period.
  • Cameras (Flip or still) are loaned for seven days.
  • Reference materials and magazines usually do not circulate.
  • Interlibrary loans and other non-book materials may have a shorter loan period, increased fines, and are not renewable.

What are fines for returning materials late?

  • Books: The overdue fine is 20 cents per day per book. The maximum fine is $10 per book.
  • Cameras (Flip or still): The overdue fine is $2 per day per item. The maximum fine is $20 per item.
  • Fines for lost cameras must be paid at YOUmedia.

Where do I return materials?

  • Most material checked out from any Chicago Public Library location may be returned to any Chicago Public Library.
  • Cameras and other selected non-book materials must be returned to the YOUmedia space from which they were checked out.
  • Late materials will accrue fines.

CIRCULATION INFORMATION

Refunds

  • Fees for lost or overdue items may be refunded if the materials and receipt are presented within 30 days.
  • Patrons may receive a refund for items paid for by cash under $25 at any Chicago Public Library on presentation of the material and the receipt.
  • Patrons who made payment by check, or for over $25, upon presentation of the material and receipt, will receive the refund issued through the U.S. mail from the Chicago Public Library Finance Department within 30 days of the refund request.
  • Refunds for cameras may only be issued at YOUmedia.

Library Cards

  • Unauthorized use of another person’s library card number without that person’s permission is expressly forbidden and will be subject to prosecution.
  • A $1 replacement fee will be collected for lost library cards.
  • Patrons using the Forgotten Library Card Policy may update their Chicago Public Library card with a current valid Illinois drivers license or Illinois ID card (photo ID with name and address).

Forgotten Library Card Policy

  • If a patron wishes to borrow materials but has forgotten a library card, the patron can check out up to 5 items when presenting a current, valid Illinois drivers license or Illinois ID that will allow access to patron records.

Holds and Renewals

Holds

  • Each card-holder can have up to five hold requests pending at any one time.
  • This does not include hold requests that are in transit or ready for pickup. All hold transactions will be counted as part of the 30-transaction limit allowed on a patron's library account.

Renewals

  • Chicago Public Library materials may be renewed when a patron presents a library card without item(s) being present.
  • Renewable material may be renewed a maximum of three (3) times, provided no holds have been placed on that item.
  • Items will not be able to be renewed if there are fines and fees on the patron account.
  • Items may be renewed online at chipublib.org or by calling (312) 747-INFO.
  • Cameras are not renewable.

*Books and audio books in the YOUmedia collection are available to all Chicago Public Library patrons. Cameras may only be checked out by high-school age patrons.

To Top
YouMedia at the Harold Washington Library - 400 S. State Street