Read about our borrowing procedures and what to do if you have lost or overdue items.
Loan Periods
Most library materials can be checked out for three weeks. Select materials are only available to Skokie cardholders, including Hot Pick DVDs and Blu-rays, adult Most Wanted books, Library of Things, hotspots, Chromebooks, and STEAM Kits. Digital materials such as eBooks and downloads are only available to Skokie cardholders and may have varying loan periods depending on the platform.
| Item | Loan Period | Renewal | Reserve* |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUDIOVISUAL | |||
| CDs, audiobooks | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| DVDs and Blu-rays | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| Hot Pick DVDs and Blu-rays* | 1 week | 0 | No |
| Video games (limit 10) | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| Books | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| Most Wanted books* | 2 weeks | 0 | No |
| New fiction or nonfiction | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| Magazines | 1 week | 3 | Yes |
| TECHNOLOGY | |||
| Library of Things* | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| WiFi Hotspots* | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| Chromebooks* | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| STEAM Kits* | 3 weeks | 3 | Yes |
| *Limited to Skokie cardholders | |||
Reserving Items
When you place an item on hold, we'll pull it from the shelf and check it out to you. This make take several days depending on item availability and the volume of requests.
You'll receive an email when your item is ready for pickup. Please wait for this confirmation, as holds will not be available until we notify you.
After notification, you'll have seven days to pick up the pre-checked out item at your selected location. Library pickup is located on the shelves near the west entrance. Bookmobile pickup is available at any of our scheduled community stops.
Returning Items
You may return checked out items in the exterior book drops along the south driveway of the library, the drop box inside the east doors, the return station inside the west doors, or at one of the bookmobile's community stops.
Donations of books and media are not accepted. Any non-library items placed in the book drops will be discarded.
Renewals
Most items automatically renew up to three times if no one is on the waiting list. Log in to your account to check due dates.
To renew items from another library:
- LINKin items: Log in to your library account to manually renew. LINKin items can be renewed once.
- Interlibrary loan items: Call 847-673-7774, ext. 3141, or request a renewal online. Interlibrary loan items can be renewed once unless the item is labeled No Renewal.
Overdue Items and Replacement Fees
We don't charge overdue fines on late materials.
However, If you have items 21+ days overdue, or owe fees for lost or damaged items, you won't be able to check out or renew additional items until you return the late materials. If you owe more than $30, you may also be referred to a materials recovery agency and won't be able to use your card until you pay down your balance to $0.
Paying Replacement Costs
Lost or damaged items may incur a replacement charge.
Pay replacement charges by:
- Check: Please make the check out to "Skokie Public Library" and write your library card barcode number on the memo line. Please bring checks to a first floor help desk or mail to: Skokie Public Library, attn. Patron Services, 5215 Oakton, Skokie, IL 60077
- Credit or Debit Card: Pay online by logging into your account and selecting "Fees" and then "Pay Online"
- Cash: Pay with cash at the self-checkout kiosk on the first floor
Payment of fees is posted to your account within 24 hours.
We will refund you for “lost and paid” items if you return the item in good condition within 30 days.