Returning materials

Our Main Library has a drive-up book return at the back, off Healey Street. The Douglass Branch has an outside book return facing Grove Street. Both are open 24/7, even on holidays. You can also return items inside both libraries.

To know when items are due:

• Check your online account for the most up-to-date information
• Save your due date receipts; keep them in one easy-to-find place
• Call us at 217/403–2000; have your library card number handy
• Get e-mail reminders from your library account, or from Library ELF

Overdue fees

We encourage you to return things on time so you’ll never have a late fee. Overdue fees are 20 cents per day per item. The exception is Kindles, available for use inside the library, which have a fee of $1 per hour.

The maximum overdue fee for one item is half the cost of that item. Fees start the first day after the due date and are charged every day except days we are closed.

Fees from other libraries

If you borrow items from other libraries for pickup at our library, remember that overdue fees are charged by the library that owns the item. Please be aware that other libraries’ fees may be higher than ours (see Lincoln Trail Libraries System’s list of nearby libraries’ fees).

Fees can be paid by credit card, either in person or by calling 217/403–2000. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

E-mail reminders can help you remember to return things on time.

E-mail Reminders

We encourage you to sign up for e-mail notices. You’ll get an e-mail reminder a few days before each item is due.

Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee the reliability of e-mail messages. Borrowers are still responsible for knowing when items are due. We recommend that you call us or check your account online for the best information. Any interruption in e-mail reminder service does not excuse patrons from fees if items are returned late.

Rentals: The “Get It Now” Option

Our bestsellers and DVDs include some with green stickers that say Rental: $1/week. Rentals let you choose to pay a little to get an item right away. (We always have a free copy, too, except for video games.) The dollars we collect for rentals help us buy more books and DVDs.

Rental items can be renewed up to 3 times (for $1/week), in your account online or by phone. Rentals cannot be reserved, so you’re guaranteed that you can keep them longer, if you wish to.

How much can I borrow?

In general, we don’t have limits, except for video games (limit of 2). We ask you to set your own reasonable limit, keeping in mind that these are shared resources. Remember that you’re responsible for returning everything on time. Please take only as much as you can keep track of.