Checking Out Materials
How can I obtain a Library Card?
Hillside residents can register for a FREE library card at the circulation desk by presenting two forms of identification with your address. One must be a photo I.D. such as a driver’s license, a state I.D., or a school I.D. for students. Proof of residency will be accepted with the following:
- Bank or check book
- Computerized bill from charge card
- Hospital or medical bill
- Property tax bill
- Utility bill
- Voter’s registration card
New library cards can not be obtained 15 minutes before closing.
For children under the age of 18, parents are required to sign the application and show an ID with their current address.
Acceptable Picture ID Options
- Driver’s License
- Matricula Consular
- Passport
- State Identification Card
- Student Identification Card
Additional Documents
If the current address is not on the picture ID, then one of the following will be acceptable along with the picture ID.
- Credit Card Statement (Current within 60 days)
- Instructional Driver’s permit (Current within 60 days)
- Lease Or Housing Agreement (Current)
- Tax bill
- Utility Bill (Telephone, Gas, Electric, Water or Cable) (Current within 60 days)
- Other official pieces of mail (Current within 60 days)
How old do you have to be to have a library card?
A child of any age who resides in the Village of Hillside may receive a library card in his/her own name. A parent’s signature is required for children under the age of 18. Parents and guardians are responsible for materials checked out on their children’s cards.
Can I use another person’s library card?
No. Each library card holder can only use the card issued in his/her name. Therefore, you cannot use a friend’s or even a family member’s library card.
Can I use the Hillside Library if I have a library card from another library?
Yes. A card from any library in the SWAN Library System may be used to check out materials. Cardholders from Illinois libraries participating in the Statewide Reciprocal Borrowing Program, but outside the SWAN Library System may also bring their library cards and photo identification to be entered into our computer system.
I don’t live in Hillside. May I still get a Hillside Public Library card?
The library may serve nonresidents from nearby unincorporated areas in the Hillside School District. For more information on how to get a Hillside Library card, please read the Non-Resident Policy.
I lost my library card. What should I do?
Library cards that are lost or stolen should be reported missing immediately so that use of the card can be stopped. The patron is responsible for all materials borrowed on his/her card until the card is reported missing. To replace your card you will need to bring your ID with your picture and address on it. There is no charge to replace your library card.
My card has expired. What should I do?
Your library card never expires. The Hillside Public Library card is valid for as long as you reside in Hillside.
Checking Out Materials
| Material Type | Length of Loan | # of Renewals | Holdable | Limits (# you can have checked out on your card at one time) |
| Books | 3 weeks | 2 | Yes | No limit |
| Magazines | 3 weeks | 2 | Yes | No limit |
| Audioboooks | 3 weeks | 2 | Yes | 10 |
| CDs | 3 weeks | 2 | Yes | 6 from our library, 10 total from our library system |
| Non-fiction DVD | 3 weeks | 2 | Yes | 10, but cannot exceed a combined total of 10 for feature and non-fiction DVDs. |
| Console Games | 2 weeks | No renewals | Yes | A maximum of 5 within the SWAN Library System |
| TV Shows on DVD | 3 weeks | No renewals | Yes | 2 |
| DVD & Blu-ray movies | 1 week | No renewals | One (1) month after the movie has been in the library’s collection, they can be put on hold and/or checked out by non-Hillside patrons. | 4, but cannot exceed a combined total of 10 for movies and non-fiction DVDs |
| Hotspots | 1 week | No renewals | No | 1 Hotspot PER HOUSEHOLD. Hotspots can only be checked out by Hillside Library Card Holders ages 18 and older and in good standing. |
Loan Periods
Renewing Materials
Items get automatically renewed unless there is a hold on the item for another patron. If there is a hold, the items must be returned on their due date.
If you wish to check on your renewals, you may stop at the circulation desk at the library, call the library at (708) 449-7510, or check your account via the online catalog.
Placing a Hold
A hold can be placed on any material that circulates. You may place a hold by visiting the library’s online catalog and searching by title, author or key word. Make your selection and click on the “Place Hold” button. You will be asked for your library card number and your PIN. The library staff can also place a hold for SWAN cardholders only. Library staff will notify the patron when the material is ready for pick up and hold the item for seven (7) days before returning it to circulation. Click here to access to your account to place holds.
Overdue Fees
Late fees are no longer being charged. However, when an item gets charged as “lost” or “damaged”, the library account will be billed with the cost of the item. The maximum fee will be equal to the replacement cost of the item as it is listed in the system. Patrons may not check out library materials or use the computers if they have charges of more than $5.00 on their card. Fees can be paid in cash, debit/credit card or check. If a patron’s check is returned for insufficient funds, the patron will be charged a $15.00 additional fee. Click here to pay fines.
Computer Usage
The library maintains computers for adults with a four hour maximum use per day and youth access with a two hour maximum use per day. To use computers you must sign on with a current library card. Computer usage and internet agreements must be accepted by every adult before accessing Hillside computers and by parents of children under the age of 18 who want this access for their children. Library patrons without a library card may use the computers for one hour per day after obtaining a guest pass with a librarian.
Printouts are 10¢ a page for black and white printouts or 50¢ for color printouts.