How can I obtain a library card?
Hillside residents can register for a 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 residence will be accepted with the following:
- Bank or check book
- Voter’s registration card
- Utility bill
- Property tax bill
- Hospital bill
- Computerized bill from charge card
- For children under the age of 18, parents are require to sign the application and show an ID with their current address.
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 Rails Library System may be used to check out materials. Please bring your library card and photo identification such as a driver’s license or school I.D. with your current address to the circulation desk to help us confirm your registration. Cardholders from Illinois libraries participating in the Statewide Reciprocal Borrowing Program but outside the Rails 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 one annual fee for an entire family. This fee is established annually by the Hillside Public Library Board of Trustees. The fee for the fiscal year of 2022-2023 is $503.82.
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. You Hillside 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 |
| Graphic Novels | 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 | 3 weeks | No renewals | Yes | 2 per system, total of 4 |
| TV Shows on DVD | 3 weeks | No renewals | 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 | 2 weeks | No renewals | No | 1 Hotspot per household. Hotspots can only be checked out by Hillside patrons. |
LOAN PERIODS
Because almost all loan periods have been increased, there will no longer be a grace period for any item returned late.
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 its 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 use the link to your account through 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Printouts are 10¢ a page for black and white printouts or 50¢ for color printouts.
