FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

These are a sample of the many questions asked at the Library. Do you have a question that does not appear here? Please contact us by phone (630-924-2730), email (bdref@mybpl.org), or in person!

When is the library open?

Library hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday (Mid Sept. - Mid May) 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where is the library located?

The library is located at the corner of Fairfield Way and Bloomingdale Road at 101 Fairfield Way, next to the Village of Bloomingdale offices and the Police department. Click here for directions.

How do I get a library card?

In order to receive a library card, you must provide photo identification and two proofs of residency if your driver's license does not have your current Bloomingdale address. Acceptable forms of residency include, but are not limited to: current bank statement, real estate tax bill, or utility bill. Forms of residency must be dated within the past 30 days. Children, age 18 and under, need their parent's or guardian's signature on the form before a card can be issued.

More information can be obtained in the Library Cards page.

I don't live in Bloomingdale. Can I use my city's library card at Bloomingdale Public Library?

Yes, as long as your card is not expired, and your card does not have excessive fines. In order to use your library card here, you will need to register your card at the Circulation Desk.

If you do not have a Bloomingdale Library card, there are a few restrictions on materials and services. Non-residents may only use our computer lab if you purchase a visitor's card ($5 and valid for 3 years). Certain materials can also only be checked out by Bloomingdale cardholders (HotPicks books, new DVDs, HotPick DVDs, and video games).

Where can I use my library card?

Your library card may be used at most public libraries in the state of Illinois if you do not have any fines, and the card has not expired.

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What is my PIN (Personal Identification Number)?

When a resident, non-resident, or non-resident taxpayer registers at the library, they may select a personal identification number (PIN). If a PIN is not selected when first registering, the default PIN is changeme.

Your PIN and library card number will allow you to access your library account online in order to renew items, check the due date of items, place a hold on an item, or (in the case of Bloomingdale Public Library cardholders) use the online databases that the library has purchased. Reciprocal borrowers may select a PIN and access their account online, but they may not place holds on certain items (new DVDs, video games, etc.) or use the online databases from home.

If you have never set up a PIN and wish to do so, go to MyAccount in the library catalog and click on User Pin Change. Log in to your account using your library card number and the PIN changeme. Enter the word changeme in the Current PIN box and your chosen PIN in the New PIN and Confirm New PIN boxes and click the Change PIN button. Your PIN must be at least 4 and no more than 10 letters or numbers long and must not contain any spaces.

If you have forgotten your PIN, please use the email PIN information request form provided in MyAccount or contact the Circulation Desk at 630-924-2750, and we will reset it for you. Once your PIN has been reset, you can follow the above directions to change your PIN.

What is the checkout period for books, videos, magazines, and other items?

Most books, book on cassettes or CD, and educational/nonfiction DVDs circulate for three weeks. However, magazines, old feature film DVDs, and video games circulate for one week. New feature film DVDs circulate for 3 days. Loan periods for materials borrowed from other library systems vary depending on their loan policy. More information can be obtained in the Loan Periods and Limits section.

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How many items can I check out at a time? Is there a limit for books, videos, magazines, or other items?

Checkout limits for all library materials are available on the Loan Periods and Limits page.

When are my items due?

If you are unsure about the due date of an item, you can find it on the receipt that was given to you when you borrowed your materials. If you cannot find your receipt, you may check the due dates in our online catalog under MyAccount or you may contact the Circulation Desk at 630-924-2750.

How can I renew an item?
I need more time to finish a book, movie, CD, etc. Can I keep it longer?

If your library materials are not on hold for another patron, you may renew your items for additional loan periods. You can renew most materials through the following options: in person at the library; phone the Circulation Department at 630-924-2750 during regular library hours; or online through the MyAccount page. To renew online, you will need your library card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Materials that are on reserve for another patron may not be renewed. Items charged to patron accounts that are Blocked or Barred will not be renewed until the status is cleared. To clear Blocked or Barred statuses, please visit the Circulation Desk.

Renewing materials owned by other libraries depends on the policy of the lending library. Interlibrary Loan materials that are overdue cannot be renewed.

Please note: There may be restrictions on the item you wish to renew so be sure to check a few days in advance so you can return it on time if it cannot be renewed.

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I will not be able to return my item on time. Is there any way to avoid paying overdue fines?

If you will be unable to return an item on time, you may be able to renew it. You can renew most materials through the following options: in person at the library; phone the Circulation Department at 630-924-2750 during regular library hours; or online through the MyAccount page. To renew online, you will need your library card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Please note: There may be restrictions on the item you wish to renew so be sure to check a few days in advance so you can return it on time if it cannot be renewed.

My item is late. What will I owe?

The library assesses a fine for every day we are open that the book is late. Most items in the library have a $0.10 per day fine (exceptions include feature film DVDs, video games, and Hotpicks).

For more information, visit our Loan Periods and Fines page.

I've damaged an item. What should I do?

The library expects patrons to exercise caution when using the materials loaned; however, accidents do happen. In the case of damaged materials, we ask that the borrower reimburse the library the cost of the item(s) plus a $2.00 processing fee per item. Please contact the Circulation Desk at 630-924-2750 for assistance.

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I’ve lost an item. What should I do?

First, if you simply misplaced the item, and it is due back at the library, try to renew it. This will give you more time to look for it without being assessed fines. If you think you may have left it somewhere (at a restaurant, a hospital, or airport), try to contact the company. The item may be in their lost and found. Next, check with us at the library. You may have accidentally returned it, or a kind stranger may have returned it for you – a remarkable number of books are returned to the library by other library patrons who have found them on planes and mailed them back to us. If you dropped it down a sewer, however, that book is gone and you will have to pay the replacement cost.

If you are trying to find the item, let the item go through all of the overdue notices before paying the replacement cost. While you can pay the bill anytime during this process, we recommend you wait as long as possible, as you only have 30 days from when you pay for the item to get your money back if you find it afterwards. After the fourth notice, the library will notify you, by letter, of the replacement cost. Visit or call the library at that time to arrange payment.

We make every effort with multi-piece sets to replace only the missing piece, so you will not have to replace the whole set. Unfortunately, with some multi-piece sets, such as DVDs, we cannot replace single pieces and we will need to charge the replacement cost for the whole item.

Finally, check under the seats of your car. Lost books like to lurk there!

I just got home with my items, and I noticed that one of them is missing a piece. What should I do?
I just got home with my items and I noticed that one of them is damaged. What should I do?

While the staff of the library makes every effort to ensure that all items are in good condition when we check them out to patrons, we do occasionally miss minor damage or missing pieces. If you notice damage or missing pieces before you leave the library, please mention it to the circulation staff before you leave. If you notice it when you return home, please promptly contact the Circulation Desk at 630-924-2750.

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Where do I return my items?

During library hours, we ask that you return your materials at the Circulation Desk just inside the main doors, especially if you have fines or will be checking out more materials. You may also return your items in our book and video drops in the parking lot, across from the front door. These are open 24 hours a day. Items that will not fit through the book and/or video slots should be returned inside the library. In a pinch, you can return your items via mail or at another public library in Illinois. Please be advised that both of these options may take several days and may cause your items to be slightly late.

Please, do not leave materials on or by the bookdrops, the front door, or back dock; the library is not responsible for loss or damage of items that are improperly returned.

Can I return materials from other libraries to the Bloomingdale Public Library?

Yes. The Bloomingdale Public Library participates in a daily delivery service, which transports materials throughout Illinois.

Do you have a list of all the videos and DVDs you own?

We do not have a paper list available. However, you can find online lists of the library’s Feature Film, Nonfiction, Foreign, and Juvenile DVDs. To view the lists, go to the online library catalog and click the New Materials button. You will be taken to the Quick Lists page, which contains numerous online lists of the library's books, movies, music, and other materials. Many of these list are also available as RSS/XML feeds.

Is there a charge to rent movies?

No, there is no fee to check out/rent movies. As of May 2008, all movie rentals are free.

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What games do you have available?

The library carries an extensive collection of board games, console video games, and CD-ROM games. For a list of console video games owned, please check the console video games information page.

When I search the online catalog, I’m getting results for [electronic resource (eAudiobook)] and [electronic resource (eBook)]. What are eAudiobooks and eBooks?

eAudiobooks and eBooks are downloadable books available through MyMediaMall. Downloaded books can be read or listened to on your computer, PDA, or MP3 player.

To download a book, you must have a Bloomingdale Library card and a personal computer/laptop to install the software. For more information, please check the Download ebooks page and the MyMediaMall Digital Media Help section.

Do you have textbooks available from local schools?

Yes. We have a selection of textbooks from Lake Park High School and Westfield Middle School. However, we do not have all class textbooks available. Textbooks are for in-library use only; they may not be checked out.

The library doesn’t own a certain item. How can I put in a purchase request?

You can make a purchase request in person at the Adult or Youth Services Reference Desks, by phone (630-924-2730), by email (bdref@mybpl.org), or online through the Item Request Form.

How can I place an item on hold?

To place an item on hold, please check How to Request an Item from Another Library for full instructions.

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Do you have public computers available?

Public computers are available in two labs. In order to use our computer labs, you must have a Bloomingdale Library Card. Non-residents may purchase a visitor’s Internet Use card for $5.00, which is good for 3 years. There are also two Express Station computers available for short 15 minute intervals.

Visit the Computer Labs page for more information.

Can I use my own software on the public computers?

You may only use the library's software. Computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office 2007 suite, which includes Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), PowerPoint (presentation) and Access (database). There is no charge for using the public computers.

How much do you charge for printing? Can I use my own paper?

Printing costs 10¢ per page for black and white documents and $1.00 per page for color documents. You may provide your own paper, if desired. Use of label paper, transfer paper, or any form of adhesive paper is not permitted on the color laser printer. Label paper may be used on the black laser printer only.

Do you offer computer training?

Yes. The Bloomingdale Public Library offers many computer classes for all age groups. There are classes in all Microsoft Office Programs, Internet and email, Windows training, and computer classes for children and seniors as well.

For more information, please visit the Computer Classes page.

Do you offer wireless internet access?

Yes. The Bloomingdale Public Library offers wireless internet access inside the library during our normal operating hours.

For more information, please visit Computer Services' Wireless page.

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Are there any job openings at the library?

Check the Employment Opportunities page for library job openings.

Do you accept donations?

The Bloomingdale Public Library accepts donations of books and videos. Not all items will be added to the collection and may be sold in the Friends of the Library Book Sale.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT:

Musty material smelling of mildew – try the sniff test!
Water damaged, dirty, highlighted or stained books
Books with an accumulation of dust and cobwebs
Encyclopedias older than 10 years
Textbooks older than 5 years
Magazines
Record albums

For more information of the types of materials we will accept for donation please see the Donations page on our website.

What is your policy on tutoring?

The Bloomingdale Public Library does not allow the use of its space for commercial tutoring.

I'm disabled and can't get to the library. How do I get library materials?

We can bring library materials to you if you are temporarily or permanently disabled and cannot get to the library. There is no charge for this service, but patrons must live in Bloomingdale and have a valid library card. Contact Homebound Services at the Reference Desk by calling 630-924-2730.

Who are my state and federal representatives?

Please check the Government Contact Information for a list of state, federal, and local representatives.

Do you have tax forms available?

Yes, the library has copies of federal and state tax forms. Popular tax forms are received in early January. You may ask a Reference Librarian for help.

Most forms can be printed from the IRS website. Copies of forms from prior years are also available online.

Do you have meeting rooms available?

Meeting rooms are available at the library. See the Meeting Room Policy and Regulations page for more information, including instructions on how to reserve a meeting room.

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