How Do I... ?
Answers to questions about Skokie Public Library services
For additional assistance or answers to questions not listed here, please contact the Library at 847.673.7774 or by email.
Catalog, Collections, and Loan Policies
Find out how many items I can borrow
Item limits and loan periods vary according to the type of material and its location in the Library. For general borrowing information, please see our Loan Policies and Services. For information about a specific item, please call the Library at 847.673.7774 or stop by the Circulation Desk.
Get reserved items delivered to my door
Skokie Public Library cardholders can use Library Express to have reserved items delivered to their door via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail. Delivery is available for $2 per item.
Patrons are welcome to suggest items to be purchased by Skokie Public Library and added to the Library's collection. Skokie Public Library cardholders may submit a Purchase Request Form online.
Obtain materials not available at the Library
Materials not owned by Skokie Public Library may be requested by Skokie Public Library cardholders for Interlibrary Loan. Submit a request at the Information Services Desk, the Readers' Services Desk, the Youth Services Desk, by phone, or online. For materials newer than six months, please submit a Purchase Request Form.
Patrons can also search other libraries to find materials available for checkout at libraries in neighboring communities or use LINKin to request materials that are not available for checkout at Skokie Public Library.
Most items may be renewed twice if they are not already overdue or have not been requested by another patron. Some materials may not be renewed. Renewable items may be renewed from home by touchtone phone or online via the Library catalog. Please see our Loan Policies and Services for details on how to renew items.
Circulating materials that are currently checked out or on order may be reserved by Skokie Public Library cardholders in person, over the telephone, or via the Library’s catalog. Please see our Loan Policies and Services for details about how to reserve these materials. Please call the Library if you would like us to check the shelf and hold an item that is currently not checked out. Skokie Public Library cardholders can also use LINKin to request materials that are not available for checkout at Skokie Public Library.
The Skokie Public Library catalog is available online. For help searching, click the Help link located at the top of most catalog screens.
The Bookmobile schedule is available on the Web
Library Cards and Accounts
If your reserved item displays a status of "ON HOLDSHELF" in the catalog or you have been notified that your item is ready for pickup, and you would like to cancel your reservation, please call the Circulation Department at 847.673.7774. Reserves (holds) can be cancelled online if they are not yet on the hold shelf. Simply log in to your library account and follow these steps:
- Click the link called "MY HOLDS"
- In the left-hand CANCEL column, click the checkbox alongside each item that you would like to cancel
- Click UPDATE LIST . The cancelled items will be removed from your list of outstanding requests
Correct a discrepancy on my Library account
If you believe an error has occurred on your Library account, please call the Circulation department at 847.673.7774 or visit the Circulation Desk for assistance.
Applications for library cards are available at the East or West Circulation Desks, or online.
Patrons may view their library account to see if any Library Express or extended loan fees are due on items currently checked out. Fees may be paid online or at the East or West Circulation Desk.
Report a lost or stolen Library card
Lost or stolen Skokie Public Library cards should be reported to the Library. If the card has also been used to check out materials at other RAILS member libraries, please notify those libraries as well. There is a $1 charge for replacement of Skokie Public Library cards.
See my checked-out items and due dates
Patrons may view their library account to see what items are checked out to them and when they are due.
Patrons may view their library account to see what items are checked out and when they are due; what items they have placed on reserve or requested by Interlibrary Loan; and any fines they owe.
Visiting the Library
Arrange a Library visit for my class
Youth Services staff can arrange an age-appropriate Library visit for Skokie school students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Visits are also available for preschool groups.
Attend a Board of Trustees meeting
The Board of Trustees of Skokie Public Library meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the Board Room on the third floor. The public is welcome to attend.
If you'd like to donate your own books to the Library’s Used Book Sale Room, please bring your donations to the East or West Circulation Desk.
Applications for both paid and volunteer positions are available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm in the Administration Office on the third floor of the Library. Applications must be filled out in person in the Administration Office. Information about current job openings is posted on the Library’s website when positions are available.
Skokie Public Library is located at 5215 Oakton Street, just west of Skokie Village Hall. Directions by car and public transportation, parking suggestions, and a map are available.
Registration for Library programs varies by program, and many programs require no registration at all. Visit the Library Events Calendar on the Web for links to program descriptions and registration information.
Study rooms are available in the Adult and Youth Services Departments. Reservations will be held for 10 minutes past the appointed time before the room is released to another user. Identification is required to claim a room.
- Adults and teens (9th grade and older) can stop by the kiosk located at the Adult Services Technology Help Desk to reserve a study room up to seven days in advance. Reservations may also be made through the study room booking system. Reservations are limited to two hours per person. A maximum of six people per room are allowed.
- Children in kindergarten through 8th grade can stop by or call the Youth Services Desk at 847.324.3149 to reserve a study room up to seven days in advance. Reservations are limited to one hour per person and a maximum of four people per room. Adults may use a Youth Services study room only when accompanied by a child.
Submit an application to exhibit, perform, or speak at the Library
Lecturers, performers, and artists are invited to submit information in writing about work that they would like to present or exhibit at the Library. Speakers should refer to the Library’s Procedure for Performing or Speaking at Skokie Public Library; artists should refer to the Procedure for Exhibiting Art at Skokie Public Library. Telephone solicitations will not be accepted.
Use Library services for the disabled
Skokie Accessible Library Services (SALS) offers a number of electronic aids, materials in special formats, programs, and services for persons with disabilities. The Come On In! program offers specialized services and resources for children with disabilities, their families, and educators.
Use the Internet or a computer at the Library
Computers resources for adults and teens (9th grade and older) are available throughout the Library and wireless Internet access is available at no charge on the second floor. The first floor Digital Media Lab is available to Skokie Public Library cardholders (9th grade and older). Computer resources for children in kindergarten through 8th grade are available in the Youth Services Department on the first floor of the Library.
Using our Website
Send questions and comments about our website to the webmaster.
Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eZines
Skokie Public Library cardholders can download eLibrary materials to a variety of handheld and desktop devices. eBooks and eAudiobooks are checked out for a period of three weeks; after that they are automatically returned and become unusable on your computers and other devices. eZines are offered as subscriptions without due dates. For information and assistance downloading these materials, contact the Readers' Services Desk at 847.324.3175.
Submit a compliment, suggestion, or concern
We welcome your comments and suggestions! Contact us by email at any time.
For additional assistance or answers to questions not listed here, please contact the Library at 847.673.7774 or by email.