You are here

Borrowing Information

How do I log into my account?

From any page on the library website, click on My Account in the header.

Enter your Card Number. It is a 14-digit number on your library card under the bar code.

The first time you log in, you will use the last four digits of your phone number as a password. You may then change your password if you would like to personalize it.

Can I access my account by phone?

Yes! Call 847-590-8706, and then enter your library card number followed by the pound sign. By phone you can renew items, hear a list of items checked out, hear a list of overdue items, check what you have available for pickup, and hear the amount due on your account.

How many titles can I check out?

There is no limit on the amount items that can be checked out on a card.   The following items are the exceptions:                     

Format

Items allowed to have checked out at a time on a card
Video Games Up to 5
Prize Pick DVDs Up to 5
Playaways Views Up to 2
E-Content (varies with each provider) Please verify after logging into provider portal

 

Certain library materials are available only for FRVPLD cardholders, such as our Library of Things collections. Please contact the library for additional information.

 

How long can I keep library materials?

All physical library materials circulate for 3 weeks.  With the following exceptions:

Format Loan Period
Student Hotspots 1 School Semester
Youth and Adult Book Clubs in a Bag 6 Weeks

 

For downloadable materials, log into your account (for Overdrive, Axis 360, etc.) to review loan periods.
Items from other libraries may have different loan periods; contact us for details.

May I renew library materials?

All items renew automatically 2 additional times and only if there are no outstanding circulation holds.  The following are the exceptions:

Format Number of Renewals
Library-of-Things 0

 

For downloadable materials, log into your account (for Overdrive, Axis 360, etc.) to review renewal policies.

How much are late fees?

As of January 1, 2020, the Fox River Valley Public Library District has gone fine-free! Please refer to our Fine Free FAQ for further details.

How do I pay library fines?

For fines totaling over $3, log into My Account to pay online.  SmartPAY™ is the secure electronic online payment service for payment of fees. Payment can be made by: Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. There is no additional service fee for using this method of payment at this time.

For fines under $3, or to pay any fine amount by cash, check, or credit card, visit us at either location.

How does the library notify me about upcoming due dates, overdue items, and holds ready for pickup?

You may update your contact preferences by clicking on My Account in the online catalog and updating the information saved in Contact Information and Preferences. The email address you submit will only be used for library business such as hold notification, overdue notices, etc. All information in your record is kept confidential.

Can I find out what titles I checked out in the past?

We do not keep records of what you've checked out. However, you can turn on the Maintain Reading History feature in your account to keep track of titles you check out going forward

How do holds work?

How do I place a hold?

When searching the catalog, look for the "Place Hold" button for each item in your search results.

How many holds can I place?

There are no limits on holds.

Why can't I place a hold?

If you're unable to place a hold, your account may be restricted or an item may not be eligible for holds. Please contact us for additional assistance.

Where do I pick up my holds?

Please visit the location you selected as the pickup location for your hold. You can verify this in My Account.

Holds are filed by last name on a public holds shelf.

How long is a hold held for me?

Holds are held at your pickup location for 5 days.

Can I change the location where I pick up a hold?

Please contact us for assistance if you need to change the pickup location after placing a hold.

Can I suspend a hold?

Yes, you can suspend a hold that has a status of "pending" under the Holds section of My Account. You can also set the beginning and dates of the suspension. While your hold is suspended, you will continue to move ahead on the waiting list, but the hold will not be sent to your pickup location while it is suspended. Use this option to manage your holds when you are away or don't have time to read.

Where can I return library materials?

Return your materials to the book drop at the Dundee Library and the Randall Oaks Library. There is also a book drop available at the Gilberts Village Hall (parking lot) at 87 Galligan Road. (The book drops at Jewel in West Dundee and Culver’s in Carpentersville are no longer available.)  Please return laptops, hotspots, and kits in person during library hours.

What happens if I lose or damage something I checked out?

For lost and damaged items (book, DVD, CD, etc.), you'll be required to pay the replacement cost of the item and a $5 processing fee.
If you are searching for a lost item, staff will renew items three times from the original due date to give you time to find it. Thorough searching is recommended before paying for an item; paid items will not be refunded.
We won't hold you responsible for items lost or damaged by fire, flood, or theft when documented by a police or insurance report.

Please contact us for further information.

Looking for something to do?