How Do I ...?
Answers to common library questions

For additional assistance or answers to questions not listed here, please contact the Library at (847)272-6224 or by email.

Arrange a Library visit for my class

Youth Services staff can arrange an age-appropriate Library visit for Northbrook school students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The department can be reached at (847) 272-4340.

Attend a Board of Trustees meeting

The Board of Trustees of Northbrook Public Library meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., in the Civic Room, unless otherwise posted. All meetings are open to the public.

Contact the Library

You can call us at (847) 272-6224 or email us at info@northbrook.info. You can also visit our Contact Us! page to send a message or find out telephone numbers and email addresses for specific departments.

View my Library Account

In your account you can see what you have checked out, along with the due dates and any fines. You can also renew materials, change your password or change your email contact address. You can get to your account here, but you will need your library card number and password to login (the default password is PATRON).

Reserve an Item

Circulating materials that are currently checked out or on order may be reserved by Northbrook Public Library cardholders in person, over the telephone, or via the catalog when looking at the item record (click on the Hold icon on the left side). Please see our Loan Policies for details about loan periods.

Cancel a Reserved Item

Login to your account, with your library card number and password (the default password is PATRON). There will be a box with your current reserved (Holds) items. Check any box of items that you'd like to cancel and then press the "Cancel Selected Holds" icon. If you have already received notice that a hold item is waiting in the library, please call our Circulation Desk.

Search the Library Catalog

The online catalog is here.

Find Out How Many Items I can Take Out at a Time

Please see our Loan Policies for details about limits on check outs.

Renew an Item

You can renew an item by calling the library (847-272-6224) or by login in to your account here, but you will need your library card number and password to login (the default password is PATRON). This service is sometimes unavailable due to fines on your card.

Get a Card

If you live within the incorporated area of the Village of Northbrook, you are entitled to a free library card. Please bring current identification that includes your full name and reflects your address within the village. Types of identification may include driver's license, printed checks, a current utility bill sent through the mail, a real estate tax bill, or student identification.

Pay my Fines

You must come to the Circulation Desk to pay all fines. At this time the library is unable to accept credit card transactions.

Find the Library

We are located at 1201 Cedar Lane in Northbrook, IL 60062. We have general driving directions posted here, or if you prefer, you can generate your own from Yahoo.

Correct a Discrepancy on my Account

If you believe there is an error on your Library account, you can come to the Circulation Desk or call (847-272-6224) for assistance.

Get email notifications on Holds and Due Dates

You can sign up for email notifications of when holds arrive, a notice that items will be due in 3 days and overdue books through your Library Account .

Find the Hours that the Library is Open

Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m

See My Checked-out Items and Due Dates

In your account you can see what you have checked out, along with the due dates and any fines. You can get to your account here, but you will need your library card number and password to login (the default password is PATRON)..

Donate an Item to the Library

You can donate your books (in good condition) to our used book sale. Just bring them in to our Circulation Desk. For other items, please contact the Assistant Director at (847) 272-7074.

Find out what programs are being offered

You can learn about our many programs from the Latest Edition newsletter or our biweekly email newsletter. We also have information on adult programs and children's programs on this website.

Register for a Class

Registration for our computer classes is conducted though our Reference Department. Information on the classes and registration instructions is available through our newsletter. Registration for our AARP Safe Driving Classes can be done at the Reader Services Desk.

Obtain Materials not Available in the Library

Many popular materials that are not currently available in the Library can be found at other local libraries within our catalog consortium. When you find one of these items, you can click on the "Hold" icon on the left side of the screen, then fill out the request form and the materials will be sent to the Library for you. Periodical articles and books from libraries outside of our consortium can also be ordered. Please contact the Reference Department by email or call them at (847)272-4873 for more details.

Reserve a Study Room

Study Rooms can only be reserved by patrons with a Northbrook library card. You can reserve a room by contacting our staff in the Periodicals Room either in person or by calling (847) 272-4980.

Reserve a Meeting Room

Please contact our Reader Services Desk at (847)272-2957 to reserve a meeting room.

Use an Internet or Workstation Computer

Computers are available both in the Youth Services and Reference Departments. For quick use we have 15 minute terminals in Reference, but if you will need a computer for a longer period you will need to reserve time using your library card. More information on the reservation system is here. Wireless access is available throughout the Library for patrons with laptops and other portable devices.

Get a Job at the Library

The Library posts notices of all jobs on the North Suburban Library System Job Board. You can also come into the Business Office from 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday to find out about open positions and to pick up an application.

Have an Art Exhibit

We have a new art exhibit every month which is available for both solo and group shows. Contact the Assistant Director at (847) 272-7074 to arrange a show.

Submit a Compliment, Suggestion, or Concern

Feedback forms are available in the Library at the Circulation Desk. We also have a convenient online form.

Use Library Services for the Disabled

The library offers a wide range of services and technologies forthe disabled. Information on these services can be found on our website and you can also contact our Reader Services Department by email or by phone at (847) 272-2957.

Volunteer at the Library

Volunteers are an integral part of the library. If you would like to volunteer your time, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (847) 272-7081 on Tuesdays from 9-12:30, Thursdays from 9-12:30 and Fridays from 1-5.

Make a Purchase Suggestion

We only take purchase suggestions from Norhtbrook residents with a valid library card. You are welcome to call the library to make a suggestion, or you can use the online form.

Find Recommended Materials

We have many resources for readers of all ages looking for that special item. Adult materials can be found here and Children's recommendations, here.

Report a Lost or Stolen Card

If your card has gone missing, please call our Circulation Desk at (847)272-6224 to report it.

Purchase a Nonresident Card

People who live in unincorporated Northbrook may purchase nonresident cards by bringing a current real estate tax bill, a current lease form, or a current cancelled rent check, and identification which includes full name and address. A purchased nonresident card has full rights at the Northbrook Public Library and it will be honored by many other libraries. Nonresident card prices are roughly based (in a range) of .00215 of your home's taxable equalized valuation, which is equivalent to that residents pay. Nonresident cards may be purchased on a prorated basis for those who spend a significant part of the year out of state. Contact our Circulation Department for more information.