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Borrowing & Holds

We're proudly fine-free, but due dates still apply. Learn about our loan periods, checkout limits, holds, how to request an interlibrary loan and how to suggest a purchase.

Loan Periods & Renewals

  • 21 days: Most items, including books
  • 7 days: New and Lucky Day DVDs and Blu-rays, and Library of Things items
  • 3 hours: Windows laptops and MacBooks, for use inside the library. (Northbrook cardholders only.)

Renewals: Items renew automatically up to 3 times. Lucky Day and Popular Pick items, Library of Things items, and items with holds can't be renewed.

To get email reminders before items are due, sign in to your library account.

Northbrook Cardholders

  • Total items: 150 (including books)
  • Movies and CDs: 50
  • Video games: 10
  • Kits: 3
  • Library of Things: 3

Cardholders from other libraries

  • Total items: 50 (including books)
  • Movies and CDS: 25
  • Video games: 5
  • Kits: 1
  • Library of Things: Not eligible

Overdue & Lost Items

  • 2 weeks overdue: Your account will be locked until you return the item; you won't be able to check out items or use digital downloads and databases.
  • 45 days overdue: The item may be considered lost, and you may be charged its replacement cost.

Holds

Place holds online in our catalog or call 847-272-6224. Most items can be placed on hold, except:

  • Lucky Day items

  • Library of Things items and video games: Northbrook Library cardholders only

Picking up your holds

When we let you know your hold is ready, you have 7 days to pick it up during open hours.

Find it on the holds shelves inside the west entrance. Items are labeled with the first four letters of your last name, your first initial, and the last four digits of your card number.

Check it out before you leave at a self-checkout machine, in our library app, or at the Welcome Desk.

Can't make it inside?

Try curbside pickup: Park in one of the two designated spots at the west entrance and call 847-272-6224. Staff will bring your holds to your car.

We also offer a Home Delivery Service for Northbrook Public Library cardholders who are temporarily or permanently confined to their residence.

Borrow from Another Library: Interlibrary Loan

Can't find an item in our library system? Northbrook Library cardholders can request books, articles, CDs, and DVDs through interlibrary loan from libraries across the United States.

Interlibrary loan resources

Find More Illinois

Search libraries in Illinois. It's usually faster, so try it first. Sign in with your card number and password or PIN.

WorldCat

Search libraries across the U.S. Find the item and select "Borrow this item from another library." WorldCat.org is another option.

Can't find your item?

Can't locate an item in our catalog, Find More Illinois, or WorldCat? Complete our purchase suggestion form

Suggest a Purchase