Borrowing
Check Out Periods
Most items check out for 21 days and don't have overdue fines. We’re fine-free, but due dates still apply.
Renewals: Most items renew automatically up to 3 times, unless another patron has placed a hold.
Overdue items: Once an item is 2 weeks overdue, your account is locked until you return it. While locked, you can’t check out items or use our digital downloads and databases.
Lost items: After 45 days overdue, an item may be considered lost, and you may be charged its replacement cost.
Reminders: We can email you before items are due. To turn on reminders, sign in to your library account.
Check Out Periods by Format
Northbrook Public Library Cardholders
Almost all the items in our catalog are available to borrow for 21 days and renew automatically for Northbrook cardholders. The exceptions are below:
- Windows laptop or MacBook: available to borrow for in-library use for up to 3 hours
- Lucky Day DVDs and Blu-rays (both adult and juvenile) are available to borrow for 7 days
- New DVD/Blu-rays (both adult and juvenile) are available to borrow for 7 days
- Library of Things items are available to borrow for 7 days
- Items that are not eligible for renewal: Lucky Day books, Lucky Day DVD/Blu-rays, Library of Things items, and any item with a hold.
Reciprocal Cardholders
Have a card from another library? Most items are available to checkout:
- New and Lucky Day movies check out for 1 week.
- Library of Things items are not available for checkout to reciprocal borrowers.
- All other materials check out for 3 weeks.
Checkout Limits
Northbrook Public Library Cardholders
Item checkout maximums for Northbrook Public Library cardholders.
- Total Items (including books): 150
- CDs: Up to 50
- Kits: Up to 3
- Library of Things Items: Up to 3
- Movies: Up to 50
- Video Games: Up to 10
Non-Northbrook Cardholders
Have a card from another library? Most items are available to checkout:
- New and Lucky Day movies check out for 1 week.
- Library of Things items are not available for checkout to reciprocal borrowers.
- All other materials check out for 3 weeks.
Item checkout maximums:
- Total Items (including books): Up to 50
- CDs: Up to 25
- Kits: 1
- Library of Things items: 0
- Movies: Up to 25
- Video Games: Up to 5
Borrow From Another Library: Interlibrary Loan
Can't find a book or article at the library, or in our library system? Northbrook Library cardholders can request books, articles, CDs, and DVDs through interlibrary loan from libraries across the United States.
We offer two options: Find More Illinois and WorldCat FirstSearch. (Find More Illinois typically results in faster delivery, so we suggest trying it first.)
You can also make an Interlibrary Loan request by emailing reference@northbrook.info, calling the library at 847-272-6224, or visiting any of the service desks on the second and third floors. Please provide as much information about the item as possible, such as title, author, publisher, and year of publication.
WorldCat
Search for and request materials throughout the United States. When you find the item you want to borrow, select the "Borrow this item from another library" link, fill out the form, and click Submit.
Please note: We recommend WorldCat FirstSearch for the best results, but you can also use WorldCat.org as an alternative interface.
Find More Illinois
Search for and request materials throughout Illinois. Log in with your library card number and password/PIN.