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Holds

Check Out Periods

You can place holds online or call us at 847-272-6224.

Almost all the items in our catalog are available to place on hold with your library card. The only exceptions are below:

  • Lucky Day items (Blu-rays, books, and DVDs) are not able to be placed on hold.
  • Our Library of Things* and Video Games collection: only Northbrook Library cardholders are able to put these items on hold.

* Library of Things items can be only be checked out to Northbrook Library cardholders. Video Games can be checked out by those with library cards outside Northbrook Library.

Can't find it in our catalog?  We may be able to order it for you from another library through Interlibrary Loan.

Placing and picking up holds

Our hold shelves are located inside our west entrance for quick pickup.  As soon as you receive notification that your holds are ready, you can stop in to check them out.

  1. Place one or more items on hold. Holds provide a quick and easy way for you to get library materials. You can place holds online or call us at 847-272-6224.
  2. Wait to be notified that your hold is in. As soon as you are notified that your holds are ready, you can stop by to pick them up and check them out. Your holds will remain on the Self-Service Holds shelves for 7 days after the notification is sent. You can pick up holds during our open hours.
  3. Pick up your hold items from the Hold shelves near the library's west entrance. Your items will be labeled with the first four letters of your last name, your first initial, and the last four digits of your library card number.
  4. Remember to check out your holds before you leave. Your hold items on the shelves have not been checked out to you in advance. You'll need to use your library card to check out your holds at one of our self-checkout machines, use our library app's self-checkout feature, or visit the Welcome Desk to check out your items.

What if I can't come into the library?

If you cannot enter the building, we can deliver your holds to your car. To use our Full-Service Holds service, please drive around the building to the west entrance and park in either of the two designated spots. Once you are parked, please call us at 847-272-6224, and library staff will bring your hold items to your car.

We also offer delivery and pick-up of library materials for Northbrook Public Library cardholders. Learn more about our Home Delivery Service.