Library Board approved May 18, 2010. Revised April 25, 2023.
The Oak Park Public Library, as stated in the Library’s Collection Strategy Statement, is committed to resource sharing at local, state, and national levels as demonstrated by our membership and participation in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), the System Wide Automated Network (SWAN), ILLINET, and WorldShare Interlibrary Loan. Our membership in various consortia demonstrates our beliefs that engagement, supportive learning, and responsible stewardship are collaborative endeavors.
According to SWAN Circulation Policy, circulation rules (loan periods, fine rates, grace periods, numbers of renewals, and maximum charges by type of material) are established by the charging library.
The Oak Park Public Library Borrowing of Library Items Policy applies to anyone who is eligible to register as an Oak Park cardholder or reciprocal borrower at the Oak Park Public Library.
A. LOAN PERIODS AND RENEWAL
The default loan period for items is three weeks. The loan period for Multicultural Collection circulating items is four weeks. The loan period for digital collections and non-standard formats (devices, equipment, etc.) varies. Items will automatically renew up to five times, as long as they are not on hold for another cardholder. Hot Picks, Multicultural items, and some non-standard formats cannot be renewed. The total item checkout limit is 200.
B. OVERDUE FINES
All cardholders will have an overdue fine-free privilege when using the Oak Park Public Library. Oak Park Public Library cardholders are only responsible for overdue fines when checking out at other libraries that charge fines for overdue materials.
C. NEVER RETURNED AND DAMAGED ITEMS
All cardholders are responsible for never returned and damaged items. Charges for never returned or damaged items are determined by the owning library. Oak Park Public Library items are calculated at the full value at the time of purchase.
D. BLOCKED OR SUSPENDED LIBRARY CARDS
Oak Park Public Library cardholders who owe $50.00 or more in charges will have their borrowing privileges blocked until their charges have been paid or reduced below $50.00. Oak Park Public Library cardholders who have more than three items overdue at any one time will have their borrowing privileges blocked until the overdue items are returned or reduced below three.
E. OTHER CIRCULATION PARAMETERS
The Executive Director may set all other circulation parameters and modify existing parameters as the Executive Director deems necessary.
