Borrow Materials From the Library

Many items have a three-week check out period and may be renewed twice unless there is a hold on the item or your account is not in good standing.  

Popular DVDs check out is for 7 days and can be renewed once.

Special collections such as Playaway Launchpads, umbrellas and doll kits have a circulation limit of one item per cardholder.

Video games have a limit of two per cardholder, a checkout length of 7 days and can be renewed twice.

Overdue fines are no longer collected on most materials. However, fines still accrue for our Most Wanted Collection at 25¢ per day for books and $1 per day for video games and Playaway Launchpads.  

Fines and Fees

The Joliet Public Library is now fine free on most collection items. 

• Fee Schedule
• Circulation Policy (en Español)

What does this mean?

Under the new fine free policy, patrons are still encouraged to return materials in a responsible and timely manner, but there will no longer be charges for daily overdue fines on most items. Interlibrary loans, Playaway Launchpads, Most Wanted Collection and video games will still accrue daily overdue fines. In addition, patrons will still be responsible for replacement charges for lost or damaged items. The fine free policy will apply to future fines. Amnesty opportunities for past fines will be available soon.

What happens if I have an overdue item?

Late fees will no longer apply, but your account will be blocked from further use after 7 days overdue until the item is returned or replaced. 

You will be billed for items not returned after 14 days overdue. 

How do I pay a replacement cost? 

To pay a replacement fee or past fine, visit My Account. You will need to log in using your library card number and PIN; once you have logged in, locate the tab at the bottom with the title "MY ACCOUNT" and click on the Fines and Fees link. Then you can follow the simple instructions to pay via credit card. Payment is made through the secure Illinois State Treasurer's Office, and all major credit cards are accepted.

We also accept payments at the circulation desk in any of the two branches. 

Renew Library Material

You can renew materials either

• in person
• online
• or by phone  

	Visit our Circulation Desks at each branch to have our friendly staff assist you in renewing your materials.
	To renew online access your account from our homepage by clicking on My Account.  If your items is eligible for renewal and no one else is waiting to check it out, we will automatically renew it for you. If there is a hold on the item or you have renewed the item twice, you will not be able to renew the item. You will receive an email three days before your item is due to let you know if the item was automatically renewed or if it is almost due.
	To renew by phone please call our 24-hour renewal number 1-815-740-0978.  You will need to have your library card number available.

  Please be aware that there are items that cannot be renewed:

• Items that have holds
• Items that are over the renewal limit

Place a Hold

You may place a hold on an item in our catalog by going to My Account and logging in with your library card. You may also use any of our catalog computers if you are in the library. In an effort to get items to you faster, items will be held for pick up for 2 days.  If you need assistance with placing holds, please ask a staff member.