Borrowing Materials

Anyone with a valid Illinois public library card can borrow most materials here. Cardholders that are part of our online catalog consortium (30+ libraries) are already registered in our system; if your public library isn’t part of our consortium, you can register your card at our Service Center.

Use your CAPL library card to borrow physical items in the Library or to access ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming titles available through our Digital Branch. If you are looking for a specific title, search the catalog and, if it’s checked out, place a hold on the item through your account. You may also request items we don’t own through our Interlibrary Loan service.

To checkout materials, please bring your library card with you or store your card number in our app (iOS | Android). You can checkout items at the Service Center or at a self-checkout machine. Holds can be checked out in the Library or at the Drive-up Window, which you can designate when you place the hold.

While we welcome users with cards from other libraries, some of our collections require a CAPL card to borrow. These collections include our Library of Things, Kids’ Library of Things, STEAM Kits, video games, Launchpads, and Wonderbooks. All of our digital titles and resources require a CAPL card to access.

Fines & Fees

We are fine-free. You will not be charged overdue fines for CAPL items that are returned late. However, due dates still apply, and borrowing privileges may be suspended if items are not returned promptly. Read through our Fine-Free FAQs to learn more. Charges for lost or damaged items also still apply (see the Lost & Damaged Items section below). Items borrowed from other libraries may incur fines and are subject to the owning libraries’ policies.

Loan Periods

Items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the owning libraries’ policies on loan periods and renewals.

  • CAPL books, audiobooks, CDs, Wonderbooks, Yoto Players, and Kits (STEAM, Theme, and Memory Care) checkout for 3 weeks
  • New and Hot Pick Adult Fiction books and children’s holiday picture and board books checkout for 2 weeks
  • Magazines, DVDs/Blu-rays, Video games, Playaway Views, Playaway Launchpads, and Tonieboxes checkout for 1 week
  • Digital collection checkout times vary by service; most expire automatically, and some can be returned early
  • Library of Things items checkout for one week, and one renewal is available if no holds are pending (the sewing machine checks out for three weeks)
  • Wireless hotspots checkout for one week and are not renewable. Hotspots will be deactivated immediately after the due date. There is a reactivation fee ($10) if the hotspot is not returned to the Library on the due date
  • Instant Book Club Bags checkout for 6 weeks

Limits

By quantity

By age

Renewals

Lost & Damaged Items

The Library does not accept materials in lieu of payment. Your account will be charged the replacement cost for the item(s), and you will be unable to borrow any new materials until it is paid. You may pay by cash or check at the Service Center or by credit/debit card online through your account.

Holds & Requests

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our collections, you can:

  • Place a hold: CAPL is linked to 30+ other area libraries in our online catalog, allowing you to easily place a hold through your account on materials that are currently checked out or not available here. If an item you’re looking for is not available at any area library with which we share resources, we may be able to request the item through Interlibrary Loan. Holds and requested items will be sent to CAPL for you to pick up. You will be notified when they are available.
  • Borrow from other libraries: You can visit other public libraries and check out materials in person with your CAPL card. Please note that if you check out materials in person at another library, different restrictions, loan rules, and fees may apply.
  • CAPL cardholders may suggest a purchase.

Returning Materials

You may return items in our automated return slots inside the Library, which you’ll find to the right of the Service Center. You may also return items in our 24/7 Drive-up return slots on the east side of the building (school side), just past the Window. Some items that are too large or breakable are required to be brought to the Service Center.