Special Needs

Volunteering

Borrowing Materials

LOAN PERIODS & FINES

LOST/DAMAGED ITEM CHARGES

Please call (708) 562-3573 during library hours if you prefer to talk to someone directly.

RETURNING MATERIALS
Materials can be returned inside the library or in the outdoor materials return boxes. They may also be returned to any member library within the Metropolitan Library System. The Westchester Public Library makes every effort to assure our library patron records are accurate and materials borrowed and returned are appropriately checked in.

Library users may request a search for an item which they claim to have returned, or which they believe they never borrowed from the library. Requests for a search may be made in person or by telephone. Patrons are asked to have their library card in hand before requesting a search. The library card number is required to perform the search.

• Patrons are asked to continue searching for the item at home. Staff will search the shelves once a week for four weeks from the date the search is requested.
  
• Library users retain their same library privileges during the four-week search period.
  
• If the item or items the user claims to have returned or never to have checked out are not located during the four-week search period, the items will be considered lost and the user becomes responsible for the appropriate charges.

RENEWALS
Materials may be renewed for an additional loan period

• In person – bring the items along with your library card to the Circulation Desk.
  
• Online through the SWAN Online Catalog.
  
• By phone - call (708) 562-3573 and request a library employee to renew library items for you. You will need the items and your library card in-hand before placing this call. Most library items may be renewed as long as no other library patron has requested the items. There is a limit of one renewal on most items.
  
• If items are overdue, renewals need to be done at the library and any fines accrued need to be paid.

YOUR LIBRARY ACCOUNT
All registered borrowers may view their own library record from the SWAN online library catalog. This allows you to see what items are checked out and what fines have accrued. You may also renew eligible items and place any requests for titles you want.

REQUESTS & HOLDS
Library patrons with valid library cards may place a request on most circulating materials. The maximum number of requests a patron may have at any one time is 50.

If you are unable to find the book on the shelf, ask a library employee to help you. They may be able to locate the item elsewhere in the Library System. If the item you want is not available, you may request the item to be held for you. You will be notified by phone or mail. If you wish to receive your notification via email, you may register for this service at the circulation desk. The item will be held in your name for up to 5 days from the date you were notified.

REGISTERING FOR A LIBRARY CARD
Residents of Westchester are eligible for a library card. Two forms of ID with patron's name and Westchester address are required. Examples of acceptable idenfication include:

Identity

[or , a combination of two non-photo ID verifying name & birth date: birth or baptismal certificate, photo credit card, social security card, etc.]

Residency

Exception--if photo ID does not have up-to-date Westchester address:
[two forms of residency verification are required of Westchester address if photo ID is not current.]

Residents of Westchester under 16 years of age:

• May use identification with the family name and address (see above)
  
• Must also have a signature of a parent or legal guardian who resides in Westchester on the application form
  
• The parent or legal guardian must accompany the youth to the library when completing the application form.