Borrowing Policies Borrowing Policies

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Borrowing Policies

Loan Periods

Most library materials are loaned for three weeks. All current library cardholders may have a maximum of 30 items on a current account. This includes items checked out, holds and/or interlibrary loan requests.

Material Type Item Limit Loan Period Overdue Fine
(per item)		 Maximum Overdue Fine
(per item)
Books 30 3 weeks 20 cents/day $10
CDs, cassettes, LPs, digital players 6 3 weeks 20 cents/day $10
Videos and DVDs 6 1 week $2/day $20
Museum Passports (adult residents only) 1 1 week $2/day $20
Interlibrary loan (any item type) 9 Varies Varies Varies
Renewing Library Materials

Learn how to renew library materials »

Placing Holds

Learn how to place a hold on library materials »


Returning Library Materials

Most materials checked out from any Chicago Public Library location may be returned to any Chicago Public Library location in person or through a bookdrop. Museum Passports must be returned to the place of issue. Late materials will accrue fines.


Fines/Fees

Fines are charged only if materials are returned late. Failure to pay fines/fees will result in the borrower’s account being blocked and library services restricted. The Library accepts payments in the form of personal check, money order, traveler’s check (all over $5 with proper identification) and cash in any amount. CPL also accepts checks drawn against other banks outside Illinois with proper identification.


Lost Items/Refunds

Patrons will be assessed a fee for replacement or repair of lost or damaged materials they have checked out. The Library will not hold patrons responsible for items lost or damaged in fire, flood or by theft when documented by a police or insurance report. If an item is lost, the patron will be required to pay for the library material and any associated overdue fines (up to the maximum fine). Once paid for, the item belongs to the patron. If the item is found within 30 days of the date it was paid for, a refund can be obtained by bringing the item and the receipt to any library location. Chicago Public Library refunds only the cost of the library materials; any associated fines paid will not be refunded. Cash payments of $25 or less will be refunded in cash at any library location. For payments made by check or exceeding $25, a refund will be issued by U.S. mail from the Chicago Public Library Finance Department within 30 days of the refund request.