FAQ
How do I know if a Bookmobile stop is cancelled?
During inclement weather, tune in to one of the local radio stations for an announcement about the Bookmobile. These stations are WBNQ 101.5 FM, WJBC 1230 AM, and B104 FM.
You can also check the library’s Web site. Emergency cancellations will be announced on the homepage. Bookmobile stops are also cancelled when they fall on a holiday or a time when the library is closed. If the library is closed, the Bookmobile does not run.
What is the amount charged for overdue items?
Daily and total overdue costs per item are:
- Children’s items - 5 cents a day to a total of $2
- Adult or teen items - 10 cents a day to a total of $5
- Videos or DVDs - 50 cents a day to a total of $10
If I miss my stop, can I return my materials at another stop or at the library?
Yes, you can. However, overdue fines begin to accrue the day after the due date. To avoid fines and renew your materials, e-mail outreach@bloomingtonlibrary.org or call the library at 828.6091 ext. 221. Items cannot be renewed if someone else has a hold on them or if they have been renewed once already.
Can Bookmobile materials be returned to the Normal Public Library?
Yes, the Normal and Bloomington libraries work cooperatively in the same library system. Simply allow a couple of days for the items to get back to their home location.
Can items from the Normal Public Library be returned to the Bookmobile?
Yes, we can return Normal and Bloomington materials for you. For items from the Normal Public Library, allow a couple extra days for them to be sent back.
How long are materials from the Bookmobile checked out for?
Everything is due in three weeks, which is the time between Bookmobile stops. If a holiday occurs on the day of your stop, materials will be checked out to you for six weeks.
What types of items are on the Bookmobile?
Materials for all ages, including books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs, and audio books on cassette and CD. The bookmobile offers almost everything the library does. See what's new on the Bookmobile by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter!
How can I get a schedule of Bookmobile stops?
You may receive a free schedule at any Bookmobile stop, at the library, or by calling and requesting one through the mail. Call us at 828.6091 ext. 221.
What is EXT?
Outreach Services used to be called the Extension Department. To better reflect the variety of services we offer, the name was changed several years ago. However, the cost and number of hours of staff time to re-label the collection is not justifiable. So older titles in the collection are labeled EXT, newer items have OTR on them.
Are items in the Outreach collection, as listed in the library's catalog, available for check out at the library itself? If so, how can I get them?
Yes, they are available. If you are at the library, the staff at the Adult or Children’s Reference Desks can get the items for you. If you are at home, call the library to request that the materials be held for you at the Check Out Desk.
Are all items listed as OTR in the catalog on the Bookmobile?
No, they are not. The Bookmobile carries about 3,500 items. The collection contains about 36,000 items. So most of the titles are in Outreach Services. If you want a specific item, call the library to request it or fill out a Hold card. We don't want you to waste time tracking down the Bookmobile at a stop only to learn that the item you want is not on the vehicle.
If you have any other questions, please email outreach@bloomingtonlibrary.org or phone 828.6091 ext. 221.