Holds
You may place holds on library materials:
- By selecting "Place Hold" from the online catalog on our website.
- By phone at 309-590-6122.
- In person with a staff member in the Library or on the Bookmobile.
Please be aware the there are some limitations on placing holds:
- Up to 15 hold requests may be on your library card at one time.
- Most Wanted items are not available for holds.
- Items you requested that are currently checked out may not be returned by the due date stated in the catalog.
Holds Notification/Pickup:
- The Library will attempt to notify you by email or phone when your requested items are ready for pick up.
- You may check the status of holds by using the "ACCOUNT LOGIN" feature on the Library's webpage or by calling 309-590-6120.
- Hold items at the Main Library will be kept on the hold shelf for 7 days from the date they are available.
- Hold items on the Bookmobile are kept until your next regularly scheduled stop.
- You must use the same library card to request and to check out your hold item.
Check Out Limits
Your library card allows you to have up to 50 items checked out from Bloomington Public Library with the following limits:
| Limit |
Item Type |
| 10 |
Audiobooks |
| 2 |
Book Club Kits |
| 1 |
Children's Learning Kits |
| 10 |
Magazines |
| 20 |
CDs |
| 10 |
DVDs* |
| 10 |
Children's DVDs* |
| 10 |
Blu-Rays* |
| 10 |
Children's Blu-Rays* |
| 2 |
Video Games/Software |
*The Bookmobile limits the number of DVDs and Blu-Rays that can be checked out at one time to ten (10).
Check Out Lengths
Due dates are listed on your checkout receipt which you can print or email to yourself.
| Item Type |
1 Week |
2 Weeks |
3 Weeks |
| Books |
|
|
X |
| Audiobooks |
|
|
X |
| CDs |
|
|
X |
| Bookmobile Items |
|
|
X |
| New Fiction |
|
X |
|
| Magazines |
|
X |
|
| DVD, Blu-Ray & VHS |
X |
|
|
| Video Games/Software |
X |
|
|
| Children's Learning Kit |
X |
|
|
| Most Wanted |
X |
|
|
Longer Loan Periods:
Returning Materials
Please return borrowed materials promptly so others may enjoy them. Materials should be returned by closing time on the date shown on your receipt. Materials returned after the Library closes will not be checked in until the next day that the Library is open. If you lose your receipt, you may view your due dates by accessing your account online.
During regular library hours, it is best to return library materials at the Return Station near the Check Out Desk. Materials may also be returned on the Bookmobile. Please make sure all pieces of the item are included before you return an item. Incomplete items may not be accepted for return.
Bloomington Public Library has drive-up book drops located near the Library's entrance. They are intended for use during times when the Library is closed. Customers need to make sure all items have dropped inside the book drop, and should not use the book drop if it is full.
You may return materials to other Illinois libraries, but the material will remain checked out on your account until it is received by the Bloomington Public Library.
Automatic renewals apply to all Bloomington Public Library items which are eligible for renewal:
- o The following items are not eligible for renewal:
- Items which have already reached the renewal maximum of 3 renewals.
- Items which another patron has reserved using the Library’s Holds service.
- Interlibrary loan items. (These can be manually renewed by phone at 309-828-6093, if the lending library allows.)
- Items in our “Most Wanted” collection.
- eContent.
- o Automatic renewals apply to all accounts.
- o You will receive text and email notices 2 days before items are due.
- o You are still able to check the due date of items and renew items early by clicking "ACCOUNT LOGIN" on the Library's homepage.
- o Feel free to call us at 309-309-590-6120 with questions.
Setting or Using your password:
Bloomington Library has made a change to better protect your library card account. You will need both your library card and your password to check out materials and to access your account online.
Not sure what your password is? If you haven't personalized it, try the last 4 digits fo your phone number.
You may change your password any time by logging into your account at the Library's website, www.bloomingtonlibrary.org. The instructions follow:
- Click on "Account Login" at top of Library homepage.
- A form will populate asking for your library card and password. Type in your account number which is below the barcode on your library card and your current password.
- Click on 'Forget Your Password', and you will see the 3 fields for entering password information. First, type in your current password, followed by one you create, then confirm your new password by retyping it, then click the 'Update' button.
- A box will pop up requesting confirmation of the password change. Click on your account number and on OK button. You will see a message in green 'Password has been changed.'
If you have any questions, please ask at a public service desk during your next library visit or call one of these departments:
- Circulation, 309-309-590-6120
- Adult Services, 309-590-6141
- Children's, 309-590-6155
