Holds
You may place holds on library materials:
- By selecting "Place Hold" from the online catalog on our website.
- By phone at 309-828-6093.
- 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 "My Account" feature on the Library's webpage or by calling 309-828-6092.
- 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.
Be sure to have your library card handy, as you will need to know your account number in order to renew materials.
You can renew your materials in the following ways:
- Online by clicking "My Account" on the Library's homepage.
- By phone 309-828-6092.
- At the Library or on the Bookmobile by bringing your library card and/or materials to the Check Out Desk.
- Interlibrary loan materials may be renewed by phone at 309-828-6093, if the lending library allows.
Be sure to verify that the item has been successfully renewed by noting the new due date.
An item cannot be renewed if:
- It is on hold for another customer.
- It is a Book Discussion Kit or Most Wanted.
- It has already been renewed the maximum number of times (3).
- It is overdue by 28 days or more.
- The account it is checked out to has fines/fees of $10 or more.
Setting or Using your PIN:
Bloomington Library has made a change to better protect your library card account. You will need both your library card and your PIN to check out materials and to access your account online.
Not sure what your PIN is? If you haven't personalized it, try the last 4 digits fo your phone number.
You may change your PIN any time by logging into your account at the Library's website, www.bloomingtonlibrary.org. The instructions follow:
- Click on 'My Account' at top of Library homepage.
- A form will populate asking for your library card and pin. Type in your account number which is below the barcode on your library card and your current PIN.
- Click on 'Change PIN' (second arrow down), and you will see the 3 fields for entering PIN information. First, type in your current PIN, followed by one you create, then confirm your new PIN by retyping it, then click the 'Update' button.
- A box will pop up requesting confirmation of the PIN change. Click on your account number and on OK button. You will see a message in green 'PIN 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, 309-828-6092
- Adult Services, 309-828-6093
- Children's, 309-828-6094
