How do I...FAQ

The DeKalb Public Library offers several types of library cards in order to serve the community. Anyone living within the DeKalb city limits pays taxes to support the library and is eligible for a free card. There are also options for those living outside the city limits. Identification verifying your current address and a photo ID are required to apply for all types of cards. A driver's license with your current address will meet both criteria. If you have any questions, please call 756-9568.

The following describes the different types of library cards we offer:

DeKalb Resident Cards:

Free to individuals who reside within the DeKalb city limits and have verification of their current address and a photo ID.

Non-Resident Taxpayer Card:

Individuals who reside outside the DeKalb city limits, but pay taxes on property within the DeKalb city limits are eligible for a card in the name of the taxpayer. Must bring current tax bill along with photo ID and proof of current residence's address.

Non-Resident Homeowner Fee Card:

Families who reside outside the DeKalb city limits but are still within the DeKalb school district and do not qualify as reciprocal borrowers may purchase a card for an annual fee of $93 per family in lieu of taxes. Photo ID and proof of address required.

Non-Resident Renter's Fee Cards:

If you rent outside the city limits of DeKalb but are still within the DeKalb school district, an individual renter’s fee card for use of the library is $38. Patron must bring rental contract in their name when registering, along with a photo ID.

Reciprocal Borrower Cards:

The DeKalb Public Library honors cards from other Illinois Full Member Participating Public Libraries as long as the patron's card has not expired and they are in good standing at their home library. Photo ID required.

Most items may be renewed one time only. Items on reserve, video games and Best Sellers may not be renewed. You may renew in person, by phone, or online using your account through the library's online catalog.

Reserves and Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Reserves or "holds" may be placed on items that are not currently available at the library. Reserves may be made in person or by using one's account through the library's online catalog.

Patrons must have a current valid DeKalb Public Library card with less than $5.00 dollars in fines and less than 5 overdue items.

A maximum of 15 hold requests may be placed at any one time.

These interlibrary loan requests require a great deal of staff time and resources, so beginning June 1, 2011, there will be a $1.00 fine on each interlibrary loan item that is not picked up after seven days.

We will notify patrons the day an item arrives on day one, and on day 8, if the item(s) has not been picked up, staff will return item(s) to their lending libraries and impose fines. We cannot hold items longer than seven days per the state mandated rules of inter library loan.

Please take this opportunity to ensure that your contact information is up to date, and feel free to ask a staff member if you have any further questions. We will be happy to show you how to “freeze” and cancel holds.

DeKalb Public Library strives to provide its patrons with excellent service and materials. However, no library can have everything and the extended network of interlibrary loan offers our patrons an even greater array of resources. The Illinois State Library has provided the funding for this service for 40 years.  

However, these interlibrary loan requests require a great deal of staff time and resources, so beginning June 1, 2011, there will be a $1.00 fine on each interlibrary loan item that is not picked up after seven days.

We will notify patrons the day an item arrives on day one, and on day 8, if the item(s) has not been picked up, staff will return item(s) to their lending libraries and impose fines. We cannot hold items longer than seven days per the state mandated rules of inter library loan.

Please take this opportunity to ensure that your contact information is up to date, and feel free to ask a staff member if you have any further questions. We will be happy to show you how to “freeze” and cancel holds.

DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115-3369
815-756-9568
Fax: 815-756-7837
dkplref@dkpl.org

If you are certain an item is lost, you may pay the replacement charge at either circulation desk. Bring your library card or photo ID so that our staff may access your record. Payment may be made by cash or check at the circulation desks, or by credit card at the self-check machine. If you elect to pay at the self-check machine, please notify staff so that they can fill out the necessary paperwork on the item.

If you locate the missing item within 30 days after you have paid for it, bring the item to the library, and you will receive a reimbursement for the cost of the item.

Please do not purchase an item and bring it in to replace the lost/damaged item. Replacements are purchased through the library.

The DeKalb Public Library subscribes to a database called Learning Express Library. Below you will find a link to that program. Our website will ask you for your library card number and your last name before it transfers you to Learning Express Library, so have your library card ready.

If this is your first time using Learning Express Library, you will need to set up an account for yourself. Click the button that says "Register" under "New Users" to the right, and follow the instructions to create a Learning Express Library account.

Once you've created your account, click on the appropriate link for your grade level (elementary school, middle school, high school, etc.) to access the wide range of options available, including practice with math skills, reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary, spelling skills, and much more!

Click here to go to Learning Express Library.

The DeKalb Public Library subscribes to a database called Learning Express Library. Below you will find a link to that program. Our website will ask you for your library card number and your last name before it transfers you to Learning Express Library, so have your library card ready.

If this is your first time using Learning Express Library, you will need to set up an account for yourself. Click the button that says "Register" under "New Users" to the right, and follow the instructions to create a Learning Express Library account.

Once you've created your account, click on the "College Preparation" link to the left to access the wide range of practice college preparation exams available!

Click here to go to Learning Express Library.

The DeKalb Public Library subscribes to a database called Learning Express Library. Below you will find a link to that program. Our website will ask you for your library card number and your last name before it transfers you to Learning Express Library, so have your library card ready.

If this is your first time using Learning Express Library, you will need to set up an account for yourself. Click the button that says "Register" under "New Users" to the right, and follow the instructions to create a Learning Express Library account.

Once you've created your account, click on the "Computer Skills" link to the left to get help using a wide array of common computer programs, including both Mac and Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office!

Click here to go to Learning Express Library.

The DeKalb Public Library subscribes to a database called Learning Express Library. Below you will find a link to that program. Our website will ask you for your library card number and your last name before it transfers you to Learning Express Library, so have your library card ready.

If this is your first time using Learning Express Library, you will need to set up an account for yourself. Click the button that says "Register" under "New Users" to the right, and follow the instructions to create a Learning Express Library account.

Once you've created your account, click on the "GED Preparation" link to the left to access the wide range of practice exams available!

Click here to go to Learning Express Library..

Go to the Children's Book Award List. You can also access it from the Children page. This will bring you to a page listing a variety of awards.

Explore the various lists available. Some awards are for the writing, and some are for the illustrations. Others focus on a particular age or ethnic group. There are children’s choice awards for the state of Illinois, as well as national awards.

The majority of children's programs are walk-in, and you do not need to register in advance.

For programs requiring registration, you may register in person at the Youth Desk, by phone at 815-756-9568 ext 250, or by e-mailing Reference Desk at dkplref@dkpl.org. Reference will forward your information to the Youth Department.

Go To Learning Express Library. Learning Express Library offers practice tests, exercises, and skill-building courses for a variety of age levels. You can also access this link through our Online Databases, listed on the right sidebar.

For educational games focusing on reading, math, and various other skills, check out our local educational links.

You can also access the educational games by clicking on the Children tab on the left side of the Home page. Then click on Local and Other Links of Interest. A variety of links will appear. The links are roughly grouped into categories. Under the heading "Educational" there are various educational games focusing on reading and math, and other various skills.

Visit www.lexile.com. (This site is not affiliated with the DeKalb Public Library or District 428.) Type in the score you received from your teacher. This will bring up a list of books on your reading level. Many of them will be available at the library.

Teachers are eligible for a six-week special loan period for classroom materials. Before you begin checking out your materials, inform the desk staff that you would like a teacher loan. Staff will alter the due date in the computer, so that instead of the usual three-week-loan, you will receive a six-week teacher loan. There is no fee for this service.

Teachers in District 428 who reside outside DeKalb city limits, and DO NOT qualify for a reciprocal borrowing card, may request a teacher courtesy card. Public, private, nursery, and daycare teachers may be eligible. There is no fee for this service.

Bring in your photo ID name tag with a current date and the name of the school/daycare, OR bring in a letter (on school/daycare letterhead) from the school principal or head of the daycare stating teacher is currently employed there (along with photo ID).

You will also need to bring in proof of your home address.

The teacher card is valid for 1 year, and is kept on file at the Youth Services desk. You must show photo ID when checking out.

There are some restrictions. The card may only be used at the DeKalb Public Library. The card is for classroom materials ONLY, not for personal use.

Call or come in to the Youth Department. Let staff know the age/grade level, topic, and number of items you would like. Inform staff when you would like to pick up the material. Please allow a couple of days for staff to locate the material. When you come in to pick up the items, you may sort through, and leave anything you believe will not suit your needs.

The library is a public place. The best way to safeguard children is to stay with them at all times while in the library. Library policy requires children under age 7 to be accompanied and directly supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

As another measure of safety, all children, including toddlers, are required to wear shoes while visiting the library.

If your child is alone at the library at closing time, it is library policy that two staff members wait with the child for up to 15 minutes after closing for a ride to arrive. Fifteen minutes after closing, if the child has not been picked up, library staff notifies the police department. Both library staff members wait with the child in a visible area for the police to arrive. At that time police take custody of the child.