Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the Palatine Library?

• What are the library's hours?

• What is the library's Mission Statement?

• How can I obtain a library card?

• Can I use my library card at other libraries?

• How long can I keep an item?

• How can I renew an item?

• Can I reserve an item?

• Can I get an email notification when my holds are ready?

• How much are overdue fines?

• What is the floor plan of the Main Library?

• Where are your fiction books?

• What is the Information Services Department?

• Do you have books in other languages?

• Do you have textbooks?

• Does the library have any special collections?

• Can I reserve a meeting room?

• Who are the Friends of the Library?

• Are there any employment opportunities at the library?

• Does the Palatine Library have a bookmobile?

• Does the Palatine Library have a book drop?

• Do you have services for people with disabilities?

• Do you offer any outreach services?

• Can I check out passes to museums or the Brookfield Zoo?

• Can I volunteer at the library?

 

Where is the Palatine Library?

 

The Palatine Public Library has one main location and two branches.

 

The address of the Main Library is:

700 N. North Court

Palatine, IL 60067

 

The phone number is  847-358-5881.

 

The address of the Freeman Road Branch is:

1262 Freeman Road

Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

 

The phone number is  847-934-0220.

Click here to see this location on Google Maps.

The Rand Road Branch is located in the Palatine Opportunity Center. The address is:

1585 Rand Road

Palatine, Illinois, 60074.

 

The phone number is 847-202-1194.

 

Click here to see this location on Google Maps.
 

 

What are the library's hours?

 

The Main Library hours are:

Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. through 9 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Sunday 12 p.m. through 5 p.m.

 

The Freeman Road Branch hours are:

Monday - Thursday 12 p.m. through 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.

 

The Rand Road Branch hours are:

Monday & Thursday 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

The Library is closed for the following holidays in FY 2009-2010:

Independence Day

Observation of Labor Day

Labor Day

Staff Institute Day

Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas

New Year’s Eve (Main closes at noon; Branches closed)

New Year’s Day

Easter

Observation of Memorial Day

Memorial Day

 

What is the library's Mission Statement?
 

Adopted: December 11, 1996
Readopted: October 24, 2000; October 30, 2004; October 24, 2007

The mission of the Palatine Public Library District is to encourage lifelong learning and enrichment through the exploration of books and other media and to provide services and materials which will promote a well-informed and literate community.

 

To accomplish this mission the Library emphasizes its primary roles as:

• An information service providing access to timely, accurate, and useful information to people of all ages in their pursuit of educational, job-related, and personal interests;

• A popular materials service providing access to current and popular materials for people of all ages; and

• A lifelong learning resource providing access to materials relevant to the interests of independent learners of all ages.

The Library District will strive to accomplish its mission by providing the best possible collections, facilities, technology, and human resources within the limits of fiscal responsibility.

How can I obtain a library card?

A Palatine Public Library District library card shall be issued without charge to an individual who (1) provides proof of his or her current residency within the District boundaries and (2) agrees to abide by all District policies and procedures, as amended from time to time. Residents must provide at least two forms of identification. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult when applying for a card.

 

Can I use my library card at other libraries?

 

You can use your library card at other public libraries in Illinois as part of the reciprocal borrowing program. Cards from people who reside outside the library district can be used at this library.

 

How long can I keep an item?

How can I renew an item?

 

All books (except Popular Picks) may be renewed twice if they have not been requested by another patron. All audio/visual materials (except entertainment DVDs and videos) may be renewed once.

For patron convenience materials may be renewed in any of the following ways:

• In person at any library location.

• By calling the circulation desk during library hours: 847-358-5881, ext.125.

• By automated phone, available 24 hours a day: 847-358-6076.

• Online at www.palatinelibrary.org. Click on My Library Account. You will need to enter your name, library card number, and PIN. After doing this, you will see your account with a list of items you currently have checked out. Go here for more detailed instructions.

Can I reserve an item?

Palatine Public Library cardholders may reserve all items except entertainment videos, magazines, and popular picks.

You can reserve an item in any of the following ways:

• In person at any library location.

• By calling the appropriate department during library hours: 847-358-5881, dial 0 for the operator.

• Online at catalog.palatinelibrary.org. Once you've found the record of the item you wish to reserve, simply click on the Request button at the top of screen. Next you will need to enter your name, library card number, PIN, and desired pick-up location.

Can I get an email notification when my holds are ready for pick-up?

If you have provided us with your email address, you will receive an email notice when an item you have put on hold is available for pick-up. Otherwise you will be notified by phone.

If you would like to receive your holds notices by email but you have not yet provided us with your email address, staff will be happy to update your account.

If you have any questions, please call (847) 358-5881 x 125.

How much are overdue fines?

Books, magazines, CD-ROMs, books-on-tape, book/cassette sets, pamphlets, audiocassettes, and compact discs: 20 cents per day, to a maximum of $5.00.

Videocassettes, DVDs, and Popular picks: $1.00 per day, to a maximum of $10.00.

The Palatine Public Library District has contracted with a collection agency to assist in recovering non-returned library materials and unpaid fines. All unresolved accounts over $25 will be submitted to Unique Management Services. A service fee of $10 will be added to the account balance.

 

Please help us to serve all library patrons by returning overdue materials today.

 

 

What is the floor plan of the Main Library?

Click here to view and print a PDF of the floor plan on the Main Library.

Where are your fiction books?

Fiction for children as well as adults is located in the Popular Materials Department on the first floor. For inquiries, please call the Reader Assistance Desk  at 847-358-5881 ext. 132.

What is the Information Services Department?
 

The Information Services Department (ISD) is the reference and non-fiction area of the library, located on the second floor. Staff is on-hand to help you find answers to your questions. The department has a vast collection of non-fiction materials for children (grades 3-8) and adults, plus a selection of magazines and newspapers. We also have computer terminals for public use, offering Internet access, Microsoft products, and access to our electronic research databases. For further information, call the Reference Desk at 847-358-5881 ext. 167.

Do you have books in other languages?
 

Our collection includes books, videos, audio books, and language CDs for children and adults in several languages. A collection of foreign language magazines for adults is also offered. Most of these items are located in the Main Library in the Information Services Department on the second floor.

We also have a large collection of foreign language films and music in the Audio-Visual Department on the first floor, as well as several Spanish language items at the Rand Road Branch.

Do you have textbooks?
 

District 15, St. Theresa, St. Thomas, and Immanuel Lutheran provide the library with a copy of their textbooks for most grades (1-8) and subjects. Please check with the Reference Desk staff for the book you need. These books are on the second floor of the library and may be used in-house only. Call 847-358-5881 ext. 167 for more information.

Does the library have any special collections?

Palatine Public Library has several special collections located in the Information Services Department on the second floor of the Main Library.

• The Career Center has information on writing resumes, applying for jobs, preparing for standardized tests, and selecting colleges.

• The Health Center contains books and videos concerning health issues.

• The Travel Center has guidebooks, informational videos, pamphlets, and magazines useful for planning trips.

 

Can I reserve a meeting room?

 

Public meeting rooms can be reserved. Room reservation forms are available at the Information Desk on the first floor. Please call 847-358-5881 ext. 122.

 

Who are the Friends of the Library?

 

The Friends of the Palatine Public Library District is a group which actively supports the central informational and cultural resource in our community: The Library.

Click here to find more information about this group and its popular book sales.

 

 

Are there any employment opportunities at the library?

 

Job openings are posted on the bulletin board in the library and online here.

Does the Palatine Library have a bookmobile?
 

The Palatine Public Library District offers bookmobile service. You may get a library card, check out materials, and participate in reading clubs for children and adults.

Bookmobile Schedule 

Bookmobile Map

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bookmobile

Does the Palatine Library have a book drop?
 

Drive-up drops for materials are available on the left side at the foot of the underground parking garage entry ramp. Two drops of different heights will accommodate vehicles of various sizes. These drops are available all hours the Main Library  is open.

The walk-up drop at the front of the library is open 24/7.

Do you have any services for people with disabilities?
 

Visually impaired patrons may use materials from the large print collections for children and adults.

There is also a Color Video Magnification System available that enlarges the print page image to a 20" monitor.

The Amigo Motorized Scooter is available at the Information Desk.

ADA accommodations are available with at least 7 days notice by contacting Gayla Swansen, 847-358-5881, extension 182.

Do you offer any outreach services?
 

Free home delivery of library materials is available to homebound District residents. Call the Community Outreach Coordinator at 847-358-5881, ext. 112.

Can I check out passes to museums or the Brookfield Zoo?
 

Yes, Palatine Public Library Cardholders can check out passes to several attractions in the Chicago area, including the Brookfield Zoo, through our partnership with Museum Adventure Pass Presented by Macy's. Passes are good for seven says and may permit either two or four people.

For more information, please visit the Museum Pass web site, or call our Reader Assistance Desk at 847-358-581 ext. 132.

Can I volunteer at the library?
 

The Palatine Public Library District has a variety of volunteer opportunities. The Library works to place Volunteers in a position that reflects their interests and/or skills. Volunteer placement is based on the qualifications of applicants and the needs of the library at any given time.

To learn more about our Volunteer Program, please click here.