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FAQ

Using the Library FAQs

Visit our Get a Library Card page to sign up for a new library card or just find out more information!

To renew your card online, visit our Renew Your Library Card page.

You may access your account on the Library website homepage or from the catalog. In your account, you may view your holds and checkouts and renew materials.

Use the search box at the top of our website to search for books, DVDs, CDs, and more. You can search for the title, author, subject, call number, or ISBN. This will search all fields in library records for your entered search terms.

Search the catalog and find the item that you would like to place a hold on. Click the “Place Hold” button by the item in your search results or on the item record page. If prompted, log in with your library card number and PIN. Click “Submit Hold Request” to finish requesting the hold.

eBooks and audiobooks are available for checkout 24/7 and are compatible with several different devices. You can check out eBooks and audiobooks through the catalog or through the Libby, Axis 360, and hoopla apps. The catalog shows which apps each title is available on, so you know on which app to access the title you want. Visit our eBook page to start browsing within the apps and following the prompts to download the materials to your favorite device.

You can place holds on materials both checked out and currently available in the library. To place a hold, call (630) 627-0316, visit a reference desk at the Library or use your Library account online.

Interlibrary Loan

If you need an item Helen Plum Library doesn’t own, we will try to get it for you from another library. All you need is a current Helen Plum Library card. For instructions, visit our interlibrary loan page.

You can also visit the Find More Illinois catalog directly to search for items at other libraries.

To suggest an item be added to our collection:

We are constantly adding to our collection. Please let us know if there’s a specific title or format you’d like to see by using our Suggest a Title page.

Items eligible for renewal will automatically renew on the due date of the item. You may have two renewals on most items. Items will not automatically renew if they are:

  • On hold for another patron
  • Overdue
  • Interlibrary loans (renewals may be available upon request)
  • Lucky Day DVDs and books
  • eReaders (Nooks and Kindles)
  • Hotspots

You will receive a notification via email, phone, or text if an item is not renewed. To sign up for phone or text notifications visit our Notifications page.

You can renew materials in person, during business hours over the phone at (630) 627-0316, via text message, or by using your account online.

Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Lombard teens are often required to complete service hours for National Honors Society, college applications, and other reasons. Examples of teen volunteer opportunities include Volunteen Squad, Teen Advisory Board, and Summer Reading Program Volunteens. Find more information in our calendar or on the Teen Services page.

Adult Volunteer Opportunities
We do not have opportunities for individual adult volunteers. Volunteer opportunities that may be available include:

  • Outreach House: This organization accepts volunteers regardless of skills or ability. https://www.theoutreachhouse.org/get-involved
  • Literacy DuPage: This organization requires a high school degree and 15 hours of training: Volunteer — Literacy DuPage

Court-Ordered Community Service Hours
We do not have opportunities for court-ordered community service. DuPage County recommends contacting DuPage County Probation at (630) 407-8500. Additional opportunities that may be available include: