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Borrow Materials

PRAIRIECAT MOBILE APP FOR iOS AND ANDROID DEVICES

Access your library acount 24/7 vis the PrairieCat mobile app!  It is completely user friendly AND the app saves your library card and your barcode number, so you never have to worry about forgetting it!  Watch the video below to see how easy it is. 

 

LOAN PERIODS AND ITEM LIMITS
  • Books and Audiobooks: 21 days circulation; 3 renewals
  • DVDS: 7 days circulation; 1 renewal
  • DVDS, TV Series:  21 days circulation; 1 renewal
  • Music CDs: 21 days circulation; 1 renewal
  • Magazines: 7 days circulation; no renewal
RECIPROCAL BORROWING

The Genoa Public Library allows people with cards from other libraries to borrow materials.  The reciprocal borrower must be in good standing with their home library by having a current non-expired card and no fines.

RENEWALS

Library materials are usually, but not always, renewable.  Non-renewable items include magazines, some interlibrary loan materials, materials on hold for another patron, and materials that have already been renewed to the limit.  You can renew materials by calling us at 815-784-2627 or by logging in to My Account with your 14 digit library card number (found on the back of your library card) and your 4 digit pin (the last 4 digits of your library card number).

RETURNING MATERIALS
May contain: mailbox and letterbox

The library provides a book drop located on S Emmett Street side of the library building.  All items must be returned via the book drop.  Items too large to fit in the slot can be returned inside the library at the front desk.

LATE FEES

On January 1, 2022 the Genoa Public Library officially became a fine-free library.  This means all items checked out at the Genoa Public Library no longer accrue late fines.  Items checked out by Genoa Public Library patrons at other neighboring libraries may be subject to late fines per that library's rules.  Read more about it here.

Patron accounts will be blocked once the total fine amount reaches $9.99.

PLACING A HOLD

All library items may be placed on hold with the exception of magazines.  The library is a member of the PrairieCat consortia which is an online library catalog that searches for books, movies, audiobooks, music, e-resources, and more available at the Genoa Public Library and libraries in the northern Illinois region.  Genoa Public Library cardholders can place holds, renew, and check their account online.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Material not owned by the Genoa Public Library or found in the PrairieCat Catalog may be ordered through interlibrary loan.  If items cannot be located in the PrairieCat catalog, Genoa Public Library patrons have two options for requesting items outside of our consortium:

Patrons can try searching for items in the Find More Illinois catalog.  This searches multiple Illinois library catalogs at once.  Log in with your library barcode and pin to place a request and pick up items at the Genoa Public Library.

If an item cannot be found in the Find More Illinois catalog, patrons may wish to use WorldCat to search for items.  WorldCat is an online library catalog that searches for books, movies, audiobooks, music, e-resources, and more available in libraries worldwide.  Genoa Public Library cardholders can request that items found in WorldCat be borrowed through interlibrary loan.  Requests can be made using an online form, in person, or by telephone.

For more information, read our full Borrowing Policy

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