Q: How do I obtain a library card? (See also Obtaining a Library Card)

A: An eligible resident of the district, upon furnishing two forms of current address verification, is entitled to a library card that is valid for three years. Library cards are issued in a matter of minutes.

People who own property and pay real estate taxes but do not live in the township are also entitled, by state law, to a library card which can be obtained by presenting their most recent tax bill. A person who does not live or own property in the district can obtain a library card by paying a fee.

A child of any age can obtain a library card; however, patrons under high school age must have a parent's signature on their application. Both parent and child must be present to apply for a card. High school students must bring in two forms of I.D. with their current address to apply for a card. The entire library collection (with the exception of R-rated videotapes) is open to persons of all ages. It is the responsibility of parents to aid their children with their selections. Staff is happy to make suggestions, but parents have the responsibility to guide their children's use of library materials.

According to library policy, once a student enters high school, library cards are issued without a parent's signature.

Q: How can I obtain a book that the library does not own?

A: If the item is a newer title in print, a patron may ask the library to purchase it. If a neighboring library owns the title, STDL can either request it for the patron or arrange for the patron to pick up the item.
For older titles and out-of-print books, InterLibrary Loan makes it possible for the library to locate or obtain almost any book that is requested. For details on these services, click here.
(updated 9/6/2005)

Q: What is a vacation loan?

A: A vacation loan of six weeks is available throughout the year for some kinds of library materials. Most new books, Browsing Best Sellers and certain audiovisual materials are not included in vacation loans.

Q: Can a Schaumburg Township District Library card be used at other libraries?

A: Yes, our resident library card is honored by member libraries of the North Suburban Library System and by most public libraries in Illinois. Some libraries restrict audiovisual materials and set a limit on the number of items loaned to patrons from other libraries.

NEW POLICY -- Non-residents who live in an unserved area must purchase their card from the nearest public library in their area. (We honor these paid cards.) For example, Inverness residents are required by law to purchase their library cards from the Palatine Public Library, while Medinah residents purchase their from the Roselle Public Library. Residents of other unserved areas are welcome to call the STDL Library Card Desk at (847) 923-3160 for more information.

Q: Does Schaumburg Township District Library honor library cards from other libraries?

A: Yes, STDL honors all valid public library cards from any library within the United States and Canada. Two forms of identification including name and address are required for individuals from other libraries, along with their valid library card.

Q: How do I renew a book?

A: Renewing books or other items is quite simple and can be done in one of three ways:

At the Checkout Desk

Bring the item into the library and ask the staff member at the Checkout Desk to renew it. The item will be scanned by the computer and, if it is not on reserve, will be renewed. An item can be renewed up to 2 times maximum and then it must be returned.

Through SIRSI, the computer catalog, which is available on all the library computers.

By Phone

Patrons can renew items over the phone during library hours by dialing (847) 923-3158. Please have library card and items to be renewed handy for easy reference. There are some items that are not renewable. Items can be renewed twice. Library staff will let you know if the items you want to renew are renewable or not.
(updated 9/19/2006)

By Computer via the Internet

Items can be renewed via the Internet. To renew materials through the Internet, patrons can access the STDL Homepage at http://www.stdl.org. This will bring you to the library's main page where you will be offered a variety of choices. Under the button marked YOUR ACCOUNT, choose the option for Renewals. Please have your library card information handy as you will need to enter your ID number. Further information on accessing the STDL Homepage can be obtained by visiting the Central or Branch Libraries. (updated 04/06/05)

Q: What audiovisual equipment is available for checkout?

A: The Audiovisual Department has various types of equipment available for use within the library at no cost to the user. Please inquire at the Audiovisual Information Desk for additional information.
(updated 01/06/2006)

Q: What outreach services does STDL provide?

Homebound Service - STDL staff members deliver books and other materials to adults and children who are physically unable to visit the library because of temporary or permanent disabilities.

Deposit Sites - Large collections of books, talking books and videos are rotated on a six-month basis at each of the 10 institutional deposit libraries and senior centers.

Specialized Programs - Members of the Extension Services Department are available to provide outreach information, book talks, computer instruction for the hearing-impaired and other specialized programs that are organized on an as needed basis.

Q: What disabled assistance is available within the library?

A: There is a variety of assistance available for persons with disabilites:

Services for the Hearing-Impaired

• TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf)
  The TDD for the hearing and speech-impaired is located at the Central Library. The telephone number is (847) 985-1462. Patrons who use TDD's may call the library's TDD number to register for library programs or to request any of the services offered on this website.
  
  

• Sign Language Interpreter
  The library will provide a sign language interpreter for those hearing-impaired patrons who request one for any of the youth or adult programs. Interested patrons should call one week in advance to make sure an interpreter is available. For youth programs call (847) 923-3439; for adult programs call (847) 923-3349; for TDD, (847) 985-1462.
  
  

• Williams Sound© Personal PA System
  A public address system for the hearing-impaired is available in the Audiovisual Department. The PA system features an FM transmitter that connects to an existing sound system. Patrons with a hearing impairment can listen to messages directly from the microphone through a personal PA receiver. The wireless pocket size receiver is designed to use with or without the user's hearing aid through a variety of optional earphones. Request in advance at (847) 923-3182.

Services for Those with Physical Disabilities

• Wheelchair
  A wheelchair is available for use within the library thanks to donations from the Friendship Village Women's Organization and the Lions Club.
  

• Motorized Wheelchair
  

• Walker
  Patrons needing assistance while browsing in the library can request to use the library's walker. The walker can be equipped with a basket. Personal assistance with material selection also may be requested.

Services for the Visually-Impaired

• Optelec 20/20 Low Vision Reading Machine
  This reading machine, located across from the Information Desk at the Central Library, allows users to magnify the size of text up to 60 times. This compact, easy-to-use and highly versatile system represents the latest in technology for the visually-impaired. There is also one available for loan.

• Viewscan
  This machine allows the reader to view materials at various magnifications and is available to the public for loan and/or use within the library.

• Edna Lites
  These large magnifiers can be placed over an entire page and are available for loan and/or use within the library.

• Bifolkal Kits
  Bifolkal Kits, Videos Bifolkal kits and nostalgic videos are available for loan from the library. Early automobiles, passenger trains, county fairs and school days are just a few of the many subjects covered. These kits and videos are excellent for anniversaries, senior citizen programs or school presentations.

• Talking Books
  Talking Books are available to patrons who are unable to read conventional print materials because of physical or visual impairments. This service is offered in cooperation with the Library of Congress which provides free record and/or cassette players and other necessary equipment to allow the user to hear the Talking Book. Talking Books provide the latest in fiction and nonfiction reading.

• Kurzweil Machine
  Omni 1000 from Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. (KESI) is an advanced PC-based reading tool that converts the printed word into speech for people who are blind or visually impaired. This machine provides both an auditory and visual presentation of scanned text and images. It combines the mose accurate optical character recognition (OCR) and the clearest sounding synthetic speech in a sophisticated reading tool.

Q: What is the history of Schaumburg Township District Library?

Q: What Literacy services does the library offer?

A: In cooperation with High School Districts 211 and 214, the library offers materials and classes in the Adult Read to Learn and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. For information on classes and schedules refer to the Quarterly Browsing brochure, check programs online, read the latest literacy newsletter ESL newlsetter or contact the literacy coordinator.

Students practice their reading, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and math skills by using the educational software provided in the lab. The literacy coordinator on staff at the library is available to facilitate any literacy request.

Weekly conversation classes are available for ESL students. (updated 09/11/2007)

Q: What genealogy services does the library offer?

A: The Schaumburg Township District Library owns a wide selection of materials for individuals interested in Genealogy including books, cassettes, videos, handbooks and government documents for the beginning genealogist as well as for the advanced researcher. The collection includes general information on such topics as how to start a search to more specialized materials such as obtaining vital records, county records and land and property research. STDL employs a Genealogy Coordinator who is available to help genealogy researchers with finding materials or providing direction in doing in-depth research. Any genealogy related questions can be directed to the Genealogy Coordinator.

Q: What are the limits and fines on library materials?

A: Please refer to the chart on our Limits and Fines page. On it you will find information about loan periods, overdue fees, whether an item can be renewed or reserved, the number of items allowed per card along with some additional information.

Q. Sometimes I'm in a hurry. What is the quickest way to drop off or pick up library materials?

A. You may pick up reserved books and other library materials at thedrive-up window on the south side of the central library building. You can also drop off your items, pay fines and renew materials at the drive-up window. All other services are performed inside. Click here to display the Drive-up window hours at the Cental Library
(updated 09/11/2007)

Q. How does the library handle donations?

A. Donations to the library
The Schaumburg Township District Library’s collection has been greatly enriched by the many fine donations of materials and contributions. The library is very grateful for these donations and through donors, has been able to acquire many important acquisitions which could not have been purchased otherwise. Material donations (such as books and audiovisual items) need to be brought to the library at which time the donor will be given a form to fill out for tax purposes. Monetary donations may be mailed to the library director with a brief letter of explanation.

Income Tax Statements
The library cannot assess the value of a donation. There is a donation form that can be completed for your records. It is the donor’s responsibility to determine the value of the donation or use an independent appraiser to do it for them.

Books and Audiovisual Donations
In accepting a gift of materials, the library reserves the right to decide whether items donated should be added to its collection. Out of the many books and other materials which are donated, a considerable amount can be used to full advantage by the library. Some materials, although they have value, cannot be used because they may be:

1. a duplicate of an item of which the library already has a sufficient number;
2. outdated and therefore do not possess adequate circulating value to the library;
3. in poor condition - which would not justify the expense of processing, cataloguing and preparing it for circulation; and/or
4. of a specialized nature and not within the collection development policy of the library.

If donated book and other materials are not used, these items will be donated to the Friends of the Library and sold at their book sales. The Friends have made many donations to the Library from funds they have raised.

Monetary Donations
The library welcomes monetary contributions. Monetary funds received usually go into the Art Fund but donors can also request that funds be used for a specific purpose. Although it is unlikely, there may be an occasion in which the restrictions set by the donor make it impossible for the library to accept the contribution.

Memorial Donations
A memorial donation can be made in the name of a friend or relative and will enable others in the community to share in your remembrance. STDL acknowledges all memorial gifts by sending a letter to the family of the person being remembered. An appropriate memorial nameplate may also be placed in the donated item.

Other Donations
Donations of other kinds of items such as computers, paintings and various equipment are often not suitable for Library use. Each item will be evaluated and, if it cannot be used, may be donated to the Friends of the Library for sale or to another agency where the item can be used.

Recognition of Gifts
The Library has a “Donor’s Wall” located in the vestibule of the Central Library. Cash donations are recognized as follows:
Benefactor..........$5,000 or more
Patron................$1,000 or more
Sponsor.............$250 or more

Use of Gifts
All gifts are accepted with the understanding that they may someday be sold or disposed of in the best interest of the library. The library cannot commit itself to perpetually housing a donation. Of course, no donation will be disposed of in a careless manner and every donor can be assured that the library will respect their donation and house it as long as feasible.