Des Plaines Library Answers Reopening Questions

Press release from the Des Plaines Public Library:

July 1, 2020

Staff is working in the building now and answering patron questions by phone and email.

If your question is not listed below, please email Help@dppl.org and we will get back to you very quickly.

Or contact us specifically for:

E-book purchase suggestions
cfriedman@dppl.org

Reference and technology questions
askalibrarian@dppl.org

Can I return books?

Yes! The garage book drops are open 24/7.

Will I have fines or overdue books?

We suspended ALL fines while we are closed. You can check your account online at dppl.org or call 847-376-2788 to find out what is still on your account. Please note that the due date for almost everything right now is July1. Those due dates will NOT automatically renew, but you won't have any fines either.

I have holds on the shelf - can I pick them up?

Yes! We have started our Carry-out service and are calling patrons to schedule appointments to pick up their holds. On July 6 we will open the lobby so you can walk in and pick up your own holds once more.

What about my Interlibrary loan items?

ILL materials are not due either. Libraries all over the country are closed and they do not expect us to return those item in such a crisis.

OK, I'm ready to check out an e-book or take an online class. How do I do that?

Check out all of our e-resources on our web site. You can use your smartphone, tablet, PC, Kindle, or even a smart TV (for movies and TV shows). Email us at help@dppl.org if you need help in any way.

Want to learn something new or brush up your job skills?

We have SO MUCH for you to do at home. Learn a language, how to paint with watercolors, research your ancestry, or even learn to knit!

What do you have for kids online? We miss storytime!

Storytime and other fun activities are happening on Zoom! Check out our kids' calendar or call the 2nd floor at (847) 376-2839. We've got lots for kids of all ages; games, online reading, even talking picture books.

My teen was supposed to earn volunteer hours - what now?

Since the library is closed, our volunteer opportunities are unavailable and will return in the fall. But please check with your teen's school, because many student requirements for this school year have been cancelled or postponed.

What about picking up tax forms? Or meeting with an AARP tax volunteer?

Good news, your taxes are not due until July 15! AARP cancelled all of its tax appointments before the library closed.

At this time, AARP is only doing phone assistance for seniors who can file online.

If you have a printer at home, we have a long list of online forms that you can print out. Or you can call the Reference Desk at 847-376-2840 and they will tell you how we can arrange for you to pick up tax forms at the library.

I don't have a library card! My library card is expired! My card has a fine on it!

More good news, we are busy making folks online cards that they can use right away for all of our e-collections and to place holds.

Click here if you need a new library card, or email help@dppl.org with your card number if you need to renew a card or have a fine waived.

Did the Senior Lunch move to another location?

Yes! The Center of Concern is operating meal pickups for adults over the age of 60 every Wednesday out of the Center of Concern Office -1665 Elk Blvd in Des Plaines.

Call Amanda at 847-823-0453 x 1013 by 10 AM the day before (Tuesday), to make a pickup appointment.

Participants are asked to open their trunks to allow Tom to place the meals in the vehicle without having any actual contact. The meal packs are frozen, and contain 5 meals each.

I need to print something out, can I do it at the library?

Yes! We are offering wireless printing (if you have a computer or can send a document from your phone or tablet). FedEx is offering printing services. UPS MAY also offer printing services, but please call first to confirm that they can help you.

Check local stores atFedex Local and Find a UPS Store.

This press release was produced by the Des Plaines Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.