Desplaines Library Answers Frequently-Asked Reopening Questions

Press release from the Des Plaines Public Library:

June 5, 2020

Des Plaines Public Library new Carry-Out Service Desk Opens Monday June 15.

This contactless service will be located on the north side of the building.

Carry-Out Service is by appointment only.

DPPL will call you when your holds are available for contactless pickup.

All pre-closing holds are starting to be retrieved from the shelves now. You may also place new holds at this time.

How can I place a hold?

1. Online through thelibrary catalog
2. By email to help@dppl.org
3. By phone to one of our information desks:
   847-376-2839 (2nd floor) for all Children's materials.
   847-376-2840 (3rd floor) for Adult movies, music, magazines, Graphic Novels, and all fiction (Romance, Mysteries, Science Fiction, etc.).
   847-376-2841 (4th floor) for Adult reference questions, Biographies, Home and Garden, Self-Help, World Language Materials, and all other Adult nonfiction.

Visit the Carry-Out Services page for additional instructions.

I have a question about my library account?

For any questions about your account, existing holds please call 847-376-2788 or email us at help@dppl.org.

How do I get a Library Card?

Find general information here and the online application for a temporary library card here.

Who Can Use DPPL Carry-Out Service?

For the time being, only Des Plaines cardholders can place holds on Des Plaines items.

What Material Can I Get Through Carry-Out Service?

You can only place holds on DPPL owned materials at this time. Interlibrary delivery services from other libraries are currently suspended.

Is there a limit for how many items I can carry-out at one time?

Des Plaines patrons can have carry out up to TEN items at any time. We know there will be many, many requests at first, and we are trying to deliver items quickly and practically. Thanks for your patience!

How will I know when to come and pick up my carry-out holds?

We will schedule a time for you to pick up your items.

Can I just come to the library and request items to carry out?

Please do not "drop by" to see if your hold is ready - we promise we will let you know as soon as it is!

What if I miss my scheduled Carry-Out appointment?

You will have up to four days from your scheduled pick up time to come to the Carry-Out Desk to pick up your materials. After that, the holds will be release on your items and they will be returned to the shelf.

Where is the Carry-Out Service Desk located?

On the day and time of your Carry-Out appointment, please enter at the northeast corner of the building on Ellinwood (and by Anytime Fitness). The entrance will be clearly marked. A mask or face covering is required to enter the building and strict social distancing of 6ft or more must be followed.

Will you have senior hours?

Yes! The first hour of service is reserved for our senior users: 9 to 10 AM Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 2 PM on Sunday.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes, the City of Des Plaines has mandated that everyone wear a mask or face covering while out in public. Library staff will be wearing PPE too.

Can I return items at the Carry-Out Desk?

Yes, there will be a clearly marked Returns bin adjacent to teh Carry-Out Desk in which you may place your returns. You can also return your items in the garage book drops.

Can I return items from other libraries to DPPL?

Interlibrary delivery services from other libraries are currently suspended.

What if I have fines or lost items?

Please call us at (847) 376-2788 or email help@dppl.org before you place a hold and we will do our best to clear those fines up for you.

I returned my items, but they still show on my account?

Please allow a week for items to be checked in (our quarantine period) and don't worry - we are not charging any overdues during this period.

I don't have a card/I lost my card/ it is expired.

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.

Can you print something for me?

Yes! You can send a document to our wireless service and then arrange to pick up the print job through our Carry Out Service. Call the 4th floor desk at 847-376-2841 for details.

Can I give you some book donations?

Sorry, we are not accepting any donations right now.

When will the whole library be open?

We don't know. We're waiting on Governor Pritzker to move Illinois into a fully open phase, but we're not there yet. Remember, we're never REALLY closed - please check out all of our virtual programs and services until then.

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