The Main Library is now open for self-service. Visits look different than they did during pre-COVID-19 times. Onsite WiFi access is unavailable at this time. Learn more about what you can do inside the Main Library »
Oak Park cardholders: Borrow devices to use outside the library
- Mobile hotspots can be mailed to your Oak Park address, or picked up from our new secure lockers in the Main Library Lobby.
- Laptops, Chromebooks, and iPad Mini 2 devices can be picked up from our new secure lockers in the Main Library Lobby.
We’re all depending on technology more than ever, and we know library building closures have been a hardship for those who rely on using library computers and WiFi. And in the last year we’ve seen use of the digital collection increase by 90%.
That’s why we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to purchase, catalog, and prepare new processes for safe borrowing of library technology to use from anywhere. We’ve also extended the borrowing period. The current loan period for Oak Park items—including devices—is now 6 weeks. And renewals are possible.
Here are more details about how Oak Park cardholders can borrow library devices.
1. Mobile hotspots can be mailed to your Oak Park address
Our mobile WiFi hotspots are devices that can connect WiFi-enabled smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the internet from any location within Sprint’s 4G or T-Mobile coverage areas. One hotspot connects up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices to the internet, and a fully charged device lasts about six hours.
- Place a hold on a mobile hotspot through the catalog »
- Or contact us online or by calling 708.383.8200 and library staff will assist you.
- Then complete the Device Checkout Agreement Form, which includes more details about loan limits, returns, and replacement costs.
- We will email or call you to verify your mailing address before we mail you an available hotspot.
- If you would prefer to pick up your hotspot, let us know. We will email or call you to let you know how to use a secure locker in the Main Library Lobby to pick up your hotspot.
2. Laptops, Chromebooks, iPad Mini 2 devices can be picked up
- Place a hold through the catalog on:
- Or contact us online or call 708.383.8200 and library staff will assist you.
- Then complete the Device Checkout Agreement Form, which includes more details about loan limits, returns, and replacement costs.
- We will email or call you to let you know how to use a secure locker in the Main Library Lobby to pick up your device.
Making more technology available for borrowing
The increase in the number of devices we are able to lend out to the community comes in part from the generous support of the T. Kendall Hunt Family Foundation. The foundation enabled a grant-funded purchase of new Chromebooks and mobile hotspots with the goal of helping support more digital equity in our community.
Computers by appointment for Oak Park cardholders only
Third-floor public computers will be available by appointment only for Oak Park cardholders. Call 708.697.6943 between 10 am-6 pm Mondays-Saturdays to schedule a 45-minute session.
- Daily limit of one session per cardholder
- Appointments start on the half hour and end 15 minutes after the hour
- Reservations can be made up to one week in advance
- You will be assigned a specific computer to use
- Available stations are spread out for physical distancing
- Stations are cleaned by staff in between appointments
- Wipes and hand sanitizer may be available; we encourage you to bring your own
- Mask required
- Only remote staff assistance is available
Print, copy, scan & fax
- For Oak Park cardholders only: Print using the Main Library’s third-floor computers.
- For everyone: Print from anywhere and pick up same day at the Main Library and scan, copy, and fax using the self-service station on the Main Library’s third floor.
New! Receive biweekly Tech Tips from library staff
Learn basic tricks and shortcuts to use as you navigate the internet, apps, email, and more. In biweekly blog posts and emails, library staff will share digital learning tips in a short, approachable, and easy-to-digest manner.
