Your Account – Chicago Public Library

Can I sort my borrowing history?

Tiffany — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:28:01 +0000

Various sorting options are available until you have 100 titles in your Borrowing History. After you have more than 100 titles, the information is no longer stored in the same way, because keeping all of that information in the system would cause page load times to be unacceptably slow.

Adding titles to your Completed shelf allows you to sort and filter with more flexibility. In addition to sorting, you can exclude titles you don't want, and filter the shelf, making it easier to find a specific title.

How many holds can I place?

Gloriane Peck — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:30:29 +0000

Physical Materials
You may have up to 12 "not ready" or "paused" holds on physical materials. This does not include hold requests that are "in transit" or "ready for pickup."

Digital Materials
You may have up to 12 holds on OverDrive titles in addition to any holds you have on physical materials.

How do I change the way the library notifies me about items on my account?

Paul — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:52:15 +0000

To change how we contact you about items you have checked out or on hold, log into your account and go to My Settings / Contact Preference.

To update your phone number or email address, log into your account and go to My Settings.

For help with these changes, call (312) 747-4300.

How can I get notified about items I have checked out or on hold?

Paul — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:46:14 +0000

You may choose notification by email or by phone (local numbers only).

Email Notifications

We’ll email you when you have physical items ready to pick up or overdue.

We’ll also send a reminder two days before your physical items are due. If possible, we’ll renew these items for you for a full lending period plus two additional days.

Please add notices@chicagopubliclibrary.org to your email address book to assist delivery of notifications.

Phone Notifications

We’ll call you when you have physical items ready to pick up or overdue.

Due date reminders are not available by phone, but you can opt to have these sent by email and still receive other notifications by phone. To opt in, add an email address to your account.

We can only call local numbers. Accepted local area codes are 217, 224, 309, 312, 331, 464, 618, 630, 708, 773, 779, 815, 847 and 872.

Does CPL offer electronic receipts?

Gloriane Peck — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:54:04 +0000

Yes. To sign up for electronic receipts, please be sure your email address is up to date in your account on our website. To update your email, log in to your account and go to My Settings.

Then, on your next visit to the library, please ask a staff member to turn on electronic receipts for your account. Using electronic receipts helps reduce contact while you’re at the library.

Does CPL offer self-checkout of library materials?

Gloriane Peck — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:54:02 +0000

Self-check stations are available at most CPL locations. Some materials—WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks and Playaways—must be checked out at the circulation desk.

To use the self-check, you’ll need to scan your library card or key in your library card number. You’ll also need to enter your PIN; this is the same number you use to log into your account on our website.

As always, please ask for help if you need it.

May I have someone else pick up my holds for me?

Gloriane Peck — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:54:01 +0000

Yes. If a family member or friend is available to pick up your holds, they can do so in one of two ways. You can give them your library card to check out your materials. Or, if you contact us in advance, we can arrange to have the family member or friend check out your holds using their card. In that case, the materials would be checked out on their account, not yours.

How do I return materials to the library?

Gloriane Peck — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:53:48 +0000

Book drops are available for returns, or you can return materials at the circulation desk.

Please continue to return WiFi hotpots and Chromebooks at the circulation desk inside.

What if I’m late returning materials?

Gloriane Peck — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:48:27 +0000

Materials not returned within 7 days after the due date will incur a replacement fee, which will be added to your account. Replacement fees for lost material will automatically be removed from your account upon return of the material.

Overdue fines are charged only if interlibrary loan materials are returned late.

Failure to pay outstanding balances to CPL or reciprocal libraries may result in your account being blocked and library services being restricted. If you have an outstanding balance exceeding $30, you may not check out material.

Can I pause a hold?

Gloriane Peck — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 20:35:16 +0000

Yes, you can pause a hold that is “not ready.” While your hold is paused, you will continue to move ahead on the waiting list, but the hold will not be sent to your pickup location while it is paused. Use this option to manage your holds when you are away or don't have time to read.

To pause a hold, log in to your account and go to Holds.