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Library Catalog

Library Cards & Borrowing

Library Cards 

Residents of Blue Island living within the service boundaries of the Blue Island Public Library are eligible to register for a library card. 

In-Person Registration 

Please present the following items:  
 • A valid driver’s license or state ID  
 • Two current proofs of residency, which may include:  
 • Utility bill  
 • Voter’s card  
 • Mortgage or lease agreement  
 • Bank statement  
 • Pay stub  
 • Car registration

At the library, you will need to complete and sign an application form. For children aged 17 and younger, a parent or guardian must accompany them to obtain a library card.

Online Registration 

You can sign up for a library card online if you have never had a library card at a SWAN public library. After filling out the online form, you will receive an email confirmation containing additional details about your account. Click here to apply for a digital library card.   

Checkouts & Renewals 

Blue Island Public Library is a part of the SWAN library system. This means BIPL cardholders have access to the SWAN online catalog, which includes millions of items shared among over 100 libraries. BIPL cardholders may have up to 50 items checked out on their card at one time. This includes:
• 10 feature film DVDs
• 15 music CDs
• 3 video games

Items check out for 2 weeks. All materials, except special collection items, will automatically renew two times unless:
• Another patron has the item(s) on hold.
• The item belongs to a library outside of the SWAN library system (OCLC).

Overdue fines

Patrons will have to pay overdue fines for special collection items. The special collection consists of Wi-Fi hotspots, kits and equipment. 
• Special collection items- $1.00 per day past the due date 

Patrons will not be charged overdue fines for regular collection items such as books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and videogames.

Item holds

When an item from another library arrives for a patron at BIPL, they will receive an automated email, phone call, or text message notification. They will then have 7 days to pick up their holds before the item(s) are sent back to the lending library. Additionally, patrons have a week to pick up BIPL items they have on hold. Please speak to a Circulation Department staff member about a notification preference.

Returning items

Patrons can return items at the Circulation desk. Additionally, there is a book drop located to the east of the library’s main entrance, which is available 24/7.

The image shows the front entrance of the Blue Island Public Library (located at 2433 York St., Blue Island, IL). The yellow circle highlights the library's external book drop box (also called the return/drop box). This is the small rectangular metal slot mounted on the brick wall to the left of the main entrance doors. It is available 24/7 for returning library materials, even when the building is closed.

Managing Your Online Library Card Account

Patrons can access their library card account online through BIPL’s website or the SWAN Libraries+ app, which can be downloaded on any personal electronic device with internet access. On BIPL’s website, click on the SWAN logo located on the upper right side of the screen. Next, click “Sign In” on the right side of the online catalog. Then, type in your library card number and pin. Your pin is the last four digits of your phone number associated with your library card account. From there, you can:  
• Renew items
• Check due dates
• Pay fines
• Check status of holds
• Place & cancel holds