Checking Out Items FAQs

  • Library of Things

    The library of things is a collection of non-traditional physical items that patrons can borrow.

    The Library of Things is a collection of items you can borrow. Some items are technology-related, and some are assistive devices to make life a little easier.

    Niles-Maine District Library cardholders in good standing can borrow items from our Library of Things. We will ask you to read and sign a user agreement before you can check out items.

    Whatever your needs or interests, we're confident that you'll find something to borrow.

    For more information, please visit the Library of Things webpage.

    Our Library of Things collection is divided into categories, click the links below to see a list of items.

    • Accessories
    • Assistive Tech & Wellness
    • Digitize
    • Entertainment
    • Fabric Arts
    • Get Connected
    • GoPro
    • In-Library Use
    • Maker
    • Office
    • Outdoors
    • Record

    Niles-Maine District Library cardholders with accounts in good standing may check out items from the Library of Things Collection.

    Most items in the Library of Things Collection have a checkout period of 1 week.

    The following items have a check out period of 2 weeks:

    • Sewing Machines

    The following items have a check out period of 3 weeks:

    • Chromebook
    • Hotspot with Tablet Kit
    • iPad
    • Mobile Hotspot (includes Hotpicks)
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Roku

    In-Library use items are checked out for that day only and must be returned to the technology desk upon closing.

    Niles-Maine cardholders can place holds on most items with the exception of Hotpick Hotspots and In-Library Use items.

    In most cases, Niles-Maine cardholders have a maximum of three items that they can borrow at a time.

    However, there is a limit of one item per cardholder when it comes to checking out:

    • Sewing Machines
    • Chromebooks
    • Hotspots (including Hotpicks and the Hotspot & Tablet Kit)
    • iPads
    • Rokus

    Some items are In-Library Use Only to keep them from being damaged or lost and so they are readily available. These items are not restricted to Niles-Maine cardholders and can be used by all registered cardholders.

    With the exception of In-Library Use items, all other Library of Things items will automatically renew so long as there are no holds. There is a one-time renewal limit.

    The fines for Library of Things items are $3/day. The maximum is the cost to replace the item or $30, whichever is less.

  • Interlibrary Loan

  • For Businesses

  • For Teachers

    You can get a free Teacher Library card if you work at a school in the Library District, even if you live elsewhere. You can check out:

    • Books for a three-week loan period (and renew if there are no holds for a book)
    • DVDs for a three-week loan period

    You are responsible for any materials checked out with your Teacher Card. 

    Learn more on our Services for Teachers webpage or apply for a Teacher Card.

  • Loan Periods & Renewals

    You can renew materials online if all three are true:  

    1. There are no holds on the item
    2. There are renewals remaining
    3. The loaning library allows for renewal.

    Log into your Library account to look up the item and renew it.

    If you have an item that is eligible to renew and not on hold by someone else, it will automatically renew three days before its due date.

    Library of Things materials are not auto-renewed.

    If you have overdue items and no renewals left, please return the items because someone may have a Hold on them.

    While we don’t have fines for most returned materials, there are a few ways you still might get a fine.

    Library of Things

    Our Library of Things materials have a fine of $3 per day. 

    In addition, the policies for the library you checked out the materials from are the ones that apply. Currently, no libraries in our network have fines for most materials, but this could change at any time.

    For example, if you used your library card at another library in our Member Network that has fines, you would need to pay those fines. However, if you put that book on hold and checked it out from Niles-Maine District Library, we would not fine you for having the book too long.

    Lost Materials

    An item 2-weeks overdue will restrict library card usage; at 45-days overdue an item is considered lost and billed at the Library's purchase price. A patron may purchase new, exact material as replacement. If lost material is returned within 60 days of date paid, a refund will be issued. Patron accounts will be sent to a collection agency when an item is 60 days overdue. A collection agency fee of $10 may be incurred.

  • Placing a Hold

    Safely pick up library materials with the No Contact Holds Pick-Up service. Open to all active library cardholders by appointment only.