Using the library
Learn how to use the library by clicking on the links below. Some frequently asked questions (and answers) follow.
- Learn how to obtain a library card.
- What kind of Materials are available at the library?
- What kind of Services are provided by the library?
- How do I use the library online?
- How do I use the public computers at the library?
- How does the overdue process work?
- Why can't I get a library card at the El Paso District Library? Shouldn't I be able to get a card at any library I want to get a card from?
The library is bound to follow the rules set forth by the Illinois State Library System and we cannot make any exceptions.
- Can I use my El Paso District Library card at other area libraries?
Yes. Most libraries in this area belong to the RAILS library system and will accept your El Paso District Library card.
- Can I check my library account from home?
Yes, you can use the library online.
- Can I renew my library items from home?
Yes, you can use the library online.
- Can I search for library items and put them on hold from home?
Yes, you can use the library online.
- I couldn't find the item I was looking for in the online catalog. Is there any other way to look for my item?
Yes, ask a librarian and she can start the process of searching on an alternate platform for books throughout our state instead of only in our library system.
- Why is the librarian telling me that I cannot renew a book?
There could be several reasons. One may be that another user wants to use the item that you have checked out. Libraries are built on the concept of sharing. Another reason may be that the book is from another library. Our Library System rule is that we can only renew items borrowed from another library one time, and then we are supposed to call the library to ask permission. Sometimes, the library may want the item back. That is why it is important to be thoughtful of the number of items you have checked out and prioritize the ones you use first.
- Why do the librarians call me when my library items are overdue?
Each day the librarians receive a list of patrons whose items have gone overdue. It is part of our overdue process to call, as time permits. We may not always have time to call, but we feel it is a benefit to our patrons when we do call with a friendly reminder and we hope that our patrons will understand the intention of the call.
- I forgot about my book that was on hold. How long does it stay on hold?
The library will place your item on our hold shelf after we receive it. We will try to contact you to tell you we received your hold unless you have told us we do not have to do that. After the item is placed on the hold shelf, it will stay there for 7 days and then it will be put back on our shelf or sent back to its home library.
- I just got a new e-Reader? Does the library have access to ebooks?
Yes, we have two options for eBooks.
- Learn how to obtain a library card.
- What kind of Materials are available at the library?
- What kind of Services are provided by the library?
- How do I use the library online?
- How do I use the public computers at the library?
- How does the overdue process work?
- Why can't I get a library card at the El Paso District Library? Shouldn't I be able to get a card at any library I want to get a card from?
The library is bound to follow the rules set forth by the Illinois State Library System and we cannot make any exceptions.
- Can I use my El Paso District Library card at other area libraries?
Yes. Most libraries in this area belong to the RAILS library system and will accept your El Paso District Library card.
- Can I check my library account from home?
Yes, you can use the library online.
- Can I renew my library items from home?
Yes, you can use the library online.
- Can I search for library items and put them on hold from home?
Yes, you can use the library online.
- I couldn't find the item I was looking for in the online catalog. Is there any other way to look for my item?
Yes, ask a librarian and she can start the process of searching on an alternate platform for books throughout our state instead of only in our library system.
- Why is the librarian telling me that I cannot renew a book?
There could be several reasons. One may be that another user wants to use the item that you have checked out. Libraries are built on the concept of sharing. Another reason may be that the book is from another library. Our Library System rule is that we can only renew items borrowed from another library one time, and then we are supposed to call the library to ask permission. Sometimes, the library may want the item back. That is why it is important to be thoughtful of the number of items you have checked out and prioritize the ones you use first.
- Why do the librarians call me when my library items are overdue?
Each day the librarians receive a list of patrons whose items have gone overdue. It is part of our overdue process to call, as time permits. We may not always have time to call, but we feel it is a benefit to our patrons when we do call with a friendly reminder and we hope that our patrons will understand the intention of the call.
- I forgot about my book that was on hold. How long does it stay on hold?
The library will place your item on our hold shelf after we receive it. We will try to contact you to tell you we received your hold unless you have told us we do not have to do that. After the item is placed on the hold shelf, it will stay there for 7 days and then it will be put back on our shelf or sent back to its home library.
- I just got a new e-Reader? Does the library have access to ebooks?
Yes, we have two options for eBooks.
