Access My Account
Your online account allows you to view items you currently have checked out, see items you’re waiting for, pay fines, change your PIN, set your preferences, and set up text messaging for holds and overdue notices. Access your account by clicking on the “My Account” button at the top of any page of the website and enter your library card number and PIN.
Find My PIN
If you have forgotten your PIN, you can easily reset it online. Or contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x 304 and we will be happy to reset it for you!
Place a Hold
You are able to place holds and renew items through the online catalog. Once you have found your desired item, click on its title to open the full record to view copy availability and location. If your desired items are checked out, click Place a Hold. You will be prompted to log into your library account to complete placing the hold. You can also call any service desk, and we’d be happy to place a hold or renew an item for you.
Items will automatically renew unless there is a hold on an item or you have reached your two-renewal limit. If you have an email address on file, you will receive an email indicating which of your items automatically renewed.
Loan Periods & Renewals
Renewals
While logged into your account, you can view your current checkouts and renew eligible items.
To renew items online:
- Check the box next to the item(s) you'd like to extend.
- Click Renew.
If renewal is successful, a new due date will appear on your screen. Please note that some items may not be eligible for renewal if:
- Another patron has placed a hold.
- You’ve reached the renewal limit (usually two times).
Automatic Renewals:
Items will automatically renew unless there’s a hold or you’ve reached the renewal limit. If you have an email address on file, you’ll receive a notification showing which items were successfully renewed.
Loan Periods
| Material Type | Loan Period | Renewals | Item Limits* | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 3 Weeks | 2 | 100 | 3 Weeks |
| Lucky Day | 2 Weeks | 0 | 2 | 0 Weeks |
| Audiobooks | 3 Weeks | 2 | 100 | 3 Weeks |
| DVDs | 2 Weeks | 2 | 100 | 2 Weeks |
| CDs | 3 Weeks | 2 | 100 | 3 Weeks |
| Magazines | 3 Weeks | 2 | 100 | 3 Weeks |
| Kindles | 3 Weeks | 2 | 1 | 3 Weeks |
| Technology | 2 Weeks | 0 | 1 | 0 Weeks |
| Video Games | 2 Weeks | 2 | 3 | 2 Weeks |
*You can check out up to 100 items total at a time. For example, if you borrow 50 books, you can still check out 50 other items like DVDs or audiobooks.
Please note: some item types—such as video games or hotspots—may have their own checkout limits, but they still count toward your 100-item total.
Feel free to contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x 304 for more information.
Pay a Fine
River Forest Public Library is fine-free for overdue items.
You’ll only be charged for items that are lost or damaged, or have overdue fines incurred at other libraries.
How to Pay Fines or Fees:
- In Person: Visit the Circulation Desk on the first floor during library hours. We accept cash, check, or credit card.
- Online: Log into your library account using your library card barcode and PIN to pay any outstanding charges.
Need Help with Your PIN?
If you’ve forgotten or lost your PIN, you can reset it online or contact the Circulation Desk at (708) 366-5205 x304.
If you have any questions, please contact the Circulation Desk. We are happy to talk you through this process.