How to Get the Most Out of the Westmont Public Library
Your local public library is great for a quiet escape, to learn about new topics, find hobbies, and meet other people who have similar interests. Your local public library gives every person access to computers and Wi-Fi, and librarians are often assisting visitors wanting to learn about new technologies. With a local library, kids can find the information they need to do their homework, and adults can advance their careers by learning new skills. Here are some of the most common questions about the Westmont Public Library and how you can surely get the most out of this essential institution.
When Can You Visit?
The Westmont Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and it closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Masks and social distancing are required, and curbside pickup is available. You can make returns through the book drop, and they’ll be quarantined for three days before an employee puts them back on the shelves.
What Are the Late Fees Like?
The Westmont Public Library has eliminated late fees! That means even if you have some old charges on your account, you can start again with a clean slate. Due dates are still two weeks after checkout, and you’ll need to turn in your old library books before checking out new ones.
When items are seven and 21 days overdue, the library will send late notices. It bills people for lost items after 42 days and sends accounts to collections after 60 days. However, readers can always bring their library cards back to good standing with no penalties by turning in their books or paying for items.
How Many Books Can People Check Out at Once?
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You can check out up to 100 items, including up to 30 DVDs, 30 audiobooks or CDs, and five video games.
What Is Hoopla?
Hoopla is a service that lets people stream audiobooks, comics, TV shows, movies, music, and more with their computers, tablets, or phones. A Westmont Public Library card gives you six new checkouts per month, and you can search by title, author, publisher, director, or genre. Readers can enjoy instant access from anywhere that has Wi-Fi, or they can download content to watch, listen to, or read later. Many cars have infotainment systems that allow you to listen during your commute as well.
Using your library card to create a Hoopla account and downloading the app only takes a few seconds. Titles are returned and removed from your device automatically at the end of every lending period, so you won’t need to remember to turn them back in. No matter where you are, you can use the resources of Westmont Public Library to enjoy hundreds of thousands of titles.
Where Can People Use Their Library Cards to Browse Online?
You can use your Westmont Public Library card to get e-books from Hoopla, cloudLibrary, the Indie Illinois collection, Media on Demand from OverDrive, RomanceBookCloud, and TeenBookCloud. Authors can submit their books to the SELF-e Library Journal and the Indie Illinois collection for additional exposure.
Like Hoopla, the Kanopy app offers library members six free movies per month. You’ll also get unlimited content from The Great Courses, a collection of college-level courses with lectures recorded by experienced, knowledgeable professors. RBdigital offers thousands of audiobooks and magazines, and you can check them out for up to 21 days. Dark Horse Comics from BiblioBoard publishes a variety of popular series online, including ‘Hellboy,’ ‘Sin City,’ and ‘Conan the Barbarian.’ You can also visit Valiant Comics from BiblioBoard for series like ‘Archer,’ ‘Dr. Mirage,’ and ‘Bloodshot.’
How Can Westmont Public Library Help People Decide What to Check Out?
You can get personalized recommendations from a librarian by filling out a short online form. Instant, more general recommendations are available for everyone, from preschoolers to adults from the Westmont Public Library’s Book Recs page. There’s also a monthly series of social justice reading lists for families and kids, teens, and adults. Past topics include authors who wrote about characters like them and the experiences of immigrants and refugees.
Can People Take Classes or Attend Events?
You can attend a range of classes and events online, and some talks are available in person during library hours. Past topics include tarot cards, astrology, aging and brain health, and cooking. New craft kits for children 3 to 8 years old are available every Tuesday, and they include all the materials and instructions needed. You can also participate in interesting discussions about your favorite books.
Your library card gives you access to a variety of online courses and reference resources, along with online tutoring and learning for kids. You can even get access to a live tutor for your child.
What Technology and Equipment Are Available at the Library?
The Westmont Public Library has free Wi-Fi with no password required. There’s also a computer lab with the catalog, a variety of databases, and Microsoft Office. Printing black and white pages costs $0.10, and color pages are $0.50. You can use the website to send your data to the library and pick up printed pages. Scanning and faxing is free.
What Topics Can People Research at the Library?
You can find information on almost any subject. Many collectors use the library to find the rarest, most valuable items and sell them to a reputable buyer. Visiting the Westmont Public Library is also an ideal way for you to learn new things without waiting for a class on the subject.
How Do You Become a Westmont Public Library Volunteer?
Children in grades 6-12 can apply on the library web site to become volunteers. They help librarians clean, find books, prepare for events, and finish other routine tasks. Adults can volunteer as well, but there’s a waiting list for the program. Volunteering at the library is an excellent way to get valuable work experience and help your resume or college application stand out.
Do you have anything to add to our list of common inquiries about Westmont Public Library? Contact us to ask a new question or learn more about selling your collectibles, jewelry, gold, silver, or coins.
