Category Archives: Our Services

Circulating Devices

Photo of Schmaling's circulating hotspots, adult Kindle Fire tablets and Children's Kindle Fire Tablets

Circulating Devices Policy

Schmaling Memorial Public Library District

Hotspots

  • In order to check out a hotspot, you must be a Schmaling Memorial Public Library cardholder for a minimum of three months, age 18 or older, and in good standing (fines under $10.00, no overdue items, and no outstanding bills on lost or damaged items). A hotspot may be checked out by a cardholder under the age of 18 if ALL of the following criteria are met:
    • The cardholder has a student card issued through the Intergovernmental Agreement in place with the River Bend School District or through the CARDS FOR KIDS ACT.
    • The patron has been a Schmaling Memorial Public Library cardholder for a minimum of three months.
    • The patron is in good standing (fines of less than $10.00, no overdue items, and no outstanding bills on lost or damaged items)
    • A parent or legal guardian of the patron is present at the time of checkout to sign the statement of responsibility.
  • Cardholders who have been banned from use of the internet are not allowed to borrow hotspots.
  • One hotspot per household at a time. 
  • One week loan period 
  • Non-renewable
  • Holdable for period of 2 business days
  • User is responsible for charging the battery if needed.
  • Devices must be returned to a staff member on duty at the Circulation Desk at Schmaling Memorial Public Library. Devices may not be returned in the book drop or the return bins placed around the library. Devices may not be returned to another library. A $10.00 fine will be assessed for any tablet or accessory returned in the book drop or return bins.
  • Overdue fines are $5.00 per day up to $50.00.
  • Patron must sign a statement of responsibility at the time of checkout.
  • Patron must wait a period of 14 days after the return of a hotspot or tablet/hotspot combination before checking out another hotspot or tablet/hotspot combination.
  • The Wi-Fi hotspot will be turned off and wireless service will be terminated if the hotspot is not returned on the due date. 
  • If the device and/or any of its accessories is lost, damaged, or not returned, replacement fees are as follows:

Hotspot Replacement Fees

  • Wi-Fi Hotspot: $100
  • Case: $12
  • Power Supply: $5
  • Battery: $5

Tablets

  • In order to check out an adult tablet, you must be a Schmaling Memorial Public Library cardholder for a minimum of three months, age 18 or older, and in good standing (fines under $10.00, no overdue items, and no outstanding bills on lost or damaged items).
  • In order to check out a children’s tablet, you must be a Schmaling Memorial Public Library cardholder for a minimum of three months, age 18 or older, and in good standing (fines under $10.00, no overdue items, and no outstanding bills on lost or damaged items). A children’s tablet may be checked out by a cardholder under the age of 18 if ALL of the following criteria are met:
    • The cardholder has a student card issued through the Intergovernmental Agreement in place with the River Bend School District or through the CARDS FOR KIDS ACT.
    • The patron has been a Schmaling Memorial Public Library cardholder for a minimum of three months.
    • The patron is in good standing (fines of less than $10.00, no overdue items, and no outstanding bills on lost or damaged items)
    • A parent or legal guardian of the patron is present at the time of checkout to sign the statement of responsibility.
  • Cardholders who have been banned from use of the internet are not allowed to borrow tablets.
  • One tablet per household at a time. 
  • Because tablets are linked with the library’s hotspots for internet use, a hotspot must also be checked out with a tablet. Hotspot checkouts are subject to eligibility requirements.
  • One week loan. 
  • Non-renewable.
  • Holdable for period of 2 business days.
  • User is responsible for charging the battery if needed.
  • Devices must be returned to a staff member on duty at the Circulation Desk at Schmaling Memorial Public Library. Devices may not be returned in the book drop or the return bins placed around the library. Devices may not be returned to another library. A $10.00 fine will be assessed for any tablet or accessory returned in the book drop or return bins.
  • Overdue fines are $5.00 per day up $50.00.
  • Patrons must wait a period of 14 days after the return of a tablet/hotspot combination before checking out another tablet/hotpot combination or a standalone hotspot.
  • Patron must sign a statement of responsibility at the time of checkout.
  • The Wi-Fi hotspot will be turned off and wireless service will be terminated if the hotspot is not returned on the due date. 
  • Tablets will be locked if not returned on the due date.
  • If the device and/or any of its accessories is lost, damaged, or not returned, replacement fees are as follows:

Tablet Replacement Fees

  • Tablet: $200.00
  • Protective Case: $40.00
  • Charger: $15.00
  • Carrying Bag: $30.00

Approved by the Schmaling Memorial Public Library District Board of Trustees, March 15, 2022

Explore More Illinois

Explore More Illinois logo

Schmaling Memorial Public Library now offers Explore More Illinois, a cultural pass program that provides discounts and other offerings from museums, historical societies, performing and visual arts centers, and other attractions across the state of Illinois. The program is free for adults 18 years and older who have a library card from a participating library. Offerings differ by attraction and include free or reduced admission, free parking, discounts at attraction shops, and more.  

Explore More Illinois is available 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.  Visit https://exploremore.quipugroup.net/, and log in using a valid library card number and password to review and reserve offerings by attraction and specific dates. 

 Current attractions include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield), Chicago Children’s Museum, and Discovery Center Museum (Rockford). Visit exploremoreillinois.org to see a complete list. New attractions are added on a regular basis so be sure to check back frequently.

Explore More Illinois is a service of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS). RAILS is funded by a grant from the Illinois State Library through the Office of the Secretary of State Jesse White and provides a number of different programs and services for Illinois libraries and library users.

Contact library staff for more information at 815-589-2045 or email fulpublib@mchsi.com.