Checkout, Renew, & Reserve Materials

Place a Reserve

You can reserve items yourself via the computer catalog, whether it is owned by the Downers Grove Library or by another library in the system. If the computer catalog shows the item is on shelf, do not place the reserve. Instead, call or email us and we will pull the item from the shelf and hold it for you.

If the title is not listed in the computer catalog, we can still get it for you. Call or email us and we will order it for you. You must have a Downers Grove Public Library card to interlibrary loan an item.

You will be notified when your reserve item becomes available. If you send someone else to pick up your reserve, please give them your library card to check out the item.

Downers Grove cardholders can request (reserve) items, check their own records, and renew material using SWAN, the computer catalog. Here's how:

Request an Item

• Search SWAN, the computer catalog, for your item.
• When you are in the screen that lists the title and call number, click the "Request" button on the top menu bar.
• Enter the information required: your name, barcode (library card number) and PIN. (If you have not already established a PIN, see Create a PIN.)
• Click "Submit."
• The computer will confirm the request.
• You will be notified when the item arrives.

Note: If you are requesting an item from home, and the item is listed as "on shelf" at the Downers Grove Public Library, do not place the reserve. Instead, please call or email us and we'll pull the item and hold it for you.

Request Multiple Items

• From SWAN, the computer catalog, select "My Account."
• Log in with your name, barcode (library card number), and PIN. (If you have not already established a PIN, see Create a PIN.)
• Click on "Submit."
• When your name appears, select the "Search Catalog" at the right of the screen.
• Search the catalog as normal to find the first item you'd like to reserve.
• When you are in the screen that lists the title and call number, click the "Request" button on the top menu bar. Note: You no longer have to enter in your personal information each time you would like to request an item.
• If you would like to place more reserves, select "Patron Record." Do not click on "Start Over" or "Logout" as you will be logged out of the system.
• Select "Search Catalog" at the right of the screen and continue as you have above.
• When you're finished using the computer catalog, click on "Log Out", and you will be logged out.

Note: If you are requesting an item from home, and the item is listed as "on shelf" at the Downers Grove Public Library, do not place the reserve. Instead, please call or email us and we'll pull the item and hold it for you.

Remove a Hold

• Choose “My Account” at the top of this page. 
• Enter your name, your full library card number and your PIN. 
• On your account page, click “Your Requests (Holds).”
• If you wish to cancel all your holds, choose “Cancel All.” 
• If you want to choose the holds to cancel, click on the holds you no longer want, and then choose “Cancel Selected.”
  

Unable to Place a Request?

There are some reasons why an item will not be available for you to request online:

• If you are using a computer at the Downers Grove Public Library and the item is on shelf, your request will not be accepted.
• Some items do not circulate and requests may not be placed for them.
• See SWAN Instructions for more help.

Note: In all cases, please ask a staff member for assistance. Alternative ways of obtaining the material may be available.

Email Your Request

• Click on the relevant department to place your request.
• To expedite your request, please include your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and your library card number which begins with 2 1191.
  
  

  Adult and Teen Services Department - For adult and teen materials

  Children's Department - For children's materials