Frequently Asked Questions
Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 8PM
Friday: 9AM - 6PM
Saturday: 9AM - 5PM
Sunday: Closed
| Item | Duration of Checkout |
|---|---|
| Books | 3 weeks |
| eBooks | 3 weeks |
| Audiobooks on CD & Playaways | 3 weeks |
| Magazines | 1 week |
| Music CDs | 3 weeks |
| DVDs & Blu-Rays | 2 weeks |
| Toys & Games | 3 weeks |
| Video Games | 3 weeks |
| Library of Things Materials | 3 weeks |
| WiFi HotSpots | 3 days, 1 week, or 3 weeks based on availability |
Please note that all items included in our Library of Things, all Video Games, and all WiFi hotspots are only available to check out by Alpha Park Public Library cardholders. For more information regarding check out policies, please contact the Circulation Desk at 309-697-3822 x10, or circ@alphapark.org.
Alpha Park Public Library became a fine free library in 2020!
That means we no longer charge overdue fines when items are returned late, although there are some exceptions. The library does still charge late fees for video games and equipment. Patrons will be billed the replacement cost for damaged items or any items not returned within 20 days of the due date .
Please review our Circulation Policy below or contact the Circulation Desk for more information at 309-6973822 x10 or circ@alphapark.org.
Circulation Policy 2023.pdfAny fees accrued for missing or damaged items (or other fees, including late fees assessed by other libraries) will still be in place. An account with fees in excess of $5.00 will be blocked. An account in blocked status will need to settle the fee charges (by either returning the item or lowering the fees on their account under $5.00) in order to restore the ability to borrow materials from Alpha Park Library.
All fees at Alpha Park Public Library
| Photocopying & Printing | 15¢ per page for black and white; 30¢ per page for color | Coin machines accept nickels, dimes, quarters, $1 bills, and $5 bills |
|---|---|---|
| Faxing | $1 per page for the first 10 pages, 10¢ per page after | Cover page is free |
Example: If you need to fax a document that is 15 pages and has a cover page, it would cost $10.50.
| Non-Resident Library Card | $157.35 per household per year |
|---|---|
| Replacement Library Card | $1.00 |
| Meeting Rooms | $65 for for-profit or social groups for 4 hours. $10 per hour for each additional hour. No charge for non-profit/not-for-profit organizations |
| Video Games | $1 per day up to $21 |
| Equipment / Library of Things Materials | $5 per day up to $25 |
| HotSpots | $5 per day up to $25 |
| Interlibrary Loans | All items are subject to the rules and fees of their home location. Some items may require the patron to pay for shipping costs, and this will be disclosed before the item is requested. |
Lost/Damaged Materials
For lost items, for which a current retail value is available, the retail value will be charged. Older items may be assigned a standarized value, typically $25. For items prices under $5. the standard amount is $5. If patrons lose materials, pay for them, and then find them, the library will privide the patron a refund, less a $3 service charge. Damaged items may be handled on an individual basis. If a damaged book or other item is unuaable, the complete cost of a replacement must be paid by the patron.
Yes! With the library's Shoutbomb text messaging service, you can use your mobile phone to:
- Receive text notifications about holds that are available, items that are due soon, overdue items, and fines.
- Send a text to renew a loan. If the item is eligible for renewal, it will renew. If the item is not eligible for renewal, it will fail. Either result will be reported by text message.
Read the instructions below and text SIGNUP to 844-225-9458 to get started. Please contact the Circulation Desk at 309-697-3822 x10 or circ@alphapark.org for assistance.
Click here for directions on how to sign up for our text messaging serviceStop by the Circulation Desk, use the online library account, or email us at alpha@alphapark.org to add your email to your library account. You’ll receive notices when your books are coming due, when your holds are available, and when your card is about to expire.
Yes! You can do this online by signing in to your account with your library card number and PIN. When you search the catalog for an item, expand the search to All RSA Libraries, not just Alpha Park, and then select the Hold option. Or you can contact the Reference Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 and we’d be happy to place the hold for you.
Yes, you may suggest a purchase at the Reference Desk. Call the Reference Desk at 309-697-3822 x13, or email reference@alphapark.org. Unless a requested item’s cost is very high or is not a “fit” with Alpha Park’s collection — if it’s appropriate for a college library, for example — we try to honor most requests for purchase.
Yes. You can do this online by signing in to the library’s website at www.alphapark.org and then click on the “Library Catalog” link. Sign in with your library card number and PIN. Search for an item and then click the “HOLD” button. Or, You can contact the Reference Desk at (309) 697-3822 x13 and we’d be happy to place the hold for you.
Yes! The library has received a Small Business Grant to assist local small businesses and entrepreneurs. This grant allows small business owners to check-out equipment and materials that may help their business succeed. This grant also includes those individuals who are considering starting a small business. To see these items, please check out the Library of Things page.
If you are interested in applying for an open position at Alpha Park Public Library, please visit our Careers Page.
Always! Check out our Volunteer Opportunities page, or Call Heidi Rhea, Outreach Department Head, at 309-697-3822 x25 to find out more.
Yes! We generally have a staff notary on duty between the hours of 9 a.m . - 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, but please call 309-697-3822 first to make sure a staff member is on duty before you arrive. You’ll need to bring your unsigned document along with a form of ID.
Support your library by making a tax-deductible gift today! Generous patrons like you help fund a variety of vital services we offer to all individuals who visit Alpha Park Public Library including: Summer Reading programs, access to the Internet, collection development, technology assistance, and so much more. Visit our Support page, contact the Director at 697-3822 x12, or stop by the library today!
