BORROWING – Batavia Public Library

Borrowing Books & Materials

Borrowing Eligibility

Individuals with current Library cards issued by the Batavia Public Library District and who are in good standing (no bills or fines totaling over $5.00) may borrow materials from the Library.

Batavia Public Library cardholders may also use their cards at other Illinois Public Libraries participating in reciprocal borrowing.

If you are not a resident of Batavia and want to borrow books, DVDs, and more, please bring your valid, local library card and a photo ID to register your library card with Batavia Public Library. See reciprocal borrowing information. If your home library is also part of SWAN, no additional registration is necessary.

Reciprocal Borrowing

A Batavia Public Library cardholder in good standing may use his or her library card at other libraries to borrow materials, subject to the lending rules and policies of the other libraries. Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them and are subject to all of the fines, rules, and regulations of the lending library.

Often libraries limit the borrowing privileges of reciprocal borrowers, and it is best to inquire about local rules and procedures before making your selection. Reciprocal borrowing privileges at the Batavia Public Library will be extended to patrons of any library that extends privileges to residents of Batavia.

Individuals presenting a valid card from another public library in Illinois and a photo ID or other proof of identity may borrow materials from the Batavia Public Library, provided that their privileges in their home library are not suspended for any reason.

Batavia is part of the SWAN library consortium. Being part of SWAN means your Batavia Public Library card is ready to use at any public library that is part of SWAN. You also may put a hold on materials in the catalog that belong to the other member libraries within SWAN.

More Books, More Movies, More Everything!

Through the network of SWAN libraries, you have access to a community offering more resources to share. This includes more audiobooks, books, CDs and music, DVDs and Bluray TV series and movies, educational resources, special collections, and expanded language selections. Batavia Public Library District is a SWAN member, meaning patrons have access to a shared catalog that includes over 10,000,000 items across 100 libraries. Even better, patrons can have those items shipped directly to Batavia Public Library in a matter of days or use a current Batavia Public Library card when visiting other SWAN libraries.

How do I access my account online?

Click on Sign In at the top of any page on this site
Enter your library card number without spaces or dashes
Enter your PIN

Do I need my library card to check out?
Patrons can check out using their library card, or by downloading our SWAN Libraries App to digitally scan your library card.

What is my PIN?

When you sign up for a Library card, we assign your PIN to be the last 4 digits of the primary phone number, or you can request a PIN of your choosing.
Click here for help resetting your PIN online

What can I do online with my account?

View your current checkouts and due dates
Place items on hold
Cancel and/or suspend your holds
Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, and more
Renew items
Pay fines and fees
Change your PIN
Keep a history of your checkouts.

Can my checkouts be renewed?
Eligible items will automatically renew two days before the due date and notification will be sent to your email. Please check your online account for the current due date(s).
Contact the Circulation Department to renew items earlier than two days before the due date.

What happens if I damage or lose an item?
The replacement fee for a lost or damaged item is the purchase price of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee. Fines and fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the Library or by credit card through your account online.

What happens if I lose an item?
Accounts in excess of $25 may be subject to a $10 referral fee.

Can I use my Batavia Public Library card at other libraries?
You can use your Batavia Public Library card at other SWAN libraries. No registration is required!
You can also use your Batavia Public Library card at any Illinois library that participates in reciprocal borrowing. Registration is required. Restrictions may apply and are determined by the lending library.