Library Services and Amenities

In addition to lending books (including many in large-print format), audiobooks, music CDs, educational videos, magazines, and other items from our collection, we provide other services and amenities to our users. Some services are available only to Homer Library cardholders. (Click here for information about library cards.)

Reference and reading advice
If you need help finding information or a book you might enjoy reading, ask a librarian.

We also make a number of special online sources -- including encyclopedias, practice exams, car repair manuals, archives of magazine articles, and more -- of information available through our Online Resources page.

Interlibrary loans
Available only to cardholders. If you're looking for a book, CD, or other item not owned by us or other libraries in our catalog system, ask a librarian to borrow it from another library for you. We will advise you in advance of any potential charges for shipping, etc.

Programs and classes
We offer pre-school story hours (age 3+), wiggles & giggles (ages up to 35 months), crafts, computer classes, lectures, book discussions, special events, and other programs. Registration and/or a fee may be required. Visit our calendar for our current schedule.

Note: Photographs taken at Library programs, classes, and other events may be posted on our website or on our Flickr account.
 
Museum Pass
The Library participates in the Macy's Musuem Pass Program. For more information, visit http://www.museumadventure.org/index.php
 
VIP homebound delivery service
Homer Township residents who are temporarily or permanently confined to their homes may ask us to deliver books, magazines, audio recordings, and videos. VIP service users may ask for specific titles, or our staff members can select items which match your preferences (for example, mystery books on CD). Items are delivered and picked up on the first and third Wednesday of each month. For more information about VIP delivery, call us at 708-301-7908.

Teacher support
Teachers who live in or work in schools that serve Homer Township may request a "Bag It" package of books and other materials to support a curriculum unit. Teachers are encouraged to notify us of any assignments which require use of our collections and resources. To submit a "Bag It" request or assignment alert, call us at 708-301-7908 or use our teacher support form.

Our staff members are also available to make classroom presentations. To discuss arrangements, please contact Kitty Mitchell at 708-301-7908.
 
Community Service Hours and Internships
Community service hours are the sole responsibility of the individual making the request. The library has the right to refuse or terminate hours at its own discretion. A letter of documentation will be provided upon request with a 72 hour notice.  Please note that A.) Service hours are not guaranteed and B.) Hours may be offered within a matter of days or a matter of months or not at all. The Library will notify the volunteer by telephone if and when volunteer hours become available. The Teen Intern Program is a separate program for teens to participate in their community while earning hours. Teens on the Community Service List will not automatically be part of the Teen Intern Program. If you would like to participate in the Teen Intern Program, a separate application must be filled out.
 
Use our Community Service/Internship form to request hours.
 

Computers in the Library
Visitors to the Library may use Windows XP computers with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel),and Internet access (including our special online resources). Use of the computers is free of charge. You may save files onto USB flash drives. USB flash drives are available at the Circulation Desk for a small fee (prices fluctuate).

Many of the computers are equipped with a large-text keyboard, and accessibility options are available on all computers through Windows and other software.

Printing from the computers is 10¢ per page for black-and-white and 25¢ per page for color.

Wireless Internet access is also available to visitors who bring in their own wireless-equipped laptops. Library staff is not responsible for providing computer support for wireless users.

Children's computers, located in the Youth Services area, are loaded with educational games for young visitors.

Access to the Library's computer network is subject to policies regarding acceptable use and behavior.

Miscellaneous services & amenities
Photocopiers. Copying fees are 10¢ per page for black-and-white and 75¢ per page for color. Self-service.

Fax machine. Fax fees are $2.00 to send the first page of a transmission, and $1.00 for each additional page of the transmission. Self-service. Fax fees are $1.00 to receive the first page of a transmission, and $0.50 for each additional page of the transmission.

Microfilm/microfiche reader. Printing from microfilm is available only in black-and-white, at 10¢ per page.

Aladdin Companion electric magnifier is available to assist visitors who have visual impairments.

Voter registration. You must be a Will County resident at least 18 years old by election day to register at the Library. Bring in two forms of identification, at least one showing your current address. A registrar is available most hours we're open, but we recommend calling first.

Laminating service. There is a fee; ask at the front desk.

Display cases are available to Homer Township residents to exhibit personal collections. For details, contact us at 708-301-7908.

Community bulletin board and literature rack. Items must be submitted to us for approval; business advertisements and "for sale" are generally not permitted.

Paperback exchange rack. Free books are available from the rack in the Library.

Book sale shelf. Note: The Library is currently accepting small donations only of paperback books in new or near-new condition.
 
Proctoring
Request a proctored exam through our proctoring request form.