The Chicago Public Library
As of March 2008, the CPL allows patrons to reserve up to five books through the Internet, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to set aside a book. To make it even more convenient, you can choose which branch you will pick up the books at: the one by work, the one on the way home from work, the one near your favorite grocery store.
In addition, people who don’t have time to visit the library can even download ebooks and audio books. Keep in mind: You pay taxes to support the library, so don’t waste your money!
Some people have difficulty returning books. If someone else has reserved a book, you cannot renew it; but if no one is waiting for a book you have checked out, you can renew it online so long as you do it before it is overdue. Late fees are as follows:
Books: $0.20/day (max. $10 per book)
CDs, cassettes, LPs: $0.20/day (,ax $10 per item)
Videos, DVDs: $2.00/day (max. $20.00 per item)
One last thing people forget is that museum passes are also available. They are first-come, first-serve, so a pass you are interested in may not be available. However, there are some passes to lesser known museums, so you can try those out for free!
(Here is an article the Chicago Public Library Commissioner write in response to a news report asking what taxpayers really get from their libraries.)
