You might be wondering what the most checked out titles and authors were for the past year for the 100 libraries in SWAN. We have compiled some top 10 stats for you– hope you enjoy these lists!
Category: SWAN News
Welcome New Libraries
Glenside, Roselle, and Warrenville live on SWAN
We are happy to announce that our new libraries are ready for business in our SWAN consortium of 100 libraries. Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 marks our “Go Live” date. Library cardholders will be able to access resources throughout our entire network.
Visit our SWAN Libraries Membership page for a listing of all libraries and a map of locations. And enjoy some SWAN-spotting at Glenside Public Library District, Roselle Public Library District, and Warrenville Public Library District.

SWAN – 100 Libraries Strong
Three libraries are joining the SWAN network, bringing our total library count to 100. We welcome Glenside Public Library District, Roselle Public Library District, and Warrenville Public Library District to the SWAN family.
These libraries were awarded catalog membership grants from our regional Illinois library system, the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS). The grants support one-time costs associated with data migration and system set-up.
Our newest members will be migrating this fall to the SWAN network. We anticipate a go-live date of Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Welcome and congratulations to our 100 strong member libraries on our expanding network of resource sharing libraries.
Visit our SWAN Libraries Membership page for a listing of all libraries and a map of locations.
COVID-19 Update
Some SWAN libraries are now open for curbside pickup. Please refer to your local library’s website for more information and details on the curbside pickup process. Find your home library.
Curbside pickup is currently available to home library patrons only – if your library doesn’t offer curbside pickup, you won’t be able to get items from another library that does. In addition, delivery between libraries is not available yet, so it is not possible to request items for pickup from another library.
This information was last updated June 11, 2020 – dates are subject to change based on the Illinois Stay-At-Home order and public health recommendations.
Library cards
Is your card expiring?
All cards expiring between January 1 and June 30, 2020 have been extended to July 4th.
No card?
Most SWAN public libraries now offer online cards that will give you access to your library’s digital resources, including eBooks, eAudio, databases, and streaming services.
If your library participates, you’ll see a “Sign Up” button on your library catalog.

Online services and collections
Libraries are expanding their online classes, storytimes, and download and streaming offerings.
- Visit your library website to learn more about online events, eBook and streaming services, and more – find your library.
- Learn more about searching the catalog for downloadable eBooks & Audio.
- Learn more about searching articles and databases – handy for personal research and homework help!
Checkouts
- For due dates for checked out items from your public library please check your account.
- Log into your account to see new due dates – get help with logging in.
- Please do not return material to your library until the library reopens.
Holds
- You can still place holds, but currently only for items at your home library, for pick up at your home library.
- If your library is open for curbside pickup, your holds have been unsuspended.
- If your library is closed, your holds are still suspended, and your place in the queue has been saved.
Using Your Library During the Closing
If your library has recently closed due to COVID-19 concerns, you can still use many of your library’s services.
Place holds
You can still place holds on items, and you will be in the queue for them when your library re-opens.
Try eBooks & online resources
If you haven’t yet tried out the eBook, eAudiobook, streaming media, and online research databases offered by your library now is a good time to try them out.
If you are having trouble using these services, contact your library – many are still providing phone and online help.
What about due dates?
If your library has closed, please do not return items until your library reopens.
Check your account regularly as due dates could change as the situation progresses.
19 Kane, DuPage libraries join SWAN, gain access to nearly 10 million items
Library users from 19 public, private, school, and academic libraries are now part of the System Wide Automated Network (SWAN). The library network combines the collections of 97 libraries into a single, searchable public web catalog of nearly 10 million items. Libraries in SWAN share items with each other through the catalog, with many items available for delivery from one library to another via a State-supported courier delivery system. Library cardholders within the 97 libraries will find it easy to visit nearby library or request items for pick-up at their home library or another library participating in SWAN’s pick-up anywhere service.
Countdown to 19 Libraries Joining SWAN
A West Chicago Public Library Reader shares the excitement of an expanded SWAN catalog.
We are in our final days of preparation and data loading in adding 19 libraries to our SWAN family. Our March press release provided an overview of the extended SWAN network.
As you visit SWAN libraries, we hope that you continue to report on #SWANspotting throughout our extended network of 97 libraries. We’ve got a few more to share from our library visits in the past week.
Glen Ellyn Public Library – Spreading Our Wings
Glen Ellyn Public Library’s website provides an update for library users on joining SWAN. Remodeling circulation and meeting spaces is also underway, making the library extremely busy and exciting. Stop in for a #SWANselfie
One patron found time to relax with a good book and a comfortable reading spot. Happy #SWANspotting!
#SWANspotting
Keep an eye out for inflatable swans. If you follow Twitter or Instagram, consider using the #SWANspotting hashtag.
Residents of St. Charles experienced #SWANspotting on March 10th at the annual St. Patrick’s Parade. The St. Charles Public Library staff greeted the community and announced joining the SWAN network on May 1st. Congratulations to the the Library! They took 2nd prize honors for their entry. Along with SWANs in leprechaun attire, library staff promoted the expanded library network and featured “more of what you love.”
Be on the lookout for inflatable swans at your library. If you see one, take a selfie and announce your #SWANspotting adventure! We will feature your entries on this website.
2018 Membership Map
Check out our updated SWAN membership map, including all 97 of our members in 2018!