News

The new SWAN Libraries + App is here

The SWAN Libraries + app lets you store your library card, manage your account, and find books, movies, and more from your phone or tablet. It is free and available to anyone with a library card for iOS and Android.

Download the app

If you had the previous version of the SWAN Libraries app, please delete, and download the new SWAN Libraries + app. The old app is no longer operational.

View recommendations from your library
See what titles are new at your library or curated lists from librarians. You can manage these “browse categories” to your personal tastes.


Store your library card
Save your library card in your app, so you’re never without it. You can also save your family’s library cards through linked accounts.


Manage your account
Manage your holds, checkouts, lists, and more in the app. 


Search and request titles
You can search for titles across the whole SWAN consortium, place holds, and see which libraries have what you’re looking for.


Download eBooks, eAudio, and more
Your library’s eBooks, eAudio, streaming movies, and more are all available in the app to search and download in one place. 

Want more information? Learn more about using the SWAN Libraries + app.

Using the catalog on your phone or tablet

Using your library catalog on your phone or tablet gives you access to your account, holds, e-books and e-audiobooks, and more. Here are some tips to make the most of your catalog on your mobile device.

Save the catalog to your home screen

  1. Go to your library catalog
  2. Follow these instructions to save a website to your phone or tablet home screen:
    1. Save on an iPhone or iPad
    2. Save on an Android device

Use your library barcode at self-checks

If your library offers self check machines, you can scan your barcode from the catalog.

Go to person icon> My Library Card and you will see your library barcode. You can scan this at your library’s self checks.

Welcome Addison Public Library

Addison becomes the 101st library in the SWAN consortium of libraries

We are happy to announce that the library has begun circulation in the network of libraries, bringing its library collection into the SWAN catalog. Addison Public Library cardholders are now able to access shared collections across the suburban area. One card, 100 libraries!

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-spotting at our new libraries

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.

Find your library

sign up button in your catalog menu
Look for the sign up button in your library catalog.

Online services and collections

Libraries are expanding their online classes, storytimes, and download and streaming offerings.

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.

Parent and Student Resources during COVID-19

With schools closing during the COVID-19 crisis, we have compiled a list of sites to assist patrons during this difficult time.

E-learning Resources

Scholastic “Learn at Home” : Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. 
Biblioboard : Digital books, images, videos and more from libraries, artists, authors and others from your community and around the world.
CK-12 : This non-profit provides “open textbooks” for K-12 students all over the world. It offers free high-quality, standards-aligned, open content in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
ScienceBuddies: Science Buddies offers thousands of free resources for learning STEM, including a collection of 160+ fun, hands-on STEM activities and videos. Each of our K-12 activities covers a specific STEM concept, can be done in an hour or less, and can usually be done with materials easily found at home.
PBS Learning Media: WTTW and PBS have curated Free, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more.
TumbleBooksLibrary: K-6 children’s ebook database
Username: tumble735
Password: books
TumbleMath:K-6 math ebook database
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6
TeenBookCloud: 7-12 ebook database
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6
AudioBookCloud: All ages audiobook database
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

Also, check your local library’s webpage and social media for virtual storytimes.

Childcare and Meals

For childcare, needs while you are working check with your local community centers and park districts also check out with the Illinois Childcare Assistance Program. If you are in need of meals during school closures check with your local school district.