Waukegan library announces resource sharing partnership

Waukegan library card holders now have access to 900,000 materials owned by libraries around the region due to a new resource-sharing partnership called LINKin.

This service, which began May 7, provides fast access to collections of books, music, and movies owned by seven libraries in the state.

The library’s participation in LINKin is partially grant-funded in its first year and establishes a partnership between Gail Borden Public Library, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Skokie Public Library, Cook Memorial Library, Deerfield Public Library, and Naperville Public Library.

All of the library collections are free and accessible to current Waukegan card holders in good standing.

Patrons are able to search the shared catalog and place requests themselves or with staff assistance. Items will be sent to Waukegan Public Library in days and patrons will be notified by phone or email when the item is ready for pickup.

Materials obtained through LINKin will be due four weeks from checkout, except for DVDs, which will be due in one week. Overdue charges remain the same as Waukegan items.

“Joining LINKin is an amazing opportunity for our community,” said Heidi Smith, assistant director of public services. “Our own collection is restricted by a limited budget; LINKin will provide our patrons with access to almost 1 million different resources in many different languages. It’s as though our collections have quintupled.”

For more information about LINKin or the Waukegan Public Library collection, call (847) 623-2041 or visit www.waukeganpl.org.