1st
Floor
Check Out Desk
Self-Checkout Stations
Book Return & Sorter
2nd
More Than Books
Classes & Events
The Library has a variety of classes and events for all ages, including:
Arts & Crafts Workshops
Author Events
Technology Classes
Cultural & Informational Presentations
Events in Spanish/ Eventos en Español
Exam Prep & Student
Success Activities
Cooking Classes
Family Events
Films
Gaming Events
Music Events
Seasonal Activities
Ongoing Events
Early Literacy Classes
The Library’s early literacy storytime classes present stories in a fun and engaging way, helping children expand their vocabulary, improve listening skills, become familiar with the alphabet and phonics, and develop a lifelong love for reading and learning at an early age. Storytime classes are offered most weeks of the year, Monday through Thursday, with morning and evening early literacy offerings for children of all ages.
Illinois Libraries Present
A monthly series of big-name author events held online. Past speakers include Kwame Onwuachi, Nick Offerman, Amy Tan, Jenny Lawson & Silvia Moreno Garcia.
For Seniors
The Library offers a variety of engaging activities designed for older adults including senior fitness classes, health and Medicare workshops, and social clubs like book discussion groups, walking groups and trivia groups. Clubs for All Ages
3D Print & Design Club
Teen D & D
Book Clubs
Genealogy Club
Walk & Talk
Slime Club for Kids
Hook & Needle Guild
Teen Advisory Group
Brookfield Writers’ Group
True Crime Club
How to Register for Classes & Events
Online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org By phone at 708-485-6917 In-person at the Library
On the LSF Brookfield Library app
All classes are presented in-person unless otherwise indicated. In-person activities may become virtual if the need arises.
Annual Special Events
Brookfield Reads
An annual community-wide reading and book discussion initiative culminating with an event with the author.
STEAM Fest
An annual fair highlighting STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza
Special seasonal event for families featuring stories, crafts and a visit with bilingual Santa.
Services for Seniors
Home Delivery & Proxy Borrower Services
Can’t get into the Library? We can bring your materials to you. The Library offers a home delivery service for Brookfield residents who may find it difficult to come into th e Library. Residents may also choose to designate a friend or family member as their “proxy borrower.”
State Library Talking Books & Braille Service
The Library serves as a liaison to the State Library’s Voices of Vision Talking Book Center for blind, visually impaired, or physically handicapped residents. Contact the Adult & Teen Services Desk at 708-485-6917 x 130 to learn more about these services.
Services for Small Businesses
AtoZ Databases
Access data on 30 million U.S. businesses and 220 million consumers to generate sales leads, attract customers, and drive small business growth.
Business Source Complete
Search full-text articles from thousands of business journals, trade magazines, and academic publications covering all business disciplines. Explore industry news, product rankings and more.
NewYorkTimesDigital Access
Get unlimited online access to articles, videos, games and more for free with your Library card number and PIN.
Small Business Reference Center
Find tools to start, finance, and manage a small business. Access sample business plans, small business reference books, video guides, case studies, start up kits, and advice from experienced business owners.
Additional Services
AARP Tax Assistance
Throughout tax season, AARP volunteers will assist members with filing income tax returns on an appointment basis.
Book a Librarian
Library staff are available for one-on-one help through Book a Librarian. Sessions are by appointment only. To schedule, call the Library at 708-485-6917 x 130 or email r eference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org.
Exam Proctoring
Library staff will proctor pen-and-paper and Internet-based exams for members at no charge during business hours. Please call 708-485-6917 x 130 to schedule an appointment.
Notary Services
The Library has several notaries public on staff. Please call 708-485-6917 x 150 to confirm that a notary is available at the time needed. Spanishspeaking notaries are also available by appointment.
Voter Registration
Get registered to vote at the Library. Please call 708-485-6917 x 150 to confirm that a registrar is available at the time needed.
Get Your High School Diploma!
The Library, in partnership with our regional library system (RAILS), offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school di ploma via a scholarship to the FREE Career Online High School initiative.
Who Qualifies
Must be a Brookfield resident.
Must be 21 years or older.
Must be up to the challenge of obtaining your high school diploma.
How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements and are interested in the program you can begin by taking the online self-assessment at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/COHS.
Applicants need to successfully complete the selfassessment test, a prerequisite course, and an inperson interview with the library's enrollment team before a scholarship is awarded.
For questions, please contact the Adult & Teen Services Desk at 708-485-6917 x 130 or email reference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org.
Museum Passes
Your library card offers free and discounted access to local and state-wide museums in two ways:
1. The Museum Adventure Pass requires a printed pass from the Check Out Desk. Passes are for museums in and around the Chicagoland area, and some have limited availability. To see a list of current offerings, log in with your Library card number at museumadventure.org.
2. Explore More Illinois has museum passes for museums near and far available on their website exploremoreillinois.org which you can download or print yourself.
Ask staff at the Check Out Desk for a brochure of the latest museum pass offerings.
Technology
Computer & Internet Access
In-House Computer Use
The Library offers both desktop and laptop computers for public use. All computers are equipped wi th the Microsoft Office suite of software. To use the computers, members must first sign the Computer Use policy and maintain a Library account in good standing. Parent/guardian consent is required for youth under 18.
Internet Access
The Library’s Wi-Fi can be accessed both inside the building and outside on the Plaza. Additionally, all study rooms have built-in ports to connect directly to the Internet.
Printing & Copy Services
Printing
Whether inside the Library on a laptop or smartphone, or at home, you can send print jobs to the Library's black & white or color printer with wireless printing. Members can also print directly from the public computer stations.
Members can print up to $1 free each day. After that, the cost is 10¢/page to print in black & white and 50¢/page to print in color. To learn more about wireless printing visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/wirelessprinting
Photocopier
Photocopiers are located on the main and upper levels of the building. The cost is 10¢/page for black & white and 50¢/page for color.
Simple Scan Station & Fax Service
Convert documents and photos into a Word document, PDF or JPEG/TIFF file. After scanning, you have the option to print for a fee, fax or email your file for FREE , or to save it to a USB drive. The Simple Scan Station offers instructions in 25 languages (including Spanish & Polish).
Take Home Technology
Laptops
Laptop computers are available for home use. Borrowers must first sign a waiver and provide a valid photo ID. Youth ages 14-17 must have a special release signed by a parent/guardian. The laptops check out for 1 week; overdue fines are $15/day.
Wi-Fi Hotspots
Take the Internet home via a Wi-Fi hotspot. Borrowers must first sign a waiver and provide a valid photo ID. The hotspots check out for 1 week; overdue fines are $15/day.
Projector
Need a projector for a meeting or movie night? A video projector can be checked out for 1 week; overdue fines are $15/day.
Take Home Maker Equipment
LSF Brookfield Library cardholders can checkout select equipment from the Maker Studio for at-home use. Please see page 6 for more information.
Additional Equipment
Laptops for Use Inside the Library
There are 12 Dell laptop computers available for use within the Library. A valid ID is required to checkout a laptop on a first-come, firstserve basis.
Phone Chargers
Phone chargers for both Apple and Android are available for in-house use. Ask at the Check Out Desk.
The Editing Studio
The Library’s Editing Studio is a reservable studio equipped to assist you with your digital projects. From video game streaming and podcasting, to digitizing old photos, cassettes, and VHS tapes, the Editing Studio has everything you need. Adjacent to the Maker Studio, the room contains 2 computers with the following equipment:
Computer 1: Video/Sound Editing
WebCam with light
Boom mike
2 widescreen monitors
Filmora software for audio/video editing
Twitch Studio
Computer 2: Digital Conversion Equipment
Cassette to Cassette Duplicator
VHS to DVD or Digital MP4
DVD to Digital MP4
MP4 to other formats
Slides and photos to digital files
The room can be reserved by contacting the Adult & Teen Services Desk at 708-485-6917 x 130, online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/editing-studio, or by scanning the QR code listed below.
Scan QR code to reserve the Editing Studio.
The LSF Brookfield Library App
Get the Library at your fingertips with the all-inclusive LSF Brookfield Library app. Download and login to:
Reserve Meeting Rooms, Study Rooms, the Editing Studio, and Maker Equipment
Register for Library classes & events
Search the SWAN catalog
Manage holds, checkouts, and renewals
Check out digital library materials 24/7 from Hoopla, Libby, and Boundless
Download the App
1. Visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/lsf-brookfield-app .
2. Search “LSF Brookfield Library” in the Apple App store or Google Play store.
3. Scan the relevant QR code below.
The Maker Studio
What is The Maker Studio?
The Maker Studio is a place where community members can come together to use (and learn to use) tools for developing creative projects. The Library’s Maker Studio contains the most popular offerings of maker technology and offers a variety of workshops. Members can also get certified to use the equipment on their own during open hours. See page 7 for a list of available equipment.
How Do I Get Certified?
Step 1:
Complete the online training course on one or both of the tracks:
Maker Track : 3D Printers, Carvey, Glowforge, Mayku Formbox
Crafting Track : Cricut/Silhouette, Heat Press, Large Format Poster Printer, Embroidery Machine & Sewing Machine
Step 2:
Attend a Maker Studio 101 workshop or set up a 1-on-1 appointment with Maker Studio staff to complete certification.
How Do I Reserve the Equipment?
Call the Adult & Teen Services Desk at 708-485-6917 x 130.
Email reference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org. Visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibra ry.org/makerstudio online or scan the QR code below.
Scan QR code to Reserve Maker Studio equipment for in-Library use.
In addition to the equipment in the Maker Studio, LSF Brookfield Library cardholders can also borrow smaller versions of the Library’s most popular tools for up to seven days per checkout.
Like the Library’s other take-home equipment, borrowers must first sign a waiver and provide a photo ID.
Ask at the Adult & Teen Services Desk to learn more about take-home equipment.
Take-Home Equipment
Cricut Joy Mini Cutter
Cricut Heat Press
Cricut Mug Press Cricut Hat Press
Sewing Machines
3D Doodler Pen
Kodak Slide N Scan
Yeti Nano Microphone
HD Digital Camcorder
Scan QR code to view Take-Home Equipment for checkout.
Maker Track Equipment
C ARVEY
3D Carving Machine
Craft Track Equipment
Cricut Venture
Large-Format Precision Cutter
A vacuum-powered machine that makes molds out of 3D objects.
Machines
Your 24/7 Virtual Library
Access databases and other online resources in the Library or at home 24/7 with your library card number and PIN, including:
Staff Picks
Online video arts and crafts workshops
Downloadable patterns, templates, recipes and techniques
New classes released every day
Learn a new skill online, in your own time
High quality video tutorials taught by leading professionals
Courses include video editing, digital marketing, web design and so much more
Online, interactive language-learning system
Choose from 70+ languages
Lessons include vocabulary, pronunciation and etiquette
Off-line accessibility through app
Books & Literature
Literary Reference Center
Novelist & Novelist K-8
TumbleBooks Library Languages
Little Pim
Mango Languages
LOTE 4Kids
Business & Finance
Business Source Premier
Small Business Reference Center
Value Line
Financial Fit
Consumer Information AtoZ World Travel
AtoZ Databases
Consumer Health Complete
Consumer Reports
Illinois DMV Practice Tests Legal Forms
Legal Information Reference Center
Reference Solutions
Genealogy & Local History
Ancestry.com (In-Library use only)
ArchiveGrid
125 Years of Brookfield Collection
Brookfield Newspaper Archive
Family Search
Heritage Hub
Heritage Quest
Hobbies & DIY
Auto Repair Source
Chilton Library
Homework Resources
General Knowledge
Academic Search Complete Middle Search Plus
Points of View
Scholastic Teachables Primary Search
S CIENCE
Science Reference Center
Newspapers
USA Today
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Tribune
New York Times Digital Access Wall Street Journal
Press Reader
OCLC Library Databases
Article First
OCLC index of articles from the contents pages of journals
eBooks
Catalog of eBooks available worldwide
First Search Searches OCLC Databases
Illinois Catalog
Catalog of materials in IL libraries
World Cat
Catalog of books, movies, & other materials in libraries worldwide
Online Learning
LinkedIn Learning
Mango Languages
Niche Academy Peterson’s Career Prep Read It! (ELL Resource)
Universal Class
History & Social Studies AtoZ Food America AtoZ Maps AtoZ The USA AtoZ World Culture AtoZ World Travel
History Reference Center
World History Encyclopedia
eBooks, eAudiobooks & Magazines
Download up to 5 titles at once
eBooks & eAudiobooks
Download up to 5 titles at once
Titles available for download to your device with the Libby app
Titles available in both English and Spanish
Access to 15+ million songs from over 200+ genres
Movies, TV Shows, eBooks & eAudiobooks
5 check outs per month
Features exclusive content by Illinois authors
Unlimited checkouts
Stream movies, documentaries, foreign & independent films, and educational videos
Animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, and story books
Download up to 5 songs/week
Stream 3 hours/day
No need to place holds! Everything in Hoopla is always available.
Titles are always available
Publish your e-books for checkout in Illinois libraries
5 check outs per month
Kids’ checkouts allow unlimited plays
Library Apps
LSF Brookfield Library App
Checkout books, reserve rooms, register for classes, search databases and more
Boundless
eRead Illinois platform
BiblioBoard
Self-publishing platform
Press Reader
Digital newsstand featuring 7,000+ popular newspapers and magazines
Creativebug
Free access to craft video tutorials
Freegal
Music download and stream platform
Hoopla
Books and video platform
Kanopy
Movies and documentary platform
Libby
Digital Library of IL platform
LinkedIn Learning
Video tutorials (Formerly Lynda.com)
Little Pim
Language instruction for kids
Mango Languages
Language learning for adults and teens
ePrintIt
Send prints from your smartphone or tablet directly to the Library’s printers
For youth through Grade 6
Unlimited checkouts
Titles are always available
SWAN Libraries
Access the SWAN online Library account
TumbleBooks
Collection of online books for children
LOTE 4Kids
Thousands of picture books for kids available online in 70+ languages
Youth & Teens
Early Literacy
The Library’s Youth Services Department hosts weekly Early Literacy classes for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children to improve early literacy skills and promote a lifelong love for reading and learning.
Grades K-5
Classes & events for kids aged 5 to 12 include monthly STEAM offerings like Geek Lab, Coding for Kids, Art Explorers, Slime Club, and computer classes for kids. Other regular offerings include fitness classes like Yoga and Zumba for Kids, and READ to the Dogs, a monthly event where kids can read to dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society.
Reading Challenges
Every summer, the Library hosts a Summer Reading Challenge from June to August. Kids in Pre-K to Grade 5 can register to complete reading activities and get the chance to win a prize in the Grand Prize Drawing. For kids younger than Pre-K, the Library offers the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge year-round. Registration is ongoing, and participants win small prizes for every 100 books that they read.
Databases
From homework help and language learning to interactive online books, the Library offers a variety of databases for kids’ entertainment, education, and enrichment.
Teen Space
The Teen Space on the 2nd Floor provides space for teens to socialize, use Teen computers, and play video games on the Library’s PS5, Xbox, and Oculus headset.
Volunteer Opportunities
Teens are welcome to contact the Adult & Teen Services Department at reference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org to register for volunteer opportunities at the Library for school or community service projects.
Teen Classes & Events
Get Your Game On!
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Teen Advisory Group
Student Success Activities
Teen Arts & Crafts Classes
Meeting and Study Rooms Meeting
Rooms
Need space for a mid-size to large group of people for a meeting or presentation? The Library has 4 Meeting Rooms available for reservation to for-profit and non-profit groups.
Classroom (54 people)
Meeting Room 1 (70 people)
Meeting Room 2 (45 people)
Whole Meeting Room (115 people),
Each room is equipped with a white board, TV monitor or projector screen and HDMI cables. Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 also include presentation laptops, podiums and microphones. Dry erase markers are available upon request.
Commercial and for-profit groups must pay a $90 reservation fee. Local non-profits, governmental bodies, and service organizations may reserve Meeting Rooms for free. For more information, please see the Library’s Meeting Rooms Policy at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/policies.
To reserve a Meeting Room, contact the Check Out Desk at 708-485-6917, scan the QR code below, or go to www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/reserve-room.
To reserve the Whole Meeting Room, please call 708-485-6917 ext. 151.
Study Rooms
Whether you’re looking for a room to work, study, or relax, the Library has 5 Study Rooms available for public use.
Study Room 1: Maximum seating for 6 people. Study Rooms 2, 3, and 4: Maximum seating for 2 people. Study Room 5: Maximum seating for 4 people.
All of the Study Rooms are equipped with a dry erase board, monitor, and HDMI and ethernet ports. HDMI cables and dry erase markers are available for checkout at the Adult & Teen Services Desk.
To reserve a Study Room, call the Adult & Teen Services Desk at 708-485-6917 x 130, scan the QR code below, or go to www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/reserve-room.
Please be on time for your reservation. If you are running late and are able to do so, please let us know. Reservations that are not claimed within 15 minutes of their start time may be released if another member is waiting for the room.
Scan QR code to Reserve a Study Room for up to 6 people.
What are the loan periods for Library materials?
3 Days: New DVDs, hard drives
7 Days (1 Week): DVDs, videogames, Wi-Fi hotspots, take-home laptops & tablets, take-home equipment
14 Days (2 Weeks): Boxed sets (TV Series), Hot Picks
21 Days (3 Weeks): Books, magazines, & audio
How do I renew items?
SWAN will automatically renew eligible items. Two days before an item is due, you will be notified as to whether or not your item can be renewed.
How do I return materials when the Library is closed?
There is a drive-up drop box on Lincoln Ave. **SomematerialsmustbereturnedinsideattheCheckOutDesk.
What are the fines for overdue or lost items?
Most LSF Brookfield Library items are fine-free; home laptops & Wi-Fi hotspots— $15/day
Members are still responsible for the cost of replacing lost or damaged materials
How do I pay my fines?
Fines can be paid online in your SWAN account or by cash, check, or credit card at the Check Out Desk.
What is my PIN?
Your PIN is a 4-digit number that you set up. Library staff cannot look up your PIN, but they can reset it for you. You can also reset it in your online account.
Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.
When does my library card expire?
LSF Brookfield Library cards do not expire.
I lost my library card, can I replace it?
Yes. Visit the Check Out Desk to replace your card. There is no fee to replace a lost card.
What is SWAN?
SWAN is the library’s online catalog. SWAN is a consortium of 100+ Chicagoland libraries that share an online library catalog, giving library cardholders access to more than 8 million books, movies, music & more.
How do I request an item in the SWAN catalog?
Through the online catalog at https://bfs.swanlibraries.net
By phone at 708-485-6917
In-person at the Library
Can I use my Library card at other libraries?
You can use your library card at other public libraries in Illinois as part of the reciprocal borrowing program. Cards from libraries outside of Brookfield can be used at this library. LSF Brookfield Library cardholders can apply for a separate card from the Chicago Public Library.
How can I request a new book purchase?
Library members may request that items be considered for addition to the Library's collection. For requests, please contact the Library. Refer to the policy on Selection of Materials for more information.
