Word from Elburn: Town and Country Public Library to Join SWAN

April has been a busy and exciting time at the Town and Country Public Library.

Beginning at the top of the month, the library has been making internal transitions to become part of SWAN, a massive network of Chicago-area libraries. This change means that Town and Country patrons are going to be able to browse a vastly increased selection of items from over 100 other libraries.

Currently, patrons can log on to the catalog and browse a selection of around 730,000 items. After May 1, patrons will be able to pick from a tremendous assortment of over 9,800,000 materials on the online catalog. This move to SWAN makes searching items easier and more productive than ever before.

In addition to the huge influx of searchable items in the catalog, the library’s switch to SWAN also brings a change to library notices. A new, streamlined text message notification system for hold pickups, overdues and courtesy notices will take the place of ShoutBomb messaging service. Text message notifications will be set up online through patrons’ library accounts or at the circulation desk. Library notification phone calls for hold pickups and overdues will now be handled by an automated system that will say “Local Library” on patron caller ID. The system will never call before 10:30 a.m. or after 7:30 p.m. Email notices will continue to be available for all notifications.

There will be a few interruptions in April before the library officially connects to SWAN on May 1. From April 18 to May 1, the addition of new materials to the library will be temporarily suspended. From April 28 to May 1, the library will not be able to check in items or place items on hold. To account for this transitionary period, there will be no due dates or fines on materials from April 28 to May 1. If you would like to check out items from April 28 to May 1, please bring your library card to the circulation desk with the items as the self-checkout station and library app checkout feature will both be temporarily out of service. Please note that there will be no interruption in programs throughout this period. All programs and events on the library calendar will continue as planned, unless otherwise stated.

Keep up with all the SWAN updates on the Town and Country Public Library Facebook page or by giving the library a call at 630-365-2244. The switch to SWAN is the latest in the library's continuing efforts to better serve you.

From engaging programs to fascinating items, the library always has something special to offer.

Connor Wilcox is the communications coordinator for the Town and Country Public Library. The “Word from Elburn” column runs the third Thursday of each month. Feedback can be sent to editorial@kcchronicle.com.