EXPLORE THE LIBRARY'S EBOOK COLLECTION
EXPLORE DIGITAL COLLECTIONS AT ACORN
Visiting the Library
The Library is located in the Administration & Research Center of The Morton Arboretum, southwest of the Visitor Center (a short walk). Library patron parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Administration & Research Center.
As part of the Arboretum's phased reopening, the Sterling Morton Library will begin to offer curbside service on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. More details and updates on the Arboretum's reopening plans are available here.
- We will continue to provide reference assistance via phone (630-719-2429) and email (library@mortonarb.org).
- Digital resources will continue to be available via ACORN and our eBook Collection.
- Books can be returned and checked out via curbside service beginning July 1. This service will be available Tuesday-Friday from 10-2. Details about this new service:
HOW DOES CURBSIDE HOLDS PICKUP WORK?
1. Place a hold - online, by phone, or by email
Online: SWAN Online Catalog
By Phone: Call us at 630-719-2429
By Email: library@mortonarb.org
2. Wait for notification that your items are ready for pickup Staff will gather your holds, check them out to you, and bag them up. (Don't worry, when you pick up your holds, we will update the due dates so that you still have 28 days to enjoy your items.) Staff will then call or email you once your materials are ready for pickup, and provide instructions. Please do not come to the Library before you receive this notification, as your materials will not be ready.
3. Pick up your holds outside the Library building **Be sure to also have your timed-ticket for admission to the Arboretum. Please bring your cell phone with you.** By car: Please park in the lot adjacent to the Library and call us at 630-719-2429 to let us know that you’ve arrived. We’ll bring the resources to you!
HOW DOES CURBSIDE RETURNS WORK?
1. Contact Library staff to schedule the return of items - by phone or email
By Phone: Call us at 630-719-2429
By Email: library@mortonarb.org
2. Wait for confirmation of return. Staff will then call or email to confirm return and provide parking instructions.
3. Drop off your returns outside of the Library building. **Be sure to also have your timed-ticket for admission to the Arboretum. Please bring your cell phone with you.** At your confirmed time, please park in the lot adjacent to the Library and call us at 630-719-2429 to let us know that you’ve arrived. We’ll come out to pick up the returning items.
Using the Library
The Sterling Morton Library is open to all. Nonmembers must pay Arboretum admission fees in order to gain access. LEARN MORE
Circulating Collection
Borrowing Privileges
Arboretum members, staff, and volunteers can borrow books from the circulating and eBook collections. Nonmembers are invited to use resources in the Library's reading room or request items from their local library via interlibrary loan.
Loan Period
- Books may be borrowed for four weeks.
- Up to six books may be checked out during a loan period.
- Books may be renewed for an additional four weeks.
- Special collections, periodicals, and reference books do not circulate.
Renewing Books
- Online: Log into your account on SWAN, the Library's online catalog.
- By phone: Call 630-719-2429.
- In person: Bring your books to the circulation desk at the Library.
Book Return
- Books should be returned to the circulation desk at the Library.
- If the Library is closed, books may be left at the Gatehouse, Administration & Research Center reception desk, or Visitor Center Information Desk.
Fees
- Overdue fines: 10¢ a day.
- Photocopies: 20¢ each. Please allow 48 hours for high volume photocopying. Staff may not allow photocopying of fragile material.
eBook Collection
Through a consortium of botanical and horticultural libraries, the Sterling Morton Library offers thousands of eBooks for digital borrowing to Arboretum staff, members, and volunteers.
- Hint: Your patron number will begin with: 28070 … and no spaces are necessary.
Not sure or need a reminder of your patron number? While the Library is temporarily closed, if you haven't registered yet in the Library or can't locate your card, please complete this form.
ACORN
ACORN = Arboretum COllections & Resources Nexus
ACORN provides online access to the Special Collections of the Sterling Morton Library. New resources are added to the system on a regular basis as a part of ongoing cataloging and digitization efforts.
Reference Collection, Journal Collection, and Current Nursery Catalogs
- Resources from the Reference, Journal, or Nursery Catalog Collections may be consulted in the Library only. Photocopying is available.
Special Collections
- Works from the Special Collections may be viewed on site by appointment only. Please submit your request for an appointment here.
Tours and Educational Presentations
- Tours and presentations about the Sterling Morton Library collections are available by appointment only. Please submit your request for an appointment here.
Image Use Requests
- See an image you'd like to use? Please submit your request here.