Borrowing Rules

Borrowing rules determine how many items you can check out, for how long, and what item types are available to you. While policies may vary by library system, here are common guidelines:

Understanding loan periods

  • Standard books: Typically 14-21 days
  • New releases: Often 7-14 days due to high demand
  • DVDs and media: Usually 3-7 days
  • Digital items: Varies by platform (7-21 days)
  • Special collections: May have unique borrowing periods

Borrowing limits

  • Physical items: Limits typically range from 25-100 items
  • Digital items: Usually 3-10 items at once
  • New releases: May have separate, lower limits
  • Specialty items: Equipment, passes, and kits may have specific limits

Account requirements

  • Your library card must be current and in good standing
  • Outstanding fees may limit borrowing privileges
  • Some items require verification of age or residency
  • Digital borrowing may require separate app registration

Pro Tip

Check your specific library's borrowing policies on their website, as rules can vary significantly between library systems.

Placing Holds

Reserve items that are currently checked out or ensure popular materials are waiting for you when you're ready to borrow them.

How to place a hold

  1. Search for the item you want in the library catalog
  2. Click on the item title to view its details
  3. Look for the "Place Hold" or "Request" button
  4. Select your preferred pickup location if multiple branches are available
  5. Choose notification preferences (email, SMS, or phone call)
  6. Confirm your hold request

Hold types and options

  • Standard holds: Added to the queue in order of request
  • Format preferences: Specify book, audiobook, or eBook when multiple formats exist
  • Series holds: Automatically hold the next book in a series
  • Author alerts: Get notified when new titles by favorite authors arrive

Managing your holds

  1. View all current holds in your account under "My Holds"
  2. Check your position in the queue for popular items
  3. Pause holds if you're traveling or too busy to pick up items
  4. Cancel holds you no longer need to help other patrons
  5. Update pickup location or notification preferences as needed

Hold notifications and pickup

  1. You'll receive a notification when your hold is ready (usually within 24 hours)
  2. Items are typically held for 3-7 days before being returned to circulation
  3. Pick up holds at your designated branch during operating hours
  4. Bring your library card for verification

Digital Holds

Digital materials (eBooks, audiobooks) must be placed through the respective apps like OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla, or cloudLibrary, not through BiblioCommons.

Renewing Items

Extend your borrowing period when you need more time with materials, subject to availability and library policies.

Online renewal

  1. Log into your BiblioCommons account
  2. Navigate to "Checked Out" or "My Items"
  3. Find the item you want to renew
  4. Click the "Renew" button next to the item
  5. Confirm the new due date

Renewal eligibility

Items can usually be renewed if:

  • No other patrons have placed holds on the item
  • The item hasn't reached its maximum renewal limit
  • Your account is in good standing with no excessive fees
  • The item type allows renewals (some specialty items don't)

Auto-renewal

Many libraries offer automatic renewal when:

  • The item is eligible for renewal on its due date
  • You've opted into auto-renewal in your account settings
  • No holds are waiting for the item
  • You haven't reached the maximum number of renewals

Alternative renewal methods

  • Phone: Call your library and provide your card number
  • In person: Visit any branch with your items or library card
  • Mobile app: Use your library's official app if available

Digital item renewals

Digital materials require renewal through their original platforms:

  • OverDrive/Libby: Renew through the Libby app
  • Hoopla: No renewals needed - borrow again if desired
  • cloudLibrary: Renew through the cloudLibrary app

Returning Materials

Ensure your borrowed items are returned properly and on time to maintain your borrowing privileges and avoid late fees.

Return locations and methods

  • Any branch: Return to any library in your system, not just where you picked it up
  • Book drops: Available 24/7 outside most library buildings for books and CDs
  • Interior returns: Staffed desks during library hours for all materials
  • Special handling: Some items (laptops, equipment) may require staff assistance

Return requirements

  • Return all parts of multi-part items (books with CDs, DVD cases with discs)
  • Keep items in good condition - avoid writing, damage, or loss
  • Return items by the due date to avoid late fees
  • Use proper book drops - don't leave items outside when drops are full

Digital returns

  • Automatic return: Digital items return themselves on the due date
  • Early return: You can return digital items early through the respective apps
  • No late fees: Digital items cannot be overdue since they return automatically

Fees & Charges

Understanding library fees helps you avoid charges and maintain your borrowing privileges.

Common fee types

  • Overdue fines: Charged daily for late returns (typically $0.25-$1.00 per day)
  • Replacement fees: Cost of replacing lost or damaged items
  • Processing fees: Administrative costs for lost items (usually $5-$15)
  • Reservation fees: Some libraries charge for placing holds on popular items

Managing fees

  • Check your account regularly for any outstanding fees
  • Pay fees online, by phone, or in person at any library branch
  • Some libraries offer fee forgiveness programs
  • Consider setting up auto-renewal to avoid overdue fines

Fee-free alternatives

  • Many libraries have eliminated overdue fines for certain materials
  • Digital materials never incur overdue fees
  • Some systems offer "food for fines" or community service programs
  • Check if your library participates in fine forgiveness weeks