Checking Out Items
For most items, you have the option of using our speedy self-check stations or bringing your items to staff at the Check-Out Desk. Either way, you’ll need to present a valid library card. Be sure to keep it with you at all times so you’ll have it handy!
Loan Periods
How long can you keep materials? It all depends what you check out. Loan periods vary:
| Books | 3 weeks |
| Books-on-Tape/CD | 3 weeks |
| Playaways | 3 weeks |
| Music CDs | 3 weeks |
| DVDs/Videos | 1 week |
| Magazines | 1 week |
| Express Books | 1 week |
There is a small fee to check out some media. We use these fees to supplement our budget and buy more of the DVDs and CDs you want:
| Movies (DVD/video format) | $1.00 per item |
| Documentary/instructional DVDs/videos | Free |
| Music CDs | $0.25 per item |
Because these items require fee payment and their security cases need to be unlocked, you won’t be able to check them out on our self-check stations. Please bring them to the Check-Out Desk.
Reporting Previous Damage to Material or Locked DVD/CD Cases
If you find an item you just checked out has been damaged, please notify us right away. We’ll note that you reported previous damage on your account, so you won’t be charged for repairing or replacing the item. Please also let us know if a DVD or CD you’ve checked out has a locked case. Sometimes when these items are dropped, the cases relock. Please do not try to pry them open! The cases are expensive and you will be charged a replacement fee. Bring them back to the library and we’ll be happy to unlock them for you. You’ll receive a coupon for a free DVD rental for your inconvenience.
Returning Items
After hours, items may be returned to our drive-up returns in the parking garage on Fulton Avenue, the walk-up return at the Fourth Street entrance, or to the Check-Out Desk during open hours.
Effective March 15, 2010 if you check out an item from another library, you must return it to the same library. If you return the item to a library other than the library where it was checked out, the item will not be checked in until it reaches the owning library. You will remain responsible for the item while it is in transit and for any associated overdue fines if the item reaches the owning library after the due date. For more information, click here or call 616 842-5560, ext. 233.