Borrowing FAQs

How do I reserve books?

  • Enter your search term in the search box above
  • Click on the Availability button for the item you want
  • Click on the Hold button to place a reserve
  • Type your library card barcode number in the box
  • Click the Send button
  • Verify your name and address
  • Choose the library at which you'll be picking up the item

How long may I keep books?

Most books are checked out for 21 days, but there are some exceptions:

  • new books… 14 days
  • Speedy books… 7 days

How long may I keep other material?

  • open shelf magazines 7 days
  • compact discs 21 days
  • pamphlets and librettos 21 days
  • audio books 21 days
  • children's kits 21 days
  • videos and DVDs 7 days

What if I lose or damage Library material?

You must pay the current replacement cost of each item. Library materials are expensive to replace, so please take care of the items you borrow.

The Library will deny borrowing privileges to patrons who accumulate overdue fines exceeding $ 5.00, or fail to replace lost or damaged material with cumulative replacement costs exceeding $50.00. Borrowing privileges will be reinstated when your patron account is clear.

May I extend the loan period?

Yes. Regular circulating materials other than Speedy materials and pamphlets may be renewed, in person, on the Library's web site or by phone (674-4169) for one additional loan period. If there is a 'hold' on an item, you may not renew it.

Is there anything I can't borrow?

Yes. Some materials always stay in the Library. Reference books, newspapers, current issues of magazines and magazines held in storage do not circulate.

Is there any limit on what I may borrow?

Yes. The Library places limits on:

  • magazines… 6
  • children's holiday books… 1
  • compact discs… 3 (at a holiday's celebration)
  • audio books… 6
  • children's non-fiction… 2
  • videos… 2 (on the same subject)

The Library reserves the right to limit the type of media, number of books on a specific subject and the total number of items that may be borrowed at any time.

How can I tell if an item is checked out?

Look up any item in our online catalog. The screen will tell you if it's on the shelf or has been checked out.

What if an item I want is currently checked out?

Regular circulating materials other than Speedy items, pamphlets and magazines may be reserved. 'Hold' requests may be placed at computer terminals throughout the Library, at the Reference Desk or from home via the Internet. When an item is available, you will be notified. There is a 50-cent notification fee.

What if the Library doesn't have an item I need?

We can get books and photocopies of magazine articles from libraries outside the Westchester Library System through interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan requests are placed at the Reference Desk. When an item is available, you will be notified. There is a 50-cent notification fee.

What happens if I return an item late?

When we check in a late item, the overdue fine is automatically added to your patron account. You may pay the fine right away or wait until the next time you borrow materials. Overdue fines are:

  • adult books… $.20 per day per book (excluding Speedy books)
  • Speedy books… $.50 per day per book
  • Paperbacks… $.20 per day per book
  • magazines & pamphlets… $.20 per day per item
  • audio books… $.20 per day per item
  • compact discs… $.20 per day per item
  • videos and DVDs $ 2.00 per day per item
  • Children's collection… $.10 per day per item