Learn how to how to renew items, place holds, see which materials have fines, explore our special collections, and review checkout instructions, and borrowing limits and loan periods for both physical items and digital resources—including eBooks.
Many items can be renewed up to two times, as long as no one else has placed a hold on them. Renewals are automatically processed two days before the due date, unless there is a waiting list aka holds. Each item is limited to a maximum of two renewals. For exceptions and additional details, please refer to these renewal policy charts. Note that eContent renewal policies may vary depending on the vendor.
Visit or contact a branch, or use Live Chat for assistance. Please have your library card and the items (e.g., books) ready. You can also access your account through the online catalog under 'My Account - Checkouts' or via our mobile app. If we have your email address on file, you’ll receive a notification 3 days before any items become overdue.
Items can be returned to any branch, regardless of where they were originally checked out. Please place items in the designated return areas or drop boxes. If returning after hours, use one of our drop boxes. Exceptions: Laptops, iPads, hotspots, cake pans, American Girl BeForever Dolls, and sensory backpacks cannot be returned in drop boxes.
A courtesy email is sent two days before an item is due. If the item is not returned by the due date, an overdue notice will be sent the following day. A second overdue notice will be issued when the item is one week overdue. When items are fifteen days overdue, a bill for the replacement cost will be sent to the cardholder. Borrowing privileges will be blocked for cardholders with items fifteen days overdue until the items are returned. Cardholders will be billed the replacement cost of materials based on the item's price at the time of purchase.
Log in to the catalog, search for your desired item, choose place hold, choose the desired pickup library, then choose submit request.
We have an automated system that will notify you when your items are ready for pickup. You can opt-in for text (SMS) notifications, which will include alerts for holds, bills, and overdue materials. Sign up via the online catalog under My Account - My Information. With a valid email address on file, we will also notify you when your hold is available. While there is no limit on the number of holds you can place, there is a limit on the number of items you can check out. You may suspend your hold by asking staff or using the mobile app. Holds are typically kept for five days. If you need an extension, please contact the pickup branch for assistance.
We are Fine Free! Exceptions: Devices, device peripherals, and other in-demand, high-cost items such as hotspots, laptops, American Girl BeForever Dolls, outdoor games, and backpacks are not fine-free. Refer to the exceptions chart below. Late fees do not accrue during holidays or emergency closures. To pay fines, you may visit a branch or use our online payment service.
Regarding laptops, hotspots, iPads, backpacks, and American Girl BeForever Dolls, there is no grace period. A $25 charge will be applied for returning items in the book drop. Additional fees may apply for items that require repair or are damaged.
Special Collections include outdoor games, sensory backpacks, jigsaw puzzles, litter pickup tools. Desktop view: Access the online catalog then refer to the sidebar on the left-hand side of the screen to view the Special Collections section. Mobile view: Access the online catalog then scroll to the bottom of the screen to find the Special Collections section.
Bring your library card and item(s) to a staff member, use the self-check machines at the Central Library [library card and PIN required] or use the built-in card option in our mobile app.
Refer to the information below for checkout limits for adults, teens, children, and juvenile collection only. Please note that eContent (eBooks, etc.) has different limits for checkout, download/streaming, and holds. See this information for specifics. Library Southwest, temporary, and internet user accounts may have different limits.
Many items can be renewed up to two times, as long as no one else has placed a hold on them. Renewals are automatically processed two days before the due date, unless there is a waiting list aka holds.
Content: eBooks
Checkout Limit: 2 checkouts per week; unused checkouts roll over; limits reset at the beginning of each month.
Loan Period: 2 weeks
Renewals: Renew for an additional 2-week period.
Additional Requirements: valid library card
Content: download or stream music
Checkout Limit: Downloads (5 weekly); Streaming (3 hours daily)
Checkout Period: Available downloads reset every Mon. (12 AM CST); streaming times reset daily (12 AM CST); keep downloads
Renewals: none
Additional Requirements: valid library card
Content: eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and comics
Checkout Limit: 30 titles per month
Checkout Period: eBooks, music, audiobooks & comics (21 days); movies & tv shows (48 or 72 hrs); BingePasses (7 days)
Renewals: No renewals; borrow the title again once expired.
Additional Requirements: valid library card and valid email address
Content: Critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, etc.
Checkout Limit: Users receive 40 tickets per month; each movie has a specific ticket value; no checkout limits for Kids’ Corner.
Renewals: Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title.
Additional Requirements: valid library card, PIN, and email address
Content: audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines
Checkout Limit: 10 per library card
Checkout Period: Audiobooks/eBooks (7 or 14 days); Magazines (14 days; excluded from checkout limits)
Renewals: Renew option appears 3 days prior to due date if no holds on title.
Additional Requirements: library card or mobile number
