How
do I get a library card?
Library cards are free to all residents in the Palm Beach
County Library District. Cards are issued at all locations in
the System upon verification of address. Children under 16 can
get a card with a parent's or guardian's identification and
signature. All children, from birth through 12th grade, living
in Palm Beach County, are eligible for free juvenile library
cards. Your card may be used at any branch in the Palm
Beach County Library System. When your card expires, we
will re-verify your address and renew your card. There is no cost to replace lost, damaged
or stolen cards.
You may allow other people to use
your library card. However, you are responsible for any items
checked out on that card. Be sure to report lost cards
immediately.
Non-residents may obtain a card for an annual
fee of $30. A six month period is also available for $15.
How
long do I get to keep library material?
The loan period for library materials varies according to the
item and the demand. All materials may be returned to any branch in the
library system.
-
Videocassettes and DVDs - 7 days
-
New Books & Best Sellers - 14 days
-
Music CD's - 14 days
-
Audio Books (6 or fewer Tapes or
CDs) - 14 days
-
Audio Books
(7 or more Tapes or CDs) - 28 Days
-
All other books including children's books can be checked out
for 28 days.
Get a longer loan period in the summer: The
Summer Loan Period is available between the dates of May 1 and
September 30. The following types of books may, upon request,
be checked out for an extended 8-week loan period:
-
Juvenile - fiction, nonfiction, and paperbacks
-
Young Adult - fiction, nonfiction, and paperbacks
-
Adult - fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, and older
large print, excluding popular books as defined above
How do I place an item on hold?
If the book, video or DVD you would like is at another branch
location it can be delivered to the branch of your choice via
our courier service.
Holds may be placed through the web site.
Holds may also be placed in person or over the phone.
How do I place an Interlibrary Loan?
If a book is not in our collection, we'll be happy to try to obtain
it for you through an interlibrary
loan.
How do I renew my materials?
Materials may be renewed, up to three (3)
times, if no one is waiting for the material.
Renewals may be
requested by visiting any branch of the library system or through the
Check My Account section of this web site. To learn how,
check out How
to Renew Books.
What is a
PIN?
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
provides access to your borrowing information on our web site.
A PIN is assigned to you when you receive your library card.
If you do not know your PIN, we suggest you try the last four
digits of your home phone number. A PIN may be changed in any library by talking to a
staff member at the check-out desk or online in the "My
Account" section of our Web Catalog.
In the
Check My Account
section, enter your library card number without any spaces
(i.e.. D012345678).
How
many items may I borrow?
Library patrons may borrow up to 50 cataloged items at a time.
Juvenile patrons may not borrow
videos or DVDs from the adult AV Section of the collection but may
borrow videos or DVDs from the juvenile AV section.
What
happens if I return my materials late?
Library patrons are encouraged to return library materials on time.
Late materials are subject to fines of 10 cents per day.
Library fines stop accumulating when the materials are returned or
when the maximum fine limit is reached which is $5.00 per item.
Patrons are responsible for returning
materials in good condition. Fines may also be charged for materials which are lost, damaged, or never
returned.
Library Card Application - Printable Version
Print and complete an application; then bring it to any branch of the Palm Beach County Library System with proof of your current address to receive a library card with full borrowing privileges.
