Loan Periods and Fees

Library cardholders are not charged extended loan fees.

Borrowing Limits and Loan Periods

There is a borrowing limit of 100 items per library account for most items. The loan period for most items is 21 days. Items that have specific borrowing limits and/or loan periods are identified below. Items may be renewed up to five times if there are no customer holds. Renewals for downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines are set by the vendor.

Type of Material Borrowing Limit Loan Period (days)
Book Club Kits   42
e-Books and Audiobooks from cloudLibrary 10 21
e-Books and Audiobooks from Libby/OverDrive 10 14*
e-Magazines from Libby/OverDrive None 21
Library of Things 1 of each item type 21
Video Games 6 21

* Libby/OverDrive items have a default loan period of 14 days but customers can select 7, 14 or 21 days.

Items borrowed from Maryland academic libraries and out-of-state libraries are handled differently. Items borrowed through Marina have a 21-day loan period and may be renewed up to two (2) times. Items borrowed through OCLC Interlibrary Loan usually have a 21-day loan period, but the length of the loan period is determined by the lending library. OCLC Interlibrary Loan items cannot be renewed.

Damaged, Lost or Missing Items

While the majority of the library's services are free, there are fees for damaged or lost items. If you have an outstanding balance on your account, you may be denied use of library services.

Fees for damage to materials vary based on the extent of the damage up to and including the full replacement cost of the item.

Items 21 days overdue are automatically assumed to have been lost, and a Lost status is added to your account. When paying for a lost or damaged item, you are responsible for paying the replacement cost of the damaged, lost or missing item.

The library does not accept substitute materials to replace damaged or lost items.

Replacement costs for most damaged or lost materials vary and depend on the purchase price of the item. Items with a standard replacement costs are as follows:

Book Club Kits:

  • Book: $5
  • Carry bag: $40
  • Entire large (12-book) kit: $100
  • Entire small (8-book) kit: $80

Marina and OCLC Interlibrary Loan items from Maryland academic and out-of-state libraries:

  • Replacement: determined by the lending library

The replacement cost for lost material will be refunded if the item is found and returned to the library within six months of the date of payment. The item must be returned with the payment receipt. No refunds are given on damaged materials. No refunds are given for damaged or lost material that were borrowed for the customer from another Maryland academic or out-of-state library (OCLC Interlibrary Loan).

How to Pay Fees

Fees may be paid online or in person at any branch.

Online

Pay fees online using a major credit card.

  1. Log in to My Account.
  2. Select Fees on the left of the screen.
  3. Choose the fees you want to pay by selecting the check boxes on the left side of the screen.
  4. Select Pay Fines Now at the bottom of the screen and follow the instructions. Each transaction is secure and the library does not retain credit card information.

In Person

Pay fees with a major credit card or Tap and Pay at any branch's self-service check out station or stop by the Service Desk to pay with cash, personal check (with valid identification), credit card or Tap and Pay.

Any returned check results in an additional $25 fee.

Partial Payments

Arrangements for partial payments of fees can be made at any branch’s Service Desk. If total fees are $25 or more, a minimum of 10 percent must be paid in order to borrow materials. A maximum of two items, including DVDs and video games, may be borrowed while making partial payments. All fees must be paid within six months of the initial payment.