Loan Periods & Policies
Loan Periods, Fines, Renewals, and Limits:
| Items | Loan Periods | Fines | Renewals | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books & Graphic Novels | 28 days | 10¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | |
| New Books & New Graphic Novels | 14 days | 25¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | |
| Magazines (excluding current issue) | 7 days | 25¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | Limit 3 at a time |
| Audiobooks | 28 days | 10¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | Limit 7 at a time |
| New Audiobooks | 14 days | 25¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | Limit 7 at a time |
| DVDs and Blu-rays | 7 days | $1 per day / Max $5 | 0 | Limit 7 at a time ; Adult and Teen Cards only |
| Play-a-Ways (audiobook devices) | 28 days | 10¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | Limit 7 at a time |
| Music CDs | 14 days | 25¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | Limit 7 at a time |
| Kits | 14 days | 25¢ per day / Max $5 | 2 | |
| Wi-Fi Hotspots | 7 days | $5 per day / Max $25 | 0 | Adult Cards only |
| Library of Things | 7 days | $5 per day / Max $35 | 0 | Adult Cards only |
| AV Equipment | Varies | $5 per day / Max $50 | 0 | Adult Cards only |
The maximum fine for most items is $5.00. The library is much more concerned with having materials returned than with overdue fines!
Renewing Materials:
Need a few extra days to finish that great book? Library materials with permitted renewals will automatically renew (will receive email notification), as long as they have not been requested (or on hold) for another patron. You can also renew items by telephone or online by accessing "My Account" through the online catalog. You should always check your online account to ensure the item has been renewed. If you need help please call your local branch for assistance.
Overdue Notices
Email:
If you have provided an email address that is current, the library system will automatically send you the following courtesy notices:
- 3 days before item is due
- 21 days overdue notice
- 45 days overdue notice
Print/Mail:
If you have not provided an email address, the library will print and mail you the following courtesy notices:
- 7 days overdue notice
- 21 days overdue notice
- 45 days overdue notice
Notification of overdue material is a courtesy only; you are responsible for fines and replacement costs regardless of whether you have received notification.
Placing Materials on Hold:
If an item you would like is not available at our branch, or is checked out by another patron, it can be placed on hold for you. This means that you will be contacted when it comes available. Since Davidson County Public Libraries are apart of the NC Cardinal Consortium, we have the ability to request materials for you from across the state in other participating libraries. However, libraries do not exchange materials newer than 6 months or certain types of materials that may be easily damaged during shipping, such as video games, kits, electronic equipment, and more. If the item you are looking for is not available, you may speak with a library staff member to see what options are available to obtain the item.
Ways to Place a Hold:
- Online: by accessing "My Account"
- Telephone: Call your local branch
- In Person: At your local branch
Holds are fulfilled automatically by the library system in chronological order according to when the request was made, depending on age hold protections, and what items are available within the DCPL system and the NC Cardinal consortium.
When a Hold is Ready:
- You will be notified by phone, text, or email (whichever method you have requested) when your hold is available for pick-up.
- You will have 7 days to retrieve your held item(s) - after that time, the item(s) will return to the shelf, the next person waiting, or returned to the owning library.
- You will need to bring your library card or photo ID to the lending desk to checkout your material.