| Borrowing FAQ |
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How do I access my account?There are 5 ways to access your account. All you need is your library card.
How do I place a hold/make a request for library items?Will I be charged for something I requested, but forgot to pick up?Your requested items are kept on our branch hold shelves for one week. If an adult requests an adult item and does not pick it up during that week, a $.50 fine (per item requested) will be charged to their account. If you know you will not be able to pick up your requests that week, you can avoid the charge by cancelling your requests before they get to your library, or suspend your requests so they come in at a later date (great for vacations). See below for instructions on suspending requests online, or call your local library. How many items can i check out?We suggest you limit your total items to what you can keep track of, however certain types of items are limited so they can be available for all of our patrons: Book club kits and Preschool Theme kits – limit of 2 requested at one time; only 1 may be checked out at a time Video games – limit of 3 requested at one time; 3 checked out at one time Playaways – limit of 6 requested at one time; 5 checked out at one time. How long can I keep things?Check your check out receipt, check your account online, call Lark at 312-9037, or call your library to determine when an item is due. The due dates for any item can vary depending on the situation. I placed a hold on a book but I am going out of town and can't pick it up. What do I do?You can "suspend" your request. That means that you let the item pass on to someone else until you are ready to get back in line. You won't lose your place in line in the meantime. If you are first in line and suspend your hold, you will be first in line when you reactivate your hold. It is a good idea to do this because there is a .50 fine if an adult places a request on an adult item and doesn't pick it up. By suspending your requests you will avoid the .50 fine charged when an adult requests an adult item and doesn’t pick it up. What are the library fines and fees?Fines and fees are charged in the following situations:
Overdue fines for most items are:
For children's and young adult (teen) items, overdue fines are:
Overdue fines begin after a grace period of 7 days, excluding Sundays and holidays, following the due date of the item. (Videos and DVD's have a grace period of 2 days, excluding Sundays and holidays). You can see your fines by checking your account online: Log in using your barcode or username and PIN. If you have any fines, the total will appear under My WCLS on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the Fines to bring up a detailsed list. How do I extend due dates/renew items?Options to Extend Due Dates:
Your new due date will be three weeks (2 weeks in the case of DVDs and videogames), from the date the item is renewed. Using the Online Catalog to Extend Due Dates:
Where can I return materials close to home?WCLS is a partner in the Whatcom Libraries Collaborate! One Card Program, which means your library materials can be dropped off at a location convenient to you:
If I damage an item, may I purchase a new copy and give it to the library as a replacement?It depends on several factors. Check in with staff at your local library. They can contact the purchaser and find out if a replacement book rather than a fee is acceptable. How can I avoid overdue fines?You can avoid fines by extending due dates (see instructions above), and returning materials. Can I use a credit card to pay my fines?For your convenience, credit or debit cards are accepted in person and by phone for payment of library fines, fees, and printing charges at all WCLS libraries. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards are accepted. Payments cannot be made online at this time. Can I get my hold and overdue notices by text message?
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