Q&A for How to Check out a Library Book

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Can my books be returned to any branch, or does it have to be returned to the branch that I borrowed from?

Community Answer

It depends on your library. Some libraries will allow you to return your books to any branch, while others will request that you return your books to the specific library you borrowed them from. In most cases, however, you will be allowed to return your books to any branch

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Question

How do I check in a book?

Community Answer

Some libraries have slots where you place your books, and others have certain tables or designated areas. If you're unsure where to check a book back in, ask one of the librarians.

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Question

I haven't used the library in over a year, how do I request a book online with my library card?

Community Answer

If you don't have an online account, you'll have to make one first on your library's website. You can then request a book by putting it on hold. Just search for the book and select the "hold" option. You will probably then have to select which branch you would like to have the book sent to.

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Question

In the computerized catalog, there are certain numbers written in the description. Which numbers do I follow to find books in the library?

Community Answer

It depends on your library, but the ISBN is not the one to use. You're probably looking for a "call number," "Dewey number," "LCC/LoC number," or just an unlabeled number listed under "location." It probably looks like a three-digit number followed by a decimal point and more numbers (e.g. 791.43), or one or two letters followed by more letters and numbers (e.g. PN1995.C622).

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Question

Do I need to pay money to check out a book?

Seasalt25

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No, libraries provide most books and other materials for free if you use a library card to check them out. Some libraries may have withdrawn materials for sale, however, in which case you'd have to pay for them.

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Question

What are the 4 numbers I use as password?

Seasalt25

Top Answerer

You can use any 4 numbers for your library card password, it's entirely up to you.

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Question

What happens if I don't return a book?

Tujoues

Community Answer

Your book will be overdue, which is bad for you and the community. You will be issued a fine or the full cost of the book for the overdue book, and people who want to read it and have holds will not have access to that book.

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Question

What do you do if your card number and name are no longer recognized although I use the library frequently?

Tujoues

Community Answer

Take your card to the circulation desk and ask a librarian for help. They can get you a new card if you need one.

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Question

Do I have to check out a book that I am picking up after having placed it on hold, or can I just take it?

Tujoues

Community Answer

This depends on the library. Ask the circulation desk if you still need to check your book out when you pick up your holds.

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Question

If you have a hold at the library do you check them out or just take the books?

Tujoues

Community Answer

Ask the front desk. This varies by libraries. If you do need to check it out, they can do it for you.

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Question

How do I check if a book I have requested is available for me?

Tujoues

Community Answer

If you have placed a hold for a book, you can check your account online through your library's website and see if it is ready for pickup. You can also ask a librarian to help you, and they can look at your account.

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