Library Accounts

1. The person signing the card agrees to abide by library system policies and accepts responsibility for fines or other charges resulting from the account's use.
2. The account holder agrees to abide by library system policies and accepts responsibility for fines or other charges resulting from the account's use.
3. The account is to be used only by the person named on the account.
4. The account is valid at all Metropolitan Library System libraries.
5. Responsibility for the choice of materials borrowed rests with the person named on the account and not with the Metropolitan Library Commission, the library system, or its employees.
6. Responsibility for the linking and unlinking of accounts in the online catalog rests with the persons named on the accounts and not with the Metropolitan Library Commission, the library system, or its employees.
7. Guests who lose their library card or change their address should notify the library system within three weeks of the date of event.

For detailed policy information, please refer to Account Holder Responsibilities and Behavior in the Library.

Maximum Items Borrowed: For most accounts, a maximum of 100 physical items can be checked out at once. ONEcard account holders may have a maximum of 10 physical items on loan at one time.

Loan Periods and Renewals: Library materials may be checked out for 3 weeks. Most physical materials will automatically renew up to 3 times, unless another library guest has placed a hold on the item.

Holds: Library guests may place up to 50 physical items on hold at a time. Limits may apply to certain materials. Service providers working in partnership with the library system to provide materials in electronic formats may set their own hold limits.

For detailed policy information, please refer to our Borrowing Policy.

Materials:  Most materials are fine free and do not accrue overdue fines. Lost or damaged materials will still incur charges. Technology (e.g., hotspots, Chromebooks, laptops), Experience Passes, and interlibrary loan items are not fine free and will still accrue fines.

Lost or Damaged Items and Materials: Once an item is 29 days overdue, guests are temporarily blocked from checking out new material or accessing eResources until the item is returned. Once an item is 60 days overdue, the borrower is charged for the replacement cost of the item. The borrower who damages, loses, or does not return an item must pay the replacement cost as determined by the library system. Returning overdue items in good condition will clear the block on an account, and will remove any associated replacement costs.

Lost or damaged electronic devices: Account holders will be charged overdue fines as detailed below, plus the replacement cost, for each damaged or lost electronic device (e.g., hotspots, Chromebooks, laptops).

Loss of borrowing privileges:  Loss of borrowing privileges will occur when an item is 29 days overdue. Replacement charges ("lost charges") will be applied to library accounts once an item is 60 days overdue. Returning overdue items in good condition will clear the block on an account, and will remove any associated replacement costs.

Fine Collection: After reasonable notification, the library system may take legal steps to retrieve unreturned materials, and/or file felony or misdemeanor complaints.

Fee Structure

If you return select materials after their due date, fines accrue daily. Lost and damaged items will incur fines based on the type of material as outlined below.

• Overdue Fines
  • Interlibrary loan items are $.50 per day up to the replacement cost of the item 
  • WiFi hotspots are $.50 per day to a maximum of $30
  • Experience passes are $1 per day to a maximum of $30
• Lost or Damaged Book, Magazine, or Electronic Device – List price at the time of purchase
• Lost or Damaged Audiovisual Materials, including All or Part of a Set – Replacement cost if lost or damaged due to carelessness or neglect
• Lost or Damaged Audiovisual Materials, Liner Notes or Guide – No charge
• Lost or Damaged materials borrowed by MLS via Interlibrary Loan – The lending library sets the fee

For more detailed policy information and a list of all fines and fees, please see our Borrowing Policy and our Fee Schedule.

• Photocopies, Black and White - $0.10 per page
• Photocopies, Color - $0.50 per page
• Microfiche Copies - $0.10 per page
• Computer Printouts, Black and White - $0.10 per page
• Computer Printouts, Color - $0.50 per page

For a list of all fines and fees, please see our Fee Schedule.

We know you value the materials and resources provided by Metropolitan Library System, but just how much are those services worth? How much would you have to pay out-of-pocket if the Library didn’t exist?

Check out the Library Value Calculator to find out.