Borrowing Policy

Loan Periods

Most items check out for 21 days. There is no charge to check out library materials. 


Borrowing Limits

Library patrons may have up to 60 borrowed items on their account at any given time.

Renewals

Most library materials, unless reserved for another patron, may be renewed for up to ten additional loan periods.  Library customers may renew materials by accessing their online account, by telephone at (916) 264-2952, or in person at any library location.


Hold Limits

Library patrons may have up to 60 items on hold at any given time.

Borrower Records

Patrons with proper identification may have access to their library borrowing records. Parents or legal guardians with proper identification may have access to their children’s records only when the materials become overdue. In addition, patrons may view their record and modify some personal information by accessing their online account. A library card number and PIN (personal identifying number) code is required.

 

Link+ Borrowing

More than 9 million books are available through Link+, a group of more than 45 libraries. LINK+ is free and accessed through the Link+ icon on the library catalog. Requested books may be picked up at your preferred branch, with a loan period of 21 days. A three-week renewal is allowed, unless the item has been requested at the owning library.


Returning Materials

Most borrowed materials may be returned to any library location, at any time, regardless of where the materials were borrowed. Please consult library staff on where you need to return the item (e.g. Library of Things materials must to be returned to the same library.)
 

Refunds

Refunds will be given for lost and paid items when returned within 6 months, with the exception of Link+ materials.


Fees and Charges

View the complete Fee structure.

If a card has amassed over $5.00 in unpaid fines or fees, it cannot be used to check out library materials until the fines or fees are paid. Lost or Damaged Materials Charges for cataloged adult and juvenile materials are determined by the unit price of the item, as listed in the catalog. Lost interlibrary loan materials are charged by the owning library ($60 minimum). The charge for lost periodicals is $5. Lost items obtained through LINK+ are subject to a charge of up to $115 by the original lending library. 
 
Late fees
Sacramento Public Library is fine free. You will no longer be charged fines on overdue Sacramento Public Library Materials that are returned.
 
Materials Recovery Agency
Each week, accounts overdue 42 – 48 days are sent to a materials recovery agency. If materials are returned the charge is a single service charge of $10.00.

Other Charges
  • Returned checks: $30 service charge
  • Interlibrary Loan: The owning library may charge additional fees.