How many items can I borrow from the library?

Physical items: Starting September 27, 2021, we have removed limitation on the number of items that you can borrow from the library. We recommend that you consider the borrowing period to ensure that you can return items on-time.

Digital items:

• Overdrive - 10 at a time
• Hoopla - 10 instant borrow per month and 5 flex borrow at a time
• Kanopy - 5 per month
• Flipster - unlimited

How long can I keep Library items?

Currently, most items can be borrowed for 21 days, except for:

• New movies (DVD or Bluray), new video games, most items from the Library of Things collection, and magazines can only be borrowed for 7 days
• Mobile hotspots, laptops, and Kindle Fire tablets can be borrowed for 30 days
• Book Club Express Bags can be borrowed for 42 days

How do I renew borrowed items?

All NEW items cannot be renewed. You can sign up for auto-renewal of items. Renewal requests can be made in person, by phone, or online through your library account. For most items, if there are no pending requests/holds, item can be renewed up to 2 times. Please note Mobile hotspots and laptops do not automatically renew. Please call one of our libraries to ask if those items can be renewed.

New due dates are calculated from the date of renewal, not from the original due date. 

What is auto-renewals?

Auto-renewal is where your borrowed items are automatically renewed and their due date extended, to provide worry-free borrowing period. Most books, audiobooks, movies, and music CDs can be auto-renewed up to 2 times, if there are no pending requests/holds. All NEW items will not be auto-renewed. Auto-renew will start after the item due date. You can check your library account or contact us for verification.

How do I return Library items?

Return items to a Library book drop, located inside and outside each of our libraries. You can also return books to the service desk at each library and to the Bookmobile during community events. If an item is overdue for 30 days or more, it will be considered lost and your account will be charged an amount equal to the cost of the item plus processing fees. 

Digital items can be returned in each digital app. They will also be automatically returned to the Library at the end of the borrowing period.

How do I place a request or put an item on hold?

Holds, or requesting library item for pick-up, can be placed online by logging in to your account with your library card number. A library staff can also help you place an item request in person at the Library.

Starting September 27, 2021, we have removed limitation on the number of items that you can request from the library. You will receive a notification by email or phone when a requested item is ready at the pick-up library. Items will be held for 7 days.

How do I request or suggest an item that the Library doesn’t have?

You may submit a purchase suggestion for items that the Library currently doesn’t have in the catalog. The purchase suggestion form can be accessed online through your library account. You must have a library card to submit purchase suggestions.

The Library welcomes your suggestions for titles that you would like to find at the library and will carefully consider each suggestion according to the Salinas Public Library material selection procedure. The purchase suggestion service is not intended for solicitations or other commercial purposes.

How will I receive overdue item notifications?

The Library sends reminders and notices via email or regular postal mail. You can customize your notification preferences online through your library account or in person at any library location.

You must have an email address to receive reminders shortly before your items are due. The library will send overdue and lost item notices by email and postal mail.

What are the overdue fines?

Effective July 1st, 2022, overdue or late fines for all library patrons has been eliminated. However, you are still required to return borrowed items by the due date. If an item is overdue for 30 days or more, it will be considered lost and your account will be charged an amount equal to the cost of the item plus processing fees.

Payments are accepted in person at all library locations by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Payment can also be made online through a secure payment website.

What should I do if I lost or damaged a library item?

All library items should be returned in the condition in which they were checked out. Please report lost or damaged items to the library as soon as possible. If the item that you want to borrow have any damage, please let library staff know before you borrow it.

If the item can be repaired, you will be asked to pay a fee of $5.25/item. If the item is lost or cannot be repaired, you will be asked to pay the replacement cost of the item plus a $5.00 non-refundable processing fee.