Loan Periods & Limits

To ensure that the Tacoma Public Library has an adequate supply of materials for all patrons, the maximum number of items allowed out on a card at any one time is sixty (60).
Table: Loan periods and overdue fines

Fines For Overdue Materials
The fine for most overdue items is 20 cents per day, up to a maximum of $10.00 per item. Fines for videos are $2.00 per day, up to a maximum of $10.00 per item. Fines accrue each day an item is overdue, including Sundays, holidays and days on which the library is closed. The Tacoma Public Library will send only one overdue notice before billing a patron for an item that has not been returned. The overdue notices are mailed on or about the 15th of each month.
Beating the Overdue Book Blues!

Renewing Materials
Most Library materials may be renewed once, as long as another patron has not placed a reserve on the item(s). However, video cassettes cannot be renewed.
Library patrons are permitted to renew items in person or by telephone at (253) 591-5666. Some patrons find it helpful to call before they come to the library to renew those items they wish to keep. When you renew an item by telephone, you do not have to bring the item to the library. When you telephone to renew an item, please be prepared to tell us your library card number, name and address. Once this information has been verified, you will be asked to tell library staff the due dates (this is fastest), titles, or material type of the items you wish to renew. Library staff will renew the items, if possible, tell you the new due dates, and tell you if they are unable to renew any of the items.
Staff will not be able to renew items that have been previously renewed, or any items that have been requested by another patron.

Returning Video Tapes
Video tapes may be returned to any of Tacoma's ten libraries. Non-fiction video tapes MAY be reserved.

Replacement Charges
The Library sends the patron a bill for the replacement costs and overdue fines for items not yet returned. Thirty (30) days after this notice is sent, the account may be referred to a collection agency. A $20 Collection Agency Fee will be added to the account if it is sent to collection.
Patrons will be charged for the full replacement costs of items that are not returned or that are returned in unusable condition.

Damage Charges
Patrons are liable for damage to any items that are not properly returned, for items that are returned in a damaged condition, and for items that are returned with parts missing.
Patrons will be charged a nominal replacement fee for video cases, cassette and compact disc cases, plastic bags for children's materials, and any other such items which are not returned with the materials they accompanied at the time the items were checked-out.

Losing Borrowing Privileges
When a library patron has fines and fees exceeding $4.99, the patron shall lose all borrowing privileges.
The following should not be placed in book drops as they are easily damaged: audio cassettes, records, compact discs, puppets, and slides. Please return these directly to the circulation desk.

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