Loan Periods, Item Limits, Fines | Mechanics' Institute

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Loan Periods, Item Limits, Fines

Checkout Periods and Item Limits

The Library allows 25 items to be on a member's account at any one time. This can be any combination of materials, but there are limits for specific item types. In addition, most items have a 4 week loan period with the exception of print magazines and new books.

Item Type: 

Loan Period: 

Item Checkout Limit:

Renewable?*

Fines Per Day

New Fiction Books 2 weeks 5 Yes - 1 time Currently waived
New Non-Fiction Books 2 weeks 5 Yes - 1 time Currently waived
Travel Guides 4 weeks 3 Yes - 2 times Currently waived
Magazines 2 weeks 10 Yes - 2 times Currently waived

All Other Materials

4 weeks

up to 25

Yes - 2 times

Currently waived

*Items may be renewed only when no hold is in place for the title.

 

Contacting the Circulation Staff
Members may contact the Circulation staff by phone at 415-393-0101 during Library open hours or anytime via email at [email protected]

 

Library by Mail - Outreach Services
Members who are ill or disabled permanently or temporarily, or are caring for an ill or disabled family member or friend may request that books, DVDs, CDs, or magazines be mailed to their homes.

 

Renew Materials
Items may be renewed online, by phone, or in person at the Circulation Desks.

 

Requesting Materials to be Held
Materials in the collection may be requested and held for pickup at the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor. Members may place holds for items that are checked out or may request that an item on the shelf or in the basement be held for them. Items that are not in the library's collection may be requested through Interlibrary Loan.

 

View your library account
Members are responsible for all items checked out on their Library cards. No one else may use your library card without your written permission. Overdue, damaged, and lost items will be subject to fines and charges. Your Library account is confidential.

 

Lost Material Fines and Account Suspension
Replacement fines are applied when materials are lost, damaged, or exceed the maximum loan period, plus a processing fee.
Library privileges are suspended when fines and/or fees total $30 or more.