The Tacoma Public Library has over 300 books on dogs, a mere 200 on puppets and puppet plays, and 500+ books on automobiles and repair (in fact, an entire Reference Collection on the subject at the Main Library), and over 1,040 cookbooks! Did we mention we have more than 71,000 books, compact discs, videos and other materials just for kids?  If you need it, we probably have it (or can get it for you)

New Loan Periods & Overdue Fines (Effective May 27, 2008)
In order to ensure that you have access to the materials you want in a timely fashion, the Tacoma Public Library sets limits on the number of items any one person may check out, and the length of time those items may be kept.

With a regular adult or media card, you may check out up to 60 items at one time, in any combination of books, media, and other library materials as detailed below.

Juvenile cards have one limitation: no videos or DVDs.   Everything else is as below. Persons with a temporary address card may have 3 items checked out at any one time. This limit will be removed upon showing acceptable proof of permanent residence.

Books

• 21 day check out for most books
• 3 renewals (unless there are HOLDS)
• 20 cents per day overdue fine

Audio Books

• 21 day check out
• 3 renewals (unless there are HOLDS)
• 20 cents per day overdue fine
• Up to 10 audio books at any one time

DVD / VHS

• 7 day check out
• No renewals
• $1.00 per day per DVD overdue fine
• 20 cents per day per VHS overdue fine
• Up to 10 DVD / VHS at any one time

Compact Discs

• 21 day check out
• 3 renewals (unless there are HOLDS)
• 20 cents per day overdue fine
• Up to 10 compact discs at any one time

Placing HOLDS

• 20 items on HOLD at any time in any combination within these limits.
• Up to 20 books
• Up to 10 DVD / VHS
• Up to 10 compact discs
• Up to 10 audio books.

Renewals
Items which have a reserve (hold) on them by another patron cannot be renewed.

If you renew by telephone, please have your library card available, as well as the items you want to renew.  Call our Telephone Reference at (253) 591-5666.

You can also renew your materials on-line. You will need your Library Card number and your secret PIN (Personal Identification Number). If you do not know your PIN or have never used this on-line service before, try entering the last four digits of your home telephone number. In most instances, the Library has assigned this as your default PIN. If you need assistance, call our Telephone Reference at (253) 591-5666.

The confidentiality of your records is important to us, and is mandated by law. If you call to renew someone else's items [spouse, child, etc.], we can tell you due dates, but not titles of items. For that, we need to speak directly to the cardholder.

Oops! I Forgot to return it by the DATE DUE
Fines are levied when materials are kept beyond their due date, and will include Sundays and other days the library is closed. Fine monies collected go back into the library's general fund and are used to purchase new materials.
 
You may continue to use your Tacoma Public Library card even if it has fines on it, up to a maximum of $20. Once your unpaid fines reach $20 you may not check out items until the outstanding total is once again below $20. You may pay fines with cash or check, at any branch of the Tacoma Public Library system.

Overdue statements are mailed on a regular basis, and will include any fines, fees, or charges attached to your library record. 

Please be sure the library has your current address! Contact us about any fines you feel are in error. If we cannot contact you about fines, or you do not contact us, your name and account may be referred to a collection agency 30 days after the overdue notice is sent to you.  A $20 Collection Agency Fee will be added to the account if it is sent to collection.

The Tacoma Public Library also sends overdue statements via email.  You can sign up to receive email notification at any of Tacoma's libraries. Email notification is much quicker and it saves the Library money. The Library will not use your email for any other purpose without your permission.

Damaged materials.
We are very careful with library materials. We do our best to assure you can borrow items in good shape: books with no stains or tears, videos and cassettes with no cracks or twisted tape, compact discs and DVDs with no scratches.  Each time an item is returned, we check it for damage. Please inform us if damage of some type occurs while library items are in your possession. If damaged items are returned in the bookdrop, the computer automatically sends you a letter and charges you the full replacement cost for the damaged item.

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