How to Borrow Books and Other Library Materials

Library cards and limits

• Users must have a current, valid Library borrower's card to check out materials.

• Adults may borrow a total of 100 items. There are lower limits for some materials.

• Holdable items may be picked up from a chosen library location when ready.

Loan periods

• The loan period for books, CDs, DVDs, games, and other non-electronic materials is 3 weeks.

• Items will auto renew for up to a maximum of 5 times if there are no pending holds. 

How to get a Library Card

• Click here to visit our website and make a library card right away!

• Adults are financially responsible for all materials borrowed on their own library cards. Parents or guardians are financially responsible for materials borrowed on their teen or child's library cards.

• Changes in name, address, telephone number, or email address should be reported immediately.

• Library cards have no expiration date.

• Library card privileges are not transferable, and can only be utilized by the registered owner of the library card. Patrons who have items out on their account cannot check them out again on someone else's account unless the other cardholder is present.

Lost or stolen Library Card

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately: Call Library at 818-548-2021.

• The Library card replacement is free. Cardholders are responsible for items checked out until the card is reported lost.

eCards and Electronic Resources

• A valid library card or eCard is required to access electronic resources remotely and borrow eBooks. You can sign up for an eCard at the library's online catalog. Click here to make a library card.

• eBook and eAudiobook loan policies and limits vary by online service.

Fines and Fees

• There are no overdue fees for most adult, children or teen books, CDs, DVDs, games.

• After all renewals expire, a Billing Notice for lost materials is sent at 14 days and 28 days late, and may be sent via email, telephone, or letter. Bills for lost materials that are disregarded are referred to a collection agency.

• Damaged or lost materials will be billed at current replacement value, plus a $8.00 non-refundable processing fee. Patrons are not allowed to replace lost or damaged items on their account with replacements they have purchased, even if it is the exact same item.

Renewing checked-out items

• All items may be renewed automatically, unless they are on hold. Book kits and Short Loan (selected children’s items) are not renewable. Renewals may be done online in your Library Account, using the Library's mobile app, or by phone by calling 818-548-8010.

NOTE: You will be asked to enter your library card number, found on the back of your library card. To renew individual items you will be asked for the item’s library barcode number followed by the pound key. There are instructions on the phone message on identifying the item’s library barcode.

Or, follow these steps to renew items in the LIBRARY ACCOUNT section of the online catalog:

• Obtain a valid Glendale borrower's card and PIN.

• In the catalog, click the LIBRARY ACCOUNT tab.

• Click CHECKED OUT

• Click the box for all items, or for individual items

• Click the RENEW button.

Viewing Your Library Account

• You must have a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to renew items or place holds in the Online Catalog. If you do not have a PIN, apply for one at any Library, Arts & Culture location in person. You will need a valid Glendale Library card.

• To reset your PIN number, visit the RESET PIN page. You will need an email associated to your account to make any updates using our website. You may also visit a Library location or call 818-548-2021 to get your PIN reset.

• With your PIN number, you can access your LIBRARY ACCOUNT online. By using this online account, you can change your PIN, see items checked out, renew, place requests, or check the status of your request.

Requesting Items (Placing Holds)

 Holdable items may be picked up from a chosen library location when ready.

Librarians will be happy to place holds for you on the telephone at 818-548-2021. Or, you can place your own holds in the Library catalog, following these steps:

• Obtain a borrower's card and PIN using the online system.

  • Click here to visit our website and make a library card right away!

• Search for materials in the online catalog.

• Click the Request It button.

• Log in using your library card number and PIN.

• Follow instructions to complete your request.

Hold Notification

• When you request materials, Library staff makes every effort to process your request quickly. Depending on the source, items may take from a few days to many weeks to obtain.

• Popular materials may have many hold requests waiting. For holds in the online catalog, check your position in the hold queue or ask Library staff for assistance.

• Occasionally, the Library is unable to locate titles that appear to be available in the online catalog.

• When your request is filled, we will notify you by email or telephone, depending on the information in your account.

• Requested library materials are kept on the hold shelves for 7 days.

LINK+

LINK+ allows you to request items from 70 public and academic libraries across California and Nevada. It works similar to Interlibrary Loan and is free with your Glendale library card.

LINK+ is integrated with the library’s catalog and you can place and manage holds yourself online.

Search the library catalog to find the item you are looking for, and if you cannot find the item:

1. Click on "Search other resources" on the top right of the catalog page. Select "Try your search in LINK+."
2. Once you have found the item you are looking for select "Request it."
3. Then select "Glendale Library, Arts & Culture" from the drop down menu and click "Submit."
4. You will be taken to a separate window that will direct you to put in your library card number. For further assistance on requesting LINK+ items please view our LINK+ Tutorial.

Interlibrary Loan

You may use our InterLibrary Loans service to request and borrow materials from other library systems, if they are not available through LINK+. You will need a current Library, Arts & Culture library card. 

• There is a limit of three Interlibrary Loan requests per week. Interlibrary Loan requests cannot be placed on Glendale library materials.

• Sometimes the lending library charges a fee for borrowing an item. We must pass these costs along to you. You will be notified if an item will cost money to borrow and you can either accept or decline the order at that point. 

• You will receive a notification when your interlibrary loan request has been filled. Please note, the process may take several weeks or longer. We will make several attempts to locate your requested material. If unsuccessful, you will be notified by phone or email. 

• Some items (reference books, rare books, books published in the past year, and audio-visual materials and electronic materials) cannot be obtained through Interlibrary Loan. 

• Complete the online Interlibrary Loan form here or visit a Library, Arts & Culture location.

Policies

Audiovisual Materials

• Audiovisual materials include videos, DVDs, books on CD and cassette and language instruction recordings.

Audio Books

• Audio books count against the 100 item limit but no other special restrictions apply.

• Music CDs count against the 100 item limit with the exception of the Brand Library CD box sets which are limited to 10.   

• Click here to see information about our digital resources.

Special Notice

PLEASE NOTE -- Glendale Library, Arts & Culture will no longer lend or fulfill holds for Pasadena Public Library materials. For assistance with Glendale material requests, please contact Glendale Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2021. If you have additional questions or need assistance with Pasadena Public Library material holds or lending, please call Pasadena Public Library at 626-744-4066 or email Pasadena Public Library.