- How much does a library card cost?
- How do I get library card?
- How old do I have to be to get a library card?
- Do I need a separate card for each community library?
- I lost my library card. What should I do?
- I have moved. How do I update the address in my account?
- What is the loan period for library items?
- How do I renew items from home?
- If I check a book out at my local library do I have to return it to the same library?
- How many books, CDs, books on tape, DVDs, or videos can I check out?
- What are the fines for overdue or lost items?
- Why does the library charge fines?
- What happens when items are long overdue?
- Why is the library using a materials recovery agency?
- Will it show up on my credit report that I have been turned over to a collection agency?
- What if I lost the material and I don't have the money to pay now?
1: How much does a library card cost?
There is no charge to get a library card. There is a $1.00 replacement fee ($.50 for children) if you lose your library card.
2: How do I get a library card?
You may obtain a card at any library location. Contra Costa County residents may save time and begin using our virtual services by completing the online application before coming into the library. The online application is also available in Spanish. You will be required to provide address verification to receive your card.
3: How old do I have to be to get a library card?
There is no minimum age, but children must be able to print name (first name only is acceptable) and individuals under 13 years of age must have their application signed by a parent or legal guardian.
4: Do I need a separate card for each community library?
No. Your Contra Costa Library card is valid in any location of the Contra Costa Library.
5: I lost my library card. What should I do?
Notify the library immediately so that your card can be canceled.
6: I have moved. How do I update the address in my account?
Address changes must be made in person. Please bring positive identification and verification of your new address to any community library location to update the contact information in your library account. If you have moved from the area and will no longer be visiting our libraries, please report it to the Library immediately so that we may cancel your card.
7: What is the loan period for library items?
Most materials may be borrowed for three weeks. See this link for more information.
8: How do I renew items from home?
You can either use your touch tone phone to call BookLine, the library's automated account telephone system or renew* through the library web page by choosing the Check Your Record/Renew Items link.
After entering you library card number and last name, you will be taken to your Patron Information Summary where you can view your items checked out, on hold, overdues, and any fines.
If you click on the Checked out link you will be taken to your Checked Out Summary and can renew all items you have checked out at once or you can renew individual items by checking the box next to the items(s) you wish to renew and choosing the Renew selected items button on the left hand side of the screen. You will get a message telling you the item(s) has been renewed and the new due date. It will also tell you if the item(s) has not been renewed.
See more information on renewals.
9: If I check a book out at my local library do I have to return it to the same library?
No. A book checked out from any library of the Contra Costa County Library may be returned to any other library.
10: How many books, magazines, CDs, books on tape, DVDs, or videos can I check-out?
You may check out up to 100 books, 100 magazines, 10 CDs, 10 books on tape, 10 DVDs, and 10 videos.
11: What are the fines for overdue or lost items?
See the schedule of library fines.
12: Why does the library charge fines?
The library has fines to encourage customers to return materials so others can use them. The library's fine structure is very reasonable and comparable to other libraries across the country. Fines owed continue to keep your account delinquent. Your account will be blocked from use and collection efforts will continue until the fines/fees are paid.
If the borrower is a child, the parent or guardian is responsible for any overdue materials, fines or fees. The debt is considered owed by you, not your child.
13: What happens when items are long overdue?
The procedure for overdue materials are as follows:
- 10 days overdue: You receive an overdue notice by email, phone, or U.S. Mail.
- 30 days overdue: The Library mails you an overdue notice.
- 60 days overdue: Accounts with a balance of $35.00 or more are sent to Unique Management Services, a library materials recovery service, and a $10.00 service charge is then added to the account.
- 184 days overdue: Unique Management Services reports your overdue account to a national credit bureau. This may affect credit ratings up to 7 years.
14: Why is the library using a materials recovery agency?
Unfortunately, each year many library materials are not returned. This means using the library’s limited budget to replace materials rather than adding to the collection. The library needs to have materials here when our customers ask for them.
15: Will it show up on my credit report that I have been turned over to a collection agency?
Accounts are turned over to a credit-reporting agency only as a last resort. If you clear your account before the account has been with the agency for 120 days, it will not show up on your credit report.
16: What if I lost the material and I don't have the money to pay now?
The balance needs to be paid off in the shortest period of time possible. Talk to library staff regarding this. Should the library allow you to make payments and you miss one, the library will not contact you again. Your account will again be subject to collection activities.