Books and materials checked out at a Marin County Free Library branch can be returned to any public library in Marin.
View list of library locations.
(Note: Rental items checked out from the San Rafael Public Library must be returned to that library).
Limits
Limits on the number of items you may have checked out on one card at any time are:
50 Books/Magazines
10 Audiobooks
10 DVDs
10 Music CDs
Loan Periods & Late Fees
Note: Borrowing policies for items belonging to City Libraries may differ from those of Marin County Free Library.
More details.
Type of Item | Loan Period | Late Fee | Maximum Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Adult & Teen books, audiobooks & music CDs | 3 weeks | 30¢ per day | $9 per item |
Adult & Teen magazines | 3 weeks | 30¢ per day | $4 per item |
Language-learning DVDs | 3 weeks | 30¢ per day | $9 per item |
All other Adult & Teen DVDs | 1 week | $1 per day | $14 per item |
Children's books, audiobooks & music CDs | 3 weeks | 15¢ per day | $3 per item |
Children's magazines | 3 weeks | 15¢ per day | $2 per item |
Children's DVDs | 1 week | $1 per day | $6 per item |
* Bookmobile patrons are charged by the scheduled stop, rather than by the day that items are due.
Vacation loans: Items can be checked out for a vacation loan period of 6 weeks, with the exception of DVDs, new & high-demand materials. No renewals are allowed on vacation loans.
If you owe more than $10 in late fees or overdue materials, you will not be able to borrow from any library in Marin until you have paid down your late fees.
Renewals
Two renewals are allowed on most items. Items that have been requested by other patrons cannot be renewed.
You can renew:
- Online by logging in to “My Account” using your library card number and PIN. Click on “Checked Out Items”, then either “Renew All” or “Renew Selected”, then “Yes” to confirm. Please check the screen carefully to make sure that the items were renewed.
- By phone at any branch during open hours. Please have your library card number ready.
- In person at any branch during open hours. Please have either your library card or the items with you.
Holds / Requests
If an item is on the shelf, you can call the branch to have the item set aside for you for 3 days. There is no charge for this service.
If you would like an item transferred to another branch, or would like to be added to the waiting list for an item that is currently checked out, then the following request fees will apply:
Adult cards 50¢ per request
Note: Patrons picking up holds at a smaller branch (with fewer than 30,000 volumes) get 1 free request per day.
Children’s cards 1 free request per day, then 50¢ per request
You can place a hold request online, by phone or in person at any branch. The 50¢ request fee will be automatically added to your account.
To place a hold request online:
- Log in to “My Account” using your library card and PIN.
- Click on “Search Catalog” and type what you’re looking for into the search box. (How to search the catalog).
- When you have found the item you want to request, click on “Request this Title” and follow the prompts.
When your requested item arrives at the branch, you will receive a notification via mail or by email if we have your email address on file. We will hold the item for you for 7 days. If your requested material is not picked up, it will automatically go to the next person on the waiting list or back to the owning library.
Lost or Damaged Items
Items that are lost or damaged beyond use will be billed at the list price that the library paid for the item, plus an $8.00 processing fee.
The library generally does not accept personally purchased replacements.
Minor Charges
Lost or damaged part of a multi-part CD set - $10 per CD
Minor damage charge - $4
Replace CD and DVD cases - $3
Paying Fines & Fees
Fines & fees can be paid:
- Online by credit card. Log in to “My Account” using your library card number and PIN.
Select “Unpaid Fees”, then “Pay Online”. (Get more help). - In person by cash, check or credit card.
