1. How long can I keep a book out?

You may borrow books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, DVDs, records, and many other kinds of materials. Most items can be checked out for 21 days. DVDs and Blu-Rays have a 7 day check-out period.

2. Can I return books to any Dallas Public Library?

You may return most borrowed materials to any Dallas Public Library location. LPs must be returned in person at the Central Library.

3. Can I return my books after the Library closes?

Night drops are available at all branch libraries, including the Central Library, where the drop off box is located on Ervay St. (the east side of the building). LPs must be returned in person at the Central Library.

4. Renewing by: phone / email / in person / online

• By phone: Call the automated telephone renewal system at 214-670-0701 or circulation staff at any library location for assistance during library hours. Have your library card ready as staff will need it to complete the renewal.

• By email: Contact Circulation Specialist at librarycustomerservice@dallaslibrary.org or your local branch by email. Please include your library card number and name in all correspondence.

• In person: Renewals may be made in person at any Dallas Public Library location. Have your library card ready as staff will need it to complete the renewal. In addition, you can renew your library materials at any Dallas Public Library location during regular open hours by using any public computer (library card number and password required).

• Online: Library materials may be renewed online with your library card number and password. To renew a book online, go to the online catalog and log in. Once you are logged in, click on My Account in the top menu, then click on "Items Out." In the list of items you have checked out, click in the check box to check mark each item you wish to renew, then click on "Renew Selected Items" below the list of your items.

If you are having problems renewing via the Web, contact Library Circulation Specialist at librarycustomerservice@dallaslibrary.org please include your library card number and name, Central Library Circulation at 214-670-1740 or circulation staff at any branch library for assistance. Have your library card ready as staff will need it to complete the renewal.

5. Why can I sometimes not renew materials via the web?

There are also several cases where you cannot renew items checked out to you. Renewals will be blocked if:

• There are outstanding fees on your card.

• The material is overdue.

• Your card has expired or if your card will expire prior to the new due date.

• There is a request on the item by another library customer.

Renewal dates are from the date renewed, not the date material is due. (We recommend renewing one day prior to the due date in case there are problems.)

6. Overdue & Lost Materials

Dallas Public Library discontinued charging late fines for overdue materials. Fees for replacing lost library cards and looking up account numbers were also eliminated.

Under the fine-free rules, when an item is a week overdue, the account will be blocked from further checkouts until the overdue items are returned. The replacement cost of the book plus a processing fee will be charged to the account. These charges will be waived as soon as the book is returned or replaced.

If you are unable to return the item(s), you may also bring in a replacement copy of the book in new condition.

• The following fees are in effect:Lost or damaged items: $20 processing fee plus the cost of the material.

• Materials can be replaced by the same or a comparable item in new condition. This usually costs less than paying the processing fee plus material cost.

7. How many books and other materials can I check out?

You may borrow up to 100 "circulating" items. Within the 100 item limit, there is a limit of 10 DVDs, 10 Music CDs, 10 Audiobooks, 10 Blu-Rays, and 10 DVD Box Sets per library card.

8. How many materials can I place on request at one time?

The following request limits are in place:

• 50 total requests on your library card account

• With no more than 20 total DVD requests

• With no more than 20 total CD requests

• With no more than 20 total Audiobook requests

• With no more than 20 total Blu-Ray DVD requests

• With no more than 20 total DVD Box Set requests

• Interlibrary Loan information to request items DPL doesn't own

9. Passwords

If you don't know your password, contact Central Library Circulation at 214-670-1740 or circulation staff at any branch library for assistance. Have your Dallas Public Library card ready, as staff will need this information. You may also request to have your password reset by email (librarycustomerservice@dallaslibrary.org). Please include your library card number and name in the email.

You can also change your password number yourself after logging in to your account.