You may have a total of 75* items checked out to one library card at a time.
DeKalb County Public Library materials can be returned to a branch either inside the library at the Circulation Desk or outside the library in the book drop.
*Due to higher demand, there is a limit of fifteen (15) DVDs/Blu-rays and five (5) periodicals that may be checked out to one library card at a time. Please note: The Decatur Library does not circulate periodicals.
Most materials can be renewed three times unless
Items can be renewed online by visiting My Account in the Library Catalog, or by visiting or calling any DeKalb County Public Library branch. You will need your library card number and PIN.
Through Interlibrary Loan (ILL), you can borrow items from other libraries that DeKalb County Public Library does not own, such as: books, periodicals or reference articles or genealogical materials. Read more about this service.
To assist you in keeping track of materials checked out on your card, the Library sends notices on the following schedule:
Notice | Type | |
---|---|---|
Date Due Reminder | email or text | 3 days before due date |
1st Overdue | email, call or text | 4 – 7 days after due date |
2nd Overdue | email, call or test | 18 – 21 days after 1st notice |
Bill for Fines/Fees | printed | when balance is $10 or more |
Bill for Lost Item | printed | 7 weeks after due date |
Collection Referral | letters and calls | begins 4 weeks after bill |
If you have been billed for an item and you return it, you will only owe the overdue fine. If you pay for a lost item and later find it and return it, you may be eligible for a partial refund if the item is in good condition and has not been withdrawn from the Library’s collection.