Circulation Information

Library Cards

Library cards are available to all residents of Durham County free of charge. Positive identification (preferably NC driver's license or special ID) with a current address is required. Applications for children under 18 must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Library privileges are available to non-residents at a charge of $45.00 per year.

Loan Policies

Most material (audiobooks, book/tape sets, books, puzzles and videos) may be borrowed for 21 days and may be renewed five times. DVDs circulate for 7 days but may be renewed five times. Reference materials are not available for circulation but may be used in the library. Reserves may be placed on items that are currently checked out. You will be notified when the item is available. Read more.

My Account

You can check your account at any time from the online catalog my account feature. You will need your library card number and your PIN. Your PIN is set to the last four digits of your phone number when you first sign up for a library card. You can change your PIN at any time by selecting the Profile Tab in my account. To change your address or phone information, select the Request Change button. Durham County Library staff will change your address, phone number, or add your email address to your account.

Fines

Late fees are calculated at .25¢ per day, per item with a three-day grace period. $1.00 per item charged on the 4th day. Maximum fine is $5.00 per item and $25.00 per library card. Items are declared lost at 40 days overdue. Charges per lost/damaged item equal the cost of replacement plus a $5.00 processing fee. Checkout is allowed if all lost items are returned or replaced and fines/fees on a card are $10.00 or less. Read more.

Renew by Phone

Call 919.680.2524 to renew your books, or go directly to your account.

Library Elf Reminder Service

Library Elf is a third-party web service that allows you to get overdue and hold alerts from the Durham County Library. You can get this service in addition to our phone and email reminder system, as Library Elf provides additional features that complement our service. These features include email and RSS alerts before the items are due; alerts on overdues and holds; the ability to set up a consolidated list of your family's library loans and holds; and cellphone text message alerts for your holds. If you would like to sign up for this third-party service, you can create an account at Library Elf. Please be sure to read their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Last Update: August 1, 2011