How do I borrow books?

Borrowing Material
The loan period for library materials varies according to the item and the demand. Books may be renewed twice if no one else has placed a reserve on the material. You may place a reserve or renewal online or by telephone.

How do I change my PIN?

Change Your PIN
You can change your PIN from My Account after you have logged in to access My Profile options.

• Click Change My PIN.
• Type your user ID or alternate ID.
• In the PIN box, type in your current PIN.
• In the Enter New PIN box, type a new PIN no longer than 10 characters.
• In the Re-enter New PIN box, type the same PIN.
• Click Change PIN to change your PIN or Reset to start over.

If you haven't already logged in, you may be prompted to log in to the e-library when you attempt to change information in My Account. This login is only valid for the current transaction.

How do I get a library card?

Library Cards

• Library cards are free to all residents of the state of Maryland.
• Proof of address must be presented (see guidelines)
• Cards are issued at all locations in the library system.
• Children below the age of 14 or 9th grade are given a card limiting borrowing to the children's (Juvenile) collection. Adult material may be borrowed on a children's card with the permission of a librarian.
• Children between the ages of 14-17 are given a Young Adult card (YA). YA card holders may check out adult materials with the exception of adult collection videos and DVDs
• Cards may be obtained by out-of-state residents by paying a $15 annual fee per family. Library cards are available only to MD residents or those within the tri-state area (Western PA and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia)

How do I get a PIN number?

If you have never gotten a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to access your WCFL account, library staff must assist you the first time. You may do this in person at any Washington County Free Library location. You may also call any of these locations to obtain your first PIN. Please be sure to have your library card handy - you'll be asked to give your card number and other identifying information.

You can change your PIN by logging into your account in our catalog

How do I place a hold?

Holds
If the material you would like is checked out, you may place a reserve on it through the information desk or online.
To place a hold online:

• Do a search on the main page of the library catalog http://ibistro.wash.lib.md.us
• Click on the "Details" button to the left of the brief record of the item in which you are interested.
• On the left side of the full record screen click on the link "Place Hold" Type in the user ID (patron's library card number) and your PIN and click on the "Place Hold" button.

If you place a hold on an item that is listed as available, please be aware that holds are processed once a day in the morning.

There is no charge to place a hold on an item. However, when an item is available for pick-up we will send a notice in the mail that the item is available. You are responsible to pay current postage rates on notice cards mailed to your address.

You can avoid paying postage by providing a valid email address so notices can be sent via email. You can also opt out of having notices sent.

How do I renew my books?

Renewals
Materials may be accessed through the circulation desk or online.
To access library account information and renew materials online:

• On the main page of the library catalog in the upper right hand side is a link for “My Account.”
• Click on that link which will lead to a screen with four links to “Review My Account,” “Renew My Materials,” “User PIN Change,” and “Change My Address.”
• Click on the “Renew My Materials link and follow the directions.
• When it asks for a user ID enter your library card number (no spaces).
• Your PIN number is whatever you have assigned it to be.
• If you do not remember your PIN number, please contact the Circulation Department for assistance.

How do I request a hold?

Holds
If the material you would like is checked out, you may place a reserve on it through the information desk or online.
To place a hold online:

• Do a search on the main page of the library catalog http://ibistro.wash.lib.md.us
• Click on the "Details" button to the left of the brief record of the item in which you are interested.
• On the left side of the full record screen click on the link "Place Hold" Type in the user ID (patron's library card number) and your PIN and click on the "Place Hold" button.

If you place a hold on an item that is listed as available, please be aware that holds are processed once a day in the morning.

There is no charge to place a hold on an item. However, when an item is available for pick-up we will send a notice in the mail that the item is available. You are responsible to pay current postage rates on notice cards mailed to your address.

You can avoid paying postage by providing a valid email address so notices can be sent via email. You can also opt out of having notices sent.

How many books can I get?

Borrowing Materials
There is a limit of 50 items total that may be borrowed providing they do not include more than 3 adult or 2 juvenile works of nonfiction in the same subject category.

How many CD's can I get?

Borrowing CDs
The policy for checking out audio books and music CDs on an Adult or YA card:

• Adult books on CD - limit 4
• Music CD - limit 4

How many DVD's can I get?

DVD Policies
The policy for checking out DVDs on an Adult card:

• DVDs - limit 4

The policy for checking out DVDs on a Juvenile or YA card:

• Juvenile DVDs - limit 4

The policy for checking out Anime DVDs on a Adult or YA card:

• Anime DVDs - limit 2 Anime DVD's - 1 week, 1 renewal

How many games can I get?

Borrowing Video Games
The policy for checking out Video Games on an Juvenile card:

• Must be rated E or E10
• Games - limit 1
• Games - 1 week, 1 renewal

The policy for checking out Video Games on an YA or Adult card:

• Games - limit 1
• Games - 1 week, 1 renewal

How much are fines?

Fines
You are encouraged to return library materials on time. Patrons are charged for materials which are lost, damaged or never returned. The fines for overdue materials are:

• Adult and YA books - .20¢ per day
• Juvenile books - .10¢ per day
• Adult DVDs, audio books - $1.00 per day
• Juvenile DVDs - .50¢ per day
• Instructional tapes and music CDs - .10¢ per day
• Video Games - $1.00 per day
• Anime DVDs - $1.00 per day

If your fines are $6.00 or more, your borrowing privileges will be suspended.

Is there a charge for holds?

No, there is no charge to place a hold on an item.  (click here for instructions on how to place a hold).  However...

When an item is available for pick-up we will send you a notice in the mail that the item is available.  You are responsible to pay current postage rates on notice cards mailed to your address.

You can avoid paying postage by providing a valid email address so notices can be sent via email.  You can also opt out of having notices sent.

What if I forget my PIN?

Library staff must assist you with resetting or learning what you have forgotten your PIN. You may do this either in person at any of the branches or by phone. Please be sure to have your library card handy - you'll be asked to give your card number and other identifying information.

 

What if lose my book?

Patrons are charged for materials which are lost, damaged or never returned.

Fines
You are encouraged to return library materials on time. The fines for overdue materials are:

• Adult and YA books - .20¢ per day
• Juvenile books - .10¢ per day
• Adult DVDs, audio books - $1.00 per day
• Juvenile DVDs - .50¢ per day
• Instructional tapes and music CDs - .10¢ per day
• Video Games - $1.00 per day
• Anime DVDs - $1.00 per day

If your fines are $6.00 or more, your borrowing privileges will be suspended.

What's my account number?

Your account number can be found on the back of your Library Card at the top. It is a 14 digit number.

Where can I return books?

Library materials may be returned to any branch in Washington County.

Please do not put any audio and video materials in the book drop.

Where can I return DVD's?

Returning DVDs

Do not place DVD returns in the book drops. All DVDs should be returned to the Circulation Desk.