Borrow, Renew, Return

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use my Library card and return materials at both branches?

Your Library Card may be used at both the Downtown Library branch and the Spanish River Library branch of the Boca Raton Public Library. You may return materials to either Library branch by using our convenient indoor or outdoor book drops. Oversized items can be returned to the inside Checkout Desks.

How can I check on the status of my library account? 

To check your account status, including upcoming due dates, login to My Library Account. To update your account information online after you log in, just choose “My Settings” from the dropdown available on the blue login button located at the top upper right corner of the webpage. Under Account Information, you can modify and update your username, PIN, or email at any time. You can also call 561-544-8570 to speak to a library staff member for assistance.

Are auto-renewals available? 

The Boca Raton Public Library offers convenient automatic renewal service! Most of your checked-out library items are eligible for two (2) automatic renewals. This service makes it much easier for you to receive additional time to borrow items you enjoy, but also minimizes the potential for overdue fines. The Library sends courtesy email notices to inform you of the due dates of all your checked-out items and identifies which items are eligible for automatic renewal.

Do I have to sign up for the automatic renewal service?

No, this service is automatically available to all our cardholders.

What is the loan period for automatic renewals?

The Library will automatically renew eligible materials checked out on library cardholders’ accounts for two additional loan periods.

  • 14-day items can potentially be loaned for 42 days
  • 28-day items can potentially be loaned for 84 days
What items are not eligible for automatic renewals?
  • Items with a patron request to hold or reserve the item
  • Item that has reached its maximum allowed renewal limit of two times
  • Library cardholder account that has accrued a fine of $10.00 or more
  • Library cardholder account that has expired
  • Interlibrary Loan items
  • Designated non-renewal items (special collection items)
  • Digital resources such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMovies, eMusic, etc. (Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal Music, etc.)
How am I notified when an item auto-renews? 
Notifications are by email only. Library cardholders who have a current email address in their account will be able to receive a “Courtesy Notice” indicating which items were renewed and which items could not be renewed. The notice will also indicate the due dates for all checked-out items, including the updated due dates of the renewed items. If you do not have an email listed in your account, your items will still be automatically renewed.

What happens to items that are not eligible for automatic renewals? 
They will retain their original due date.

How can I renew my Library materials? 
  • Automatic Renewal Service: The Library system auto-renews eligible items twice so you don't have to.
  • By Phone: Call 561-544-8570
  • In Person: Visit the Library’s Checkout Desk (Account Services)
  • Manual Online Renewals: You can manually renew your item(s) up to two times for eligible items. Please note that if you renew manually through your online account, the new due date will be based on the day you renew. Just log in to My Library Account and enter your username and 13-digit library barcode number plus your 4-digit PIN.
How many library materials can be borrowed? 
You may borrow up to a maximum of 50 library items in total. For additional information about the number of checkouts for different library materials, please ask Library staff at the Checkout Desk. 

Loan Periods at a Glance:

 28-Day Loans
14-Day Loans 
 7-Day Loans
 
  • Audiobooks (CD)
  • Books 
  • Chess Sets
  • Foreign Language Instruction (CD, Muzzy)
  • Jigsaw Puzzles
  • Large Print Books
  • Playaway Audios
 
  • Audiobooks (CD) (marked 14 Day)
  • Books (New marked 14 Day)
  • Citizen Science Kits
  • Jigsaw Puzzles (marked 14 Day)
  • Literacy Backpacks
  • Mobile Hotspots
  • Music Compact Discs (CDs)
  • STEM Kits
  • DVD TV
  • Video Games
  • Youth Services Holiday Books
  • Tabletop Games
  • Backyard Games
  • Musical Instruments
  • Playaway Launchpads
 
  • American Girl Dolls
  • Books (New marked 7 Day)
  • Cake Pans
  • DVDs
  • Magazines
  • Playaway Views
  • New DVD TV

Borrowing Fees and Fines at a Glance:

 Borrowing Fees
Borrowing Fines
 
  • Video Games: $2.00 each
 
  • Overdue books, magazines, music compact discs (CD), audiobooks (CD), Playaways, interlibrary loans: $0.40 per day, not to exceed the cost of the item
  • Overdue DVDs, video games, Playaway Views, Muzzys: $1.00 per day, not to exceed the cost of the item
  • Overdue Special Collections (Library of Things): $2.00 per day, not to exceed the cost of the item
  • Holds not picked up after five days: $0.40 each
  • Holds cancelled after having been pulled: $0.40 each
  • Lost or damaged items: The amount due for a lost item or one damaged to the extent it cannot be repaired shall be the replacement cost to the Library for the item, plus a processing fee of $5.00. 
  • The Library will not accept replacements purchased by the patron.

View the City of Boca Raton Ordinances regarding borrowing privileges: