:: Borrowing from the library
You may borrow materials from, and return them to any of the library branches within the City of Riverside.
Fees for extended use, lost or stolen items
Getting a library card
A library card allows you to do more than simply borrow books, DVDs, and music. You can also use your card to access library E-resources such as online journal and magazine articles from home.
Each of our library branches has a Circulation Department. The Circulation Department tends to be located at the entrance of the library building. You can fill out an application for a library card at the Circulation Desk at any of our branches, or print one out at home. Be sure to write legibly.
Print Out a Library Card Application
Choose a form:
- Adult application
- Children's application (Note: Children's application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian)
Bring the completed form into any library branch along with a valid picture ID and proof of your address.
Lost or Stolen Library Card
There is a $1 replacement fee for lost or stolen library cards.
Be sure to protect your library card! Under no circumstances should you lend it to others. If you lose your card and someone else uses it, you may be liable for the first $50 charged to the card. If your card is lost or stolen, please contact the circulation desk immediately at (951) 826-5201.
Managing your account online
Through your online account, you can view your checked-out items, request books and other materials, and renew items at your convenience. You can also search the catalog and save your favorite searches.
When you access your account online, you will be asked to enter the number on the back of your library card (beginning with 10001) and your PIN. The first time you access your account, leave the PIN field blank and click the SUBMIT button. You will then be prompted to set up your new PIN.
Once you're logged in to your account, you can request books without having to retype your account information each time.
If you have forgotten your PIN or need other help accessing your account, please call us at (951) 826-5201.
Loan terms
If you're a new library patron, you may check out two items for a two-week period. After the two-week waiting period, you may check out up to 25 items on your library card.
Most materials check out for two weeks and may be renewed twice, provided no one else has requested them. If you decide to renew your materials, they will be due two weeks from the day you renew them. (For example, if you renew your materials on Jan. 7th, they will be due Jan. 21st.)
Limits on Card Use
Your card will be limited if four or more items are overdue or if you have accrued $5 or more in unpaid fines. To resolve any account issues, call circulation staff at 826-5201.
Renewing items
There are a number of ways you can renew your materials:
Online. Go to the online account and follow the instructions.
By phone. Call 826-5201 or your local branch.
Automated phone renewal. Call 826-5206 anytime. Do not hang up until the system has read off all your items to be renewed! Otherwise, not all items will be renewed. If you have any problems, please call the library as soon as possible at 826-5201.
In person. Bring the items you wish to renew to your local branch or simply ask the staff at the check-out desk to renew your items.
Requesting items
You can request items by looking them up in the library catalog and clicking the REQUEST button or by calling the reference desk at 826-5201. If you want to request multiple items, log in to your account first by choosing "MY ACCOUNT" at the top of the page to avoid having to enter your account information each time.
If the book you're looking for isn't available from any of our branches, you can request it from one of our Link+ libraries (just click on the Link+ button in the catalog). Other materials can be requested through interlibrary loan.
Fees for Extended Use, Lost or Stolen Items
Extended Use Fees for items held beyond the loan period
| Type of Item | Daily Fee (per item) |
Maximum Fee (per item) |
| Adult Hardbacks, Sound Recordings |
$0.25 | $5.00 |
| Adult Paperbacks, Periodicals & Pamphlets |
$0.25 | $3.00 |
| Children's Materials | $0.10 | $3.00 |
| Videocassettes and DVDs |
$1.00 | $10.00 |
If your library account has charges of $25 or more and is not cleared in 28 days, we will mail an overdue notice to you and add a $5 fee to your account. If your account totals $50 or more and is not cleared in 50 days, it will be referred to a national collection agency. Please note: Parents are responsible for the borrowing privileges of children under the age of 15.
Replacement of Lost Items
If you lose library materials, you will be charged the replacement cost plus a $10 nonrefundable processing fee per item.
