Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we will attempt to borrow from other libraries items that we do not own. There is no charge for this service, but please note this may take 4 to 6 weeks or more. You must have a library card with no unpaid fines, and you are limited to five active interlibrary loan requests. Request forms are available at Library service desks, or requests can be made online through the online catalog. After logging in, click on "Send Request" at the top of the page, then change the "Request Type" to Interlibrary Loan/Recommend to Purchase. Requested items circulate for two weeks with no renewals, and overdue fines are $1 per day. Additional information is available on the Interlibrary Loan Policy page.

To renew items:

1. Call any branch circulation desk. Please have your card number handy when you call. The phone numbers of our libraries are available here.
2. If you know your PIN, click here and sign in with your card number and PIN, then, in the Checkouts tab, check the boxes by the items you want to renew or click on "Renew All" to renew all your items, and click on the Renew button. Unless you've changed it, your PIN is the 4-digit number written on your card. If you don't know your PIN you can obtain it by calling any library branch and verifying your library card number and contact details.
3. Bring the item(s) in to the circulation desk of any library branch.

Renewable items may be renewed three times for the same period as the original loan, unless they have been requested by someone else, in which case they cannot be renewed. Also, you cannot renew items online if you owe $10 or more in fines and/or fees; an account owing a balance of $10 or more is blocked until the balance is paid to less than $10. Interlibrary loan items may not be renewed.

Please note that 7-day items cannot be renewed online until 3 days before their due date, and 14-day items cannot be renewed online until 5 days before their due date. This restriction is necessary because an item's renewal date is calculated from the date due rather than the day it's renewed. Without the restriction an item could be renewed twice the same day it's checked out and immediately gain a checkout period 3 times its normal checkout period. For instance, a DVD could be checked out, renewed twice and immediately have a due date 21 days from the day it was checked out. However, this system also ensures you can renew an item early and still keep it the maximum period of time, as long as no one else has requested it.

If you can't find an item you have borrowed you will be responsible for the replacement cost of the item. Please visit any branch library to reimburse the library for the purchase price in cash, money order or personal check. If necessary a payment plan can be arranged.

If an item is damaged beyond repair you will be responsible for the replacement cost of the item. In most cases you can choose to replace it with an identical copy, though it must be truly identical; for instance, a copy of a book must have the same ISBN as the original. Please contact the owning branch library to confirm your replacement can be accepted in lieu of payment. Some damage can be repaired, and it is sometimes possible to replace a damaged disc that is part of a multi-disc set, in which case you will be responsible only for the cost of repairing the damage or replacing the disc.

To place a hold on an item in the online catalog you will need the barcode number on your library card and your PIN. If you don't know your PIN you can obtain it by bringing a photo ID to any Library branch. In the catalog click on "Log In" at the top of the page and log in. When you find an item you want to place a hold on, click on the "Place Hold" button. You'll be prompted to select a pick-up branch. You can also place a hold on items by calling any branch library.

Media items:                           $.25 per day
ILL items:                              $1.00 per day

Fines are not counted on days when libraries are closed. With the exception of interlibrary loan items, there is a maximum overdue fine of $2.50 per item. Fines may be paid by visiting any branch library or by mail, and are payable in cash, money order or personal check. Questions about fines or replacement cost fees should be directed to the branch where the item was checked out from, or to the Overdues Assistant at 462-2787.

 To pay by mail, please make the check out to the St. Lucie County Library System and send it to:

Delphine Newton, Circulation Assistant
Fort Pierce Branch Library
101 Melody Lane
Fort Pierce FL 34950

Please make sure your current phone number is on your check, and also add your library card number and your license number, or the ID number you gave us when you registered for a card, so we can be sure to credit your payment to the correct account.