Lending FAQs
How long can I have items checked out?
21 days –books, magazines, audiobooks and music CDs
7 days – DVDs
OverDrive downloadable book titles vary by format.
How can I renew items?
Items (except for DVDs) may be renewed unless the item has holds. Items may be renewed one time via phone or online via the catalog (www.4cls.org). Go to MY ACCOUNT and use your barcode on your library card and the pin you provided us to log-in.
Can I place items on hold?
Yes, you may place holds, (reserves) on most items in our library catalog. Holds will be shipped to our library. One of our staff members will call you to alert you your item has arrived. You may cancel holds in person, via phone, or online. Some materials may not be held, including items in the reference collection.
It’s overdue — how much do I owe?
Material Type Fine per day
Books, audiobooks, magazines nothing, if returned late. Lost books are another story (see below)
DVDS-adult and juvenile $1.00 per day
If fines of $5 or more have accrued, checkout privileges will be suspended until the balance is paid in full.
What if an item I check out is lost, stolen, or damaged while I have it?
Patrons are responsible for library materials checked out on their library card. Charges will be assessed for lost, stolen or damaged items. The charges would need to be paid in order to continue checking out. Our library only accepts replacements in place of payment if your replacement is a brand new item with the same ISBN number.
Where do I return items after hours?
There are “book drops” at all Four County Library locations for after-hours returns. At the Cannon Library, items returned in the drop before the library opens in the morning are considered returned the previous open day. Materials returned in the book drop while the library is open are checked in the same day. We ask that you refrain from placing DVDs in the book drop unless absolutely necessary.
If I check something out at one public library location, can I return it to another?
Yes, you may return your items to any public library in the FCLS area (Delaware, Otsego, Broome and Chenango counties) on or before the date that they are due.
Why does my library card expire?
Library cards expire every 3 years to make sure patrons update their contact information. If you card does expire just come into the library to update your information and have your card renewed.
What are checkout periods for OverDrive downloadable books?
The default lending period for all formats is 7 days. You may set your own default lending period on a format-by-format basis. Additionally, at the time of checkout, you can select a lending period on a title-by-title basis. Titles expire roughly around the time of day that they were checked out (within 15 minutes).