Borrowing Materials
What can I get with my library card?
- Full Access Library Card: access to both physical and digital materials
- eCard: access to only digital materials
Click HERE to learn more!
How do I renew materials?
Library materials are automatically renewed unless an item has been placed on Hold by another patron OR if your library account has expired. You can always check the status of your materials online by logging into your account HERE.
Does the library charge fines for overdue materials?
No! Tuscaloosa Public Library is FINE FREE! Here’s what fine free means for you!
- TPL no longer charges overdue fines for materials returned after their due date.
- Materials not returned in a timely manner will still be billed to your account, and you will not be able to check out additional materials.
- Once the billed items are returned, the charges are removed from your account and you are free to check out materials. No fines!
- As an added bonus, TPL now automatically renews your materials! See a librarian to learn more or call us at (205) 345-5820.
* NOTE: Items that are lost or are returned damaged will still be billed to your account.
Do I have to return materials to the same location?
Only Wi-Fi hotspots and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials must be returned to specific locations. All other materials can be returned to any library location.
- Wi-Fi hotspots must be returned to the location where they were checked out.
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials must be returned to either the Main Library Reference Desk or the Weaver Bolden Branch main desk. ILL books should not be placed in the book drop at any location.
Can I have materials sent from one library location to another?
Give us a call at (205) 345-5820 or login to your account online to request materials.
You don't have the book I want. What can I do?
Click HERE to learn more, or call us at (205) 345-5820, ext. 1271.
How many items can I borrow with my library card?
- 40 books
- 10 DVDs
- 10 books on CD
- 10 music CDs
- 4 Quick Picks
- 4 VOX talking books
- 1 wireless hotspot
- 79 items total
- Total of 10 items at one time
- 10 items per calendar month
- Total of 10 items at one time
- 10 items per calendar month
How long can I keep library materials?
- Books: 2 weeks, plus 3 automatic renewals; limit 40 per card
- Books on CD & Music CDs: 2 weeks, plus 3 automatics renewals; limit 10 per card
- Music CDs: 2 weeks, plus 3 automatics renewals; limit 10 per card
- DVDs: 7 days, 1 automatic renewal; limit 10 per card
- Quick Pick books & DVDs: 7 days, 1 automatic renewal; limit 4 per card
- Wifi Hotspots: 7 days, no renewals; limit 1 per card
Note: If an item has been placed on Hold by another patron it cannot be renewed.
How do I renew materials
Library materials are automatically renewed unless an item has been placed on Hold by another patron OR if your library account has expired. You can always check the status of your materials online by logging into your account HERE.
Why didn't my materials renew?
WHY DIDN’T MY MATERIALS RENEW?
Materials will not renew for the following reasons:
- Another patron has placed a Hold on the item;
- Your library account has expired (library accounts must be renewed every year);
- Your borrowed materials have reached their renewal limit.
Still have questions? Go to our Library Card page, or call us at (205) 345-5820, ext. 1143.
Does the library charge fines for overdue materials?
No! Tuscaloosa Public Library is FINE FREE! Here’s what fine free means for you!
- TPL no longer charges overdue fines for materials returned after their due date.
- Materials not returned in a timely manner will still be billed to your account, and you will not be able to check out additional materials.
- Once the billed items are returned, the charges are removed from your account and you are free to check out materials. No fines!
- As an added bonus, TPL now automatically renews your materials! See a librarian to learn more or call us at (205) 345-5820.
* Note: Items that are returned damaged will still be billed to your account.
How will I be notified about overdue items?
You will receive courtesy notices by email several days before your materials are due—just make sure to include your email when signing up for a library card. You can also check the status of your account at any self-checkout station in the library or online HERE.
Once your materials have been renewed the maximum number of times, we will send you an email letting you know the materials are overdue. If you do not return the materials in a timely manner, you will receive a paper bill in the mail with the total replacement charges due. When you return the materials in good condition, all replacement charges will be removed from your account.
How can I pay my library fees?
You can pay your library fees in person at the Main and Weaver Bolden branches or over the phone at (205) 345-5820.
Do I have to return materials to the same location?
Only wifi hotspots must be returned to the location where they were checked out. All other materials can be returned to any library location.
Can I have materials sent from one library location to another?
Yes! Most physical materials in our collection can be transferred between our Weaver Bolden, Main, and Bookmobile locations. However, materials located in our Vending Libraries CANNOT be placed on Hold or transferred to other locations.
Give us a call at (205) 345-5820 or login to your account online and place a hold.
You don't have the book I want. Can I get it from another library?
Yes! Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that gives you access to books not available in the Tuscaloosa Public Library system. We borrow these items for you from other libraries—at no cost to you!
Click HERE to learn more, or call us at (205) 345-5820, ext. 1271.