Using the Library FAQs

  • Automatic Renewals

    Each time you check an item out, it’s given a due date. Your borrowed item needs to be returned to the library by that date. In many cases, though, the item can be renewed to extend the original due date.

    Automatic renewal grants these due date extensions for eligible items without any extra effort on your part.

    Our system will attempt to renew your item one to three days before its due date.

    If the borrowed item can’t be automatically renewed at that time, you’ll continue receiving notices about its due date or overdue status.

    You may also try to manually renew the item any time before returning it to the library.

    When an item is automatically renewed, the original due date is extended by one loan period. (Loan periods are one to six weeks long, depending on the type of item borrowed.)

    The new due date won’t be based on the date the item was renewed. In other words, automatic renewals won’t reduce the total length of time you’re able to borrow eligible items.

    There are several ways to find the due date for an item you’ve borrowed:

    Some library items aren’t eligible for automatic renewal.

    A borrowed item won’t be automatically renewed if it’s:

    • on hold for someone else who’s waiting to use it
    • already been renewed the maximum number of times (most types of items may be renewed up to 10 times)
    • checked out by someone whose library account isn’t in good standing, including those who owe $5 or more in fines and fees
    • part of an express collection
    • a telescope
    • a digital item, such as an ebook

    Borrowed items that can’t be automatically renewed will keep their original due dates.

    Yes. You’re still able to renew eligible items online, by phone at (937) 374-1396, or in person.

    Please note that if you choose to renew an item manually, the additional loan period will start on the day you renew instead of being added to the old due date.

    No, but you’re welcome to return any item you’re done with before its due date.

  • Library Materials

    You won't be charged for normal wear and tear or for minor damage that doesn't change how useful an item is.

    A full list of fees for each type of lost or heavily damaged library material is available in our Public Policy Manual.

    We're sorry about that! The library uses locking DVD cases to help prevent theft of our materials. If your DVD case was accidentally left locked, please bring it back to your local library and a staff member will help you unlock it.

  • Library Cards

    Report a lost or stolen card to the library as soon as possible. You’re responsible for items checked out on your card up to the time you report the missing card.

    A replacement library card costs $1.

    Yes! Greene County Public Library cards are available to anyone who lives in the state of Ohio. There is no cost for Ohio residents to get their first library card.

    If you don't live in Ohio, you may apply for a non-resident library card with a $25 annual fee.

    You're never too young to use the library! There's no minimum age to apply for a Greene County Public Library card.

  • Online Catalog

    You'll find a detailed guide to using our library catalog's features in Account & Catalog Help.