Borrowing & Fees
Wondering about the rules? Here’s the fine print, no surprises.
Have questions about borrowing from the Library? Learn how long you can keep items, how to renew or place holds, and what to do if we don’t have what you’re looking for. Find out how and where to return items, whether any fees still apply, and what happens if something gets damaged. We've got answers to help make borrowing easy.
How long can I keep what I borrowed?
- Books, CDs, nonfiction DVDs: 3 weeks
- DVD feature films: 2 weeks (30 DVDs maximum)
- Video games: 2 weeks (2 video games maximum)
- eBooks & eAudiobooks: 3 weeks (10 maximum)
- Book Club Kits: 6 weeks
- Circulating Maker Kits: 3 weeks
How do I renew items?
Almost every item can be renewed up to 10 times if no one else is waiting for it. Here's how you renew:
- Online through your Library Account.
- Through the My Borrowing tab on the Johnson County Library app (Download for Android or iOS.)
- In person — stop by any of our locations.
- Contact us.
How do I place a hold on an item I want to borrow?
Need an item that's already checked out or only available at another Library clear across Johnson County? We're happy to send it to the Library location of your choice. Here’s how:
Place a hold through either the Library catalog, our app (Download for Android or iOS), in person at one of our locations, using the app or by calling (913) 826-4600.
You'll receive an email from us when your held item(s) is ready for pickup at your chosen Library. Your item(s) will remain on the hold shelf for seven days from the date of the email.
Pick up your items from the Holds shelf, check them out and be on your way.
Please expect your hold to take a day or two to arrive. If you need a same day hold, talk to one of our Librarians by calling (913) 826-4600. Please note, we will try to fulfill your hold within a four-hour window.
Reminders:
- Bring the same Library card you used to place the hold, even for spouses and children.
- You can hold up to 30 items on your Library account at a time.
What if you don't have an an item I want?
We can get items from libraries all over the country through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. (This service is available only to Johnson County residents.)
How and where can I return what I've checked out?
Materials—with the exception of Interlibrary Loan (ILL) items—can be returned to any Johnson County or Olathe Public Library location, regardless of where you checked them out.
What if I damage something I checked out?
You will be charged for damaged or lost items.
I heard there are no fines, but are there still fees?
Yes, while we have removed fines for overdue items, fees for lost, damaged or unreturned items will still accrue. If materials aren’t renewed or returned within 30 days of the due date—or are returned damaged or reported lost—fees will continue to be assessed.
We know life happens. That’s why we’ve made paying easy.
Paying fees:
Details about fees:
- Items overdue for more than 30 days will be considered lost and a fee will be assessed until returned.
- Accounts with balances of $50 or more for more than 30 days are assessed a $10 materials recovery fee.
- Accounts must have all materials returned and/or a $0 balance before additional items can be checked out or holds placed.
- The Library employs a service called Unique Management Services to recover fees and materials. But don't worry – we want to work with you and love seeing you back at the Library.
We send automatic due date reminders to the email address associated with your Library card. Feel free to call us anytime! You can also manage your account email settings to turn on automatic due date notifications.