• Limits
• Loan Periods
• Renewals
• Returns
• Items on Reserve
• Fees

Limits

You can have up to 99 items checked out at any one time. Checkout limits apply to the following items:

Loan Periods

Most items can be borrowed for 3 weeks.  Here are a few exceptions:

Renewals

Most items will renew automatically before they are due.  You can also renew manually online by logging into your account or by calling 408-615-2970 during open hours.  Renewals are processed in real time.  Items should be renewed before midnight on the due date.

Most items can be renewed up to 4 times.  Here are few exceptions: 

Returns

You can return your borrowed materials to any of our three locations or the Bookmobile.  All locations have book drops available 24/7.

Chromebooks, Mobile Hotspots, Link+ items, Hiking Collection items, and Tool Collection items should be returned to a Customer Service Desk during open hours.  Do not return these items through the book drop.

Returns are processed in real time.  Items should be returned before midnight on the due date.

Items on Reserve

You can place a reserve on most items that are currently borrowed and items that have a check shelves status.  This can be done through the website, in person, or over the phone.  You can reserve up to 10 items at a time, including Link+ items.

When an item becomes available, you will be contacted by email or US mail. You can add or update your email address by logging into your account or by calling 408-615-2970 during open hours. Items will be held for you on the ‘Reserve' shelf under your name.  You can use your library card to check out the item at any self-check station or at the Customer Service desk.  Chromebooks, Mobile Hotspots, Link+ items, Video Games, ILL items, Hiking Collection items, Fitbits, and Tool Collection items are held at the Customer Service Desk.

Fees

SCCL does not charge overdue or late return fees. All borrowed items have a due date that is listed on the receipt provided to you during checkout, can be viewed on your online library account, or inquired by calling the library. You are responsible for keeping track of and returning borrowed items to the library by their due date.

If an item is not returned, replacement fees will be charged to your account. If your library account has fees of $25 or more, your account will be restricted. Payments can be made with a credit card online by logging into your library account. Cash, check (payable to the City of Santa Clara), and credit card payments are also accepted at all library locations.

Library accounts with a balance of $50 or more will be referred to a collection agency and a collection fee will be added to the account balance. Patrons who have been referred to collection agency are responsible for paying all charges in full.