Checkout Policy

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Central Library is located at 300 Pine Ave.

HOW LONG CAN WE CHECKOUT AN ITEM?

Your library card grants you access to wealth of educational and entertainment materials. From books to DVDs to databases, Dougherty County Public Library strives to meet all of your educational and entertainment needs. Your PINES library card must be presented to check out materials and to access library computers.
Material Daily Overdue ($) Normal Duration Renewal Count
Audiobooks .20 14 days 2
Books .20 14 days 2
DVD .20 14 days 2
Interlibrary Loan .50 Varies Depends on Lender
Lucky Day 1.00 7 days 0
Park Passes 3.00 7 days 0


LOAN PERIODS, RENEWALS & RETURNS

  • Patrons may borrow up to 50 items at one time.
  • Each item is checked out for an initial two week period.
  • After two weeks all materials without holds on them may be renewed up to two times
  • Items can be renewed through your PINES account or by calling Circulation at 229-420-3200
  • Materials may be returned to any PINES location

OVERDUE CHARGES

To encourage the prompt return of materials, the Library charges a per day overdue fine based on the type of material (see above chart).  On the day after the due date, all materials will be considered overdue if they have not been renewed or returned. No fines will accrue on days that the Library is closed.

Fines are assessed for items returned to the library or renewed past their due date or items lost or damaged. A convenience fee of one dollar is charged for each debit/credit swipe. The Dougherty County Public Library (the Library) allows the use of Master Card, Discover, or Visa credit or debit card (credit card) payments in the Library by adults age 18 and older. The Library requires full payment of any outstanding bills when a customer uses a credit card or debit card for payment to the Library.

  • Books, audios, videos and DVDs accrue fines of .20/day.
  • Interlibrary loan materials accrue fines of .50/day.

Patron’s cards will be blocked to addition borrowing if:

  • They have more than 10 items are overdue
  • Have fines that total more than $10.00

HOLDS

Is the book you’re interested in checked out or only available at another PINES library? You may place a hold (reserve) for library material not currently available. Holds may be placed in person, by phone or online with a PINES library card. You will be notified by phone or email when your item becomes available.

CURBSIDE SERVICES

Get your holds delivered to your car!  Once you arrive at the branch where your holds are located, call the front desk and let them know that you would like a curbside delivery,  your name, & your library card number.  Your books will be checked out and brought out to you.

DAMAGED MATERIALS

Customers are responsible for all materials checked out on their card and are liable for any damages that may occur to library materials. If there is damage to library materials that does not make the material unusable, (i.e. crayon or ink marks, binding or cover damage, water damage), appropriate charges will be assessed.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Materials which are not available in the Dougherty County Public Library or through the PINES consortium may be obtained through Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary Loan is a service provided to any person holding a current PINES card, provided that the account holder does not have 10 or more overdue items or owe $10.00 or more in unpaid fines and/or fees.

Most libraries will not lend the following:

  • Genealogy Books
  • Audiovisual Materials
  • Books published within the last 18 months
  • Newspapers and magazines in their entirety

Interlibrary Loan requests can be placed in person at any branch or you can access the form here.