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BORROWER INFORMATION

The circulating collection offers patrons the opportunity to check out books, magazines, audio and video cassettes, audio books, compact and digital video discs and computer software throughout the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System. These materials are available to borrowers in good standing with a valid library card.

This page answers frequently asked questions about borrowing privileges. Additional questions can be directed to our AskUs service or by phone at (716) 858-8900.

• How do I get a library card?
• How do I access my library account?
• What happens if my library card is lost, stolen or expires?
• How many items am I able to borrow at one time?
• How long may I keep borrowed materials?
• Can I renew materials on-line?
• Can I renew materials by phone?
  
• How much is the fine for overdue library materials?
• Can I get a refund if I find an item that was lost and paid for?
  
• Can a credit card be used to pay fines and fees?
  
• Where can I return items?
  
• Is there a way to reserve popular or difficult to find items?

How do I get a library card?
Library cards may be obtained and used at any B&ECPL facility. Persons who reside permanently in Erie County , temporary residents who are in the County for short terms and specified non-residents are eligible for borrowing privileges provided they meet acceptable identification requirements. To see a detailed description of each classification and the acceptable forms of identification, select the following option that best describes you.

• Permanent resident
• Temporary resident
• Student non-resident
• Non-residents who own property or work in Erie County
• Other residents of New York State

To download a library card application, select the card below for which you qualify. The application may be filled out and brought (with valid I.D.) to any B&ECPL facility for processing. All applications must be signed in the presence of authorized library staff.

To access the applications, the PDF (Portable Document Format) needs to be downloaded and printed. 

These are PDF documents, which require the Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing. It may already be on your computer. If you need a copy of the Reader, please acquire it free from www.adobe.com.

• Adult Application
• Youth Application
• Proxy Application
• Out-Of-County Application
• Agency Application
• Internet and Personal Computing Access

What happens if my library card is lost, stolen or expires?
Library cards that are damaged due to normal wear and tear will be replaced at no charge, otherwise there is a $1.00 replacement fee. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card until a loss is reported. Regular borrower library cards are issued for a two-year period. Certain restrictions apply to other borrower profiles (including, but not limited to, new borrowers, short term borrowers and out-of-county New York State residents). At the time of renewal, identification must be re-verified as if you were applying for a new card.

How many items am I able to borrow at one time?
Regular borrowers are allowed to check out as many as 50 items at one time. Check with your local library or the Library's e-Branch at (716) 858-8900 for possible restrictions, which apply to other borrower profiles or type of material.

How long may I keep borrowed materials?
B&ECPL standard loan periods are 21 days and 7 days. The length of time will vary depending on the type of material borrowed. The loan periods for some of the most popular item types are as follows:

All Library items may be renewed twice (unless on a request list) at any B&ECPL location, regardless of where they were borrowed.

Can I renew materials on-line?
Provided the account is in good standing and is not due to expire, items may be renewed that: (a) have not already been renewed twice or (b) are not on a request list. NOTE: When fines and/or fees on one card exceed $4.99, or five or more overdue items are checked out to that card, the account is blocked. Borrowing privileges are suspended until the materials are returned or the fines are paid. ALSO NOTE: Loan periods are either 7 or 21 days and will be calculated from the date of the renewal transaction, NOT the original due date. If your library card is set to expire, renewed material will be due upon card expiration which may result in a shorter than standard loan period. It is recommended that you print your completed renewal screen to insure that you have an accurate record of due dates.

Can I renew materials by phone?
You may renew your material by phone at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library through the Voice Automation System. Call 858-8454 to renew items that have not already been renewed twice or are not on a Request List.  To learn more about the renewal process and find out what other library account information you can access through the Voice Automation System Click Here.

How much is the fine for overdue library materials?
A fine will be added to your account for each day an item is kept past its due date including any closed days. Adult and young adult materials are charged 25 cents per day per title and juvenile materials are charged 10 cents per day per title. Fines for VHS tapes and DVDs, including family-oriented, feature-length films, are $2.00 per day. Children's videos are charged $1.00 per day overdue. Other rates apply for certain media types including computer software and art prints.

Notification for overdue materials is available by e-mail or an automated telephone system. To select your preferred method of notification and provide updated information, complete the online submission form or visit your local library.

The issuance of overdue notices is a courtesy to borrowers, not a legal requirement. Non-receipt of a notice does not eliminate liability for outstanding materials or fines.

Can I get a refund if I find an item that was lost and paid for?
To receive a refund for a lost item, you must return the item with the Library receipt(s) showing full payment. Acceptable proof of payment is the Library cash register receipt(s) or Library eCommerce receipt(s). Overdue fines will be deducted from the refund amount. Processing fees are not refundable.

Can a credit card be used to pay fines and fees online?
For your convenience you are now able to pay Library Fines and Fees online 24/7. Full or partial payments may be made. To view a list of Library Fines and Fees, access your My Account page using a library card number and PIN. The amount that can be paid is the total of Fines and Fees listed at the end of your My Account record. The amount that can be paid excludes fines for overdue items that have not yet been returned to the Library.

Accounts owing more than $4.99 in fines/fees or having more than 4 overdue items are blocked from library transactions (including online renewals and request placement).

MasterCard, Visa and Discover are all accepted.
To pay your outstanding Library Bills now, click here.

Where can I return items?
All materials may be returned to any library in the B&ECPL System, regardless of where they were checked out. Many B&ECPL libraries have outdoor drop boxes available as a courtesy for 24-hour returns. Materials returned in a drop box will be assessed fines for ALL DAYS past the due date.

Is there a way to reserve popular or difficult to find items?
The Library Catalog's request system allows you to reserve popular items or items not owned by your local library. A $1 fee is charged to patron accounts for requesting each DVD and VHS tape, including family-oriented, feature-length films. In addition, a 25-cent fee is charged for requesting print and audio material (juvenile items excluded). Fees will be incurred whether requested items are picked up or not.

If you have a valid library card and four-digit PIN, you may request materials online.  To place a request, you must first locate the item in the Library’s Catalog.  When you identify the title you wish to request, Click on the “Request Title” icon on the left-hand side of the page.  Complete the My Account log in and submit your request.

The Catalog’s Help section contains detailed instructions on how to place a request. Detailed information may be found here .

Notification for request items is available by e-mail or an automated telephone system. To select your preferred method of notification and provide updated information, complete the online submission form or visit your local library.

How do I access my library account?
You may check your own library account to renew materials and to verify outstanding, reserved and overdue items as well as any accumulated fines/fees. Accounts may be accessed with a proper Personal Identification Number (PIN) at any library terminal or remotely through the B&ECPL's website. Patrons must appear in person to select their own PIN when registering for this service. The B&ECPL does not keep PINs on record.

How to apply for a library card

Permanent Residents
If you are a permanent resident of Erie County, you need one of the following:

• New York State driver's license with current street address. [Note: A license with a Post Office Box or a commerically available personal mailbox (for example a PMB available through Mail Boxes Etc.) is not acceptable, as it does not prove residence in Erie County. Applicants are required to provide another form of ID verifying address or proving that they work or own property in Erie County.]
• Picture identification card with name, current address and signature
• Dwelling lease
• Voter's registration card with current address

or a combination of one from each of the following sections :

Address Verification:

• Current utility bill (issued within 30 days in the name of the applicant)
• Recently postmarked (within 30 days) envelope addressed to the applicant
• Automobile registration (in the name of the applicant)

Signature Verification:

• Signed credit card
• Signed social security card
• Signed school identification card

For youth under the age of 17, or youth between 17 and 18 years of age who do not have proper identification, proof of identification as required for permanent residents must be provided by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must be present when the application is submitted.

Temporary Residents
If you expect to reside in Erie County for at least one month, you are entitled to a short term card. The following two current items are required:

• Proof of home (permanent) address using any of the identification acceptable for permanent residents
• Proof of local address or of assignment or employment in Erie County
  

Student Non-residents
Students whose permanent addresses are outside Erie County must show:

• Proof of home (permanent) address using any of the identification acceptable for permanent resident's address
• Proof of address in Erie County
• Current identification card or semester tuition receipt

Student cards will be renewed each semester.

Non-residents who own property or work in Erie County
If you own property or work in Erie County but do not reside here, you will need proof of permanent residence and one of the following:

• Current pay stub with name and address of employer and name of applicant
• Letter from employer on company letterhead attesting to employment
• Tax receipt or other evidence of property ownership

Other Residents of New York State (Effective April 18, 2005)
Other residents of New York State are eligible for borrowing privileges at a charge. Individual library cards are issued for a $20 fee and are valid for a six-month period. Some restrictions may apply.

You need one of the following:

• New York State driver's license with current street address. [Note: A license with a Post Office Box or a commercially available personal mailbox (for example a PMB available through Mail Boxes Etc.) is not acceptable, as it does not prove residence. Applicants are required to provide another form of ID verifying address.]
• Valid picture identification card with name, current address and signature
• Dwelling lease
• Voter's registration card with current address

Persons not able to furnish the identifications noted above may consult with their local library or contact the Central Library at (716) 858-8900 regarding acceptable alternatives.

Internet only library cards are available. There are no borrowing privileges with this type of card, and they are issued for a limited duration. There is a $1.00 fee for each card issued to persons not residing in Erie County.