Borrowing Items from the Library

Library Cards

  • See details about library card eligibility, and how the library protects the privacy of my library account.

Checkout Periods

Checkout and Hold Limits

For regular cards:

  • 50 checkouts
  • 25 holds
  • Digital Downloads (Overdrive): 12 checkouts / 8 holds, purchase requests 1 every 10 days
  • Streaming Movies (Kanopy): 5 checkouts per month

For basic cards:

  • 10 checkouts
  • 10 holds
  • Digital Downloads (Overdrive): 12 checkouts / 8 holds, purchase requests 1 every 10 days
  • Streaming Movies (Kanopy): 5 checkouts per month

Basic cards may be upgraded to regular card with verification of physical address.

Items

Login to the Library Catalog

  • To review your checkouts, due dates, holds and fines, and to renew materials, login to the library catalog.
  • You can login on any screen in the catalog in the upper right corner.  Enter your library card number and PIN.

Catalog Search

  • Catalog Search: You can search the catalog by keywords by author, title, subject or series.  You can narrow your search by selecting Library or many other search facets on the left.
  • To search for an exact phrase, enclose your search terms in double quotes, e.g., "rob roy".
  • Or click on the Advanced Search link to the right of the Search button for other search options.

Review Items Checked Out

There are several ways to review your library record to see what items you have checked out.

Use the Library Catalog from home or in the library
  • Login in the upper-right corner of any catalog screen. You will see a Welcome message with your name and a link to My Account and My Lists. Click the My Account link.
  • Select the Checkouts tab to see a list of items you have checked out, overdue or "lost".   (Lost means that the items are more than 28 days overdue.)

Call i-tiva at 360-586-1599 (in the Olympia calling area) or 1-800-582-9703.  
  • Select option 2 to hear your account options
  • Enter your library card number (without the D) and last four digits of your phone number or PIN.
  • Follow the menu options to hear a list of items you have checked out.

Contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library for help canceling your hold.

Renewals

Still need an item? Renew online, in the mobile app, call our automated phone system, or at the library. Other than Lucky Day items or those with a wait list, most items allow two renewals.

Use the Library Catalog from home or in the library
  • Login in the upper-right corner of any catalog screen.
  • You will see a Welcome message with your name and a link to My Account and My Lists.
  • Click the My Account link.
  • Select the Checkouts tab to see a list of items you have checked out, overdue or "lost".
  • Click on the check box in front of the item(s) you wish to renew. Then click on the Renew button at the top or bottom of the checkout list.
  • The item will be renewed if no one else has a hold on it and if you have not already renewed it twice.

Call i-tiva at 360-586-1599 (in the Olympia calling area) or 1-800-582-9703.  
  • Select option 2 to hear your account options
  • Enter your library card number (without the D) and last four digits of your phone number or PIN
  • Follow the menu options to renew items that you have checked out.
  • An item will be renewed if no one else has a hold on it and if you have not already renewed it twice.

Contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library for help.

Overdue Fines and Fees

Starting January 1, 2020, TRL is no longer charging overdue fines on our collection materials. In addition, we are working with our system vendor to remove existing overdue fines. This policy change does not impact fees for lost or damaged items.

Questions? Check out our FAQ.

It's still good library etiquette to return items by the due date so everyone has a chance to enjoy items.

Overdue Notices

Timberland sends three overdue notices and a bill notice if items are not returned by the due date. Overdue notices are sent by:

  • Email - An email notice will be sent to you if you have provided your email address to the Library for your patron record.
    • Login to the Library Catalog to enter or update your email address.
    • Click on the My Account link.
    • Select the Personal Information tab to add or update your email address.
    • Or, contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library to add or change your email address to your patron record if you want your notices emailed to you. 
  • Text Message - A text message will be sent if you have provided your cell phone number in your library patron record. Standard text messaging rates apply.
    • Login to the Library Catalog to add or update your cell phone number for hold text messages.  
    • Click on the My Account link, select the Personal Information Tab then SMS Notifications.
    • Or, contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library to add or change your cell phone number. 
  • Telephone - i-tiva, TRL's automated telephone notification system will call you.

The library considers items overdue 28 days or longer lost and bills for the item's replacement. Bring it back and we'll cancel that bill!

Other Fines and Fees

  • Replacement costs are charged for items that are 28 days overdue. These are referred to as "lost" items. You may know where they are, but they are "lost" to TRL. The replacement cost is waived when the item is returned in good condition.
  • Damage fees are charged if an item is damaged while you have it checked out. Staff inspect items for damage when they are returned so you will not be charged for damage that occurred before you checked an item out.
  • Interlibrary loan fees are charged if the library we are borrowing from on your behalf charges a fee. You determine the maximum amount you are willing to pay before we request the item. TRL always searches for free services first.

Interlibrary Loans

If Timberland does not own an item that you need, it may be possible to borrow it from another library through Interlibrary Loan. More information on Interlibrary Loan service.

Automated Renewal & Notification

i-tiva is an automated voice messaging system that is connected to the Library's online catalog.  i-tiva calls patrons by telephone to notify them about overdue items and about items that are being held for them and are ready for pick up. You can call i-tiva to hear what items you have checked out and overdue, to renew items, and to hear how many items you have on hold and are ready to pick up, and to cancel holds that are waiting in the library for you to pick up.