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Borrower's Guide
We hope you enjoy your time at the library and find what you're looking for! In order to provide free and equal access to all materials, the Library would like you to be aware of the following policies.
| Getting Your Library Card |
Anyone may get a FREE library card. Non-Kansas residents may apply for a library card, but will have limited borrowing privileges. Cards are issued at every Wichita Public Library location and are valid at all branches.
If you're over 18:
- A printed form of identification with your name and current address is required. Valid identification may include a driver's license, a Kansas ID card, government-issued ID or passport.
If you're under 18:
- A parent or legal guardian must sign your registration card.
- A minor may use the identification of the signing parent or legal guardian for address verification.
The adult is ultimately responsible for all items checked out or accessed on the Internet by the minor.
E-cards are available for those only wanting access to the internet (including Wi-Fi), computers and electronic resources. You’ll need to be 18 or over and show a photo ID.
| Keep Your Library Informed! |
If you move or change your name, please let the Library know right away. It is important that the Library have your current information so you can be notified of requests available, overdue items, and other news. With an e-mail address, you can receive courtesy reminders before items are due so you can avoid fees! You can let us know your e-mail address by updating your profile in our online catalog.
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What's the password for my account? To access your account you will need your card number and your password. Your password is the last four digits of your telephone number unless you have changed it. [Get more information about your library account] |
Treat your library card as you would a credit card. You are responsible for all items charged on your card. If your card is lost, stolen, or borrowed, you are responsible for any items charged to your card until you have notified the Library. There is a $2.00 charge for all replacement cards.
Please pay attention to the loan period for each item you borrow. Unpaid fees of over $2.00 or any item over 15 days overdue will suspend your borrowing privileges. Please observe the following loan periods:
| Type of Material |
Loan Period
(weeks) / Renews¹² |
Maximum Loaned at One Time |
Maximum Requests at One Time |
Overdue Fees Per Day |
| Art Prints |
8/N |
2 |
0 |
$1.00 |
| Book Sets |
8/N |
10 |
0 |
25¢ |
| Books2 |
2-4/Y |
None |
50 |
25¢ |
| Books and More Boxes (Kits) |
2/Y |
1 |
4 |
$1.00 |
| DVDs |
1/Y |
8 |
16 |
$1.00 |
| Literacy Resources (Hi-Lo) |
8/Y |
None |
50 |
25¢ |
| Magazines |
2/Y |
None |
50 |
25¢ |
| Motor Manuals |
2/Y |
4 |
8 |
25¢ |
| Music CDs |
4/Y |
8 |
16 |
25¢ |
| Playaways |
4/Y |
2 |
4 |
25¢ |
| Spoken Audiocassettes |
4/Y |
8 |
16 |
25¢ |
| Spoken CDs |
4/Y |
8 |
16 |
25¢ |
| Vertical File |
2/Y |
None |
50 |
25¢ |
| Videos |
1/Y |
8 |
16 |
$1.00 |
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1 - Renewal period is the same as the loan period.
2 |
Materials may be returned to any Wichita Public Library facility, even if checked out from a different Wichita Public Library branch. Materials returns for books, CDs and DVDs are available at all libraries.
| Please note: Wichita Public Library materials are the property of the City of Wichita. Borrowing privileges may be suspended if fines are not paid or Library materials are not returned. (Ordinance #34-827) If you do not return materials or pay your fees, your account may be turned over to a credit collection agency. |
If an item you want is checked out, you may be added to a waiting list for 25¢ per item. We can notify you by e-mail or phone. When notified that your items are available, please pick them up before the end of the reserve period. If items are not picked up before their expiration dates, a $1.00 fee per item will be charged. If you no longer need an item you requested, please cancel it so your card will not be charged and the item will be available to other customers.
If you will be traveling, you may make a request inactive until you return. Your spot in line will be saved until your reactivation date. Only active requests display in the request queue.
Customers requesting items frequently may be interested in a Friends of the Wichita Public Library Gold Card membership. Ask staff for details. Spouses, family members and friends may pick up holds for others if an association card is filled out together at any library location. An association may pick up hold requests, pay fees, renew materials and obtain a list of items currently checked out for their associations. Ask our staff for details.
| Need More Time? Renew It! |
Most items may be renewed unless someone else has requested the item. To renew an item, use one of these methods:
- Online at Patron Account,
- The telephone renewal line at 262-6991,
- Ask a staff member for help in the Library, or
- Call the Library.
Items may only be renewed up to two times. Renewal dates are set from the day you renew and are the same length as the initial loan period. Renew on your due date to enjoy your materials for the longest time possible without fees.
You have the option of keeping a list of items checked out with your library card. You may start and stop your reading history preferences from your patron account. Your list will start with your next library transaction.
| Don’t See What You Need? Ask Us! |
If you cannot find what you need, please ask our staff for help. We may be able to find it for you at one of our other branches or from another library.
The Library offers electronic resources that may not appear in catalog searches. Many require the free Kansas Library Card and are accessible over the Internet anytime, anywhere. Ask at a service desk for more information.
Free Internet access is available with your Library card at all Library locations, although there is a small fee for printing. The Library provides great starting points for adults and children exploring the Internet throughout this website.
| Serving Young Customers - A Partner for Parents |
A parent or legal guardian has legal responsibility for his or her child's Library use. Parents who wish to place restrictions on services or collections accessed by a child's Library account may do so through completion of a parental restriction form.
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