Revised Card and Lending Guidelines FAQ
The Tompkins County Board of Trustees approved a change to the Card and Lending Guidelines Policy that changes the number of automatic renewals on materials from six to two. Items that other patrons have requested through a hold are not eligible for renewal.
Q: When does this start?
A: The change is effective Friday, August 1, 2025.
Q: What happens to patrons with books already checked out?
A: For those with items checked out prior to August 1, the existing due date will not change. However, if an item has been renewed twice or more prior to August 1, future automatic renewals will not be possible.
Examples: A book checked out on June 2 that renewed on June 23 and then again on July 14 will be due on August 4, and will not auto-renew.
A book checked out June 23, that renewed on July 14 will also have a due date of August 4, but that can be auto-renewed a final time until August 25 (unless there is a hold on that book).
Q: Does this apply to all items? Even long books/kids books/new books/DVDs?
A: The change applies to all books, media (such as DVDs and CDs), magazines and read along books.
Q: Can I request more renewals?
A: Yes. You can call the circulation department at (607) 275-LIB1 (1542) or email circulation@tcpl.org and we can renew it IF there are no hold requests on it and the account is in good standing. Please should include your library card number when writing.
Q: What does “in good standing” mean?
A: Accounts in good standing are those able to borrow items. Accounts with lost items that have incurred an account balance of $25 or have ten overdue items may have borrowing privileges suspended.
Q: Will this cause any fines if books are not returned on time?
A: TCPL has been a fine free library since 2019. However, items are considered lost when they are 30 days overdue, which may incur replacement fees. The replacement fee will be cleared from an account if the item is returned within six months.
Q: Does this policy change apply to books from other libraries?
A: Items borrowed from other libraries through Finger Lakes Library System or Interlibrary Loan are subject to the policies of the holding library.
Q: Why did TCPL have 6 renewals in the first place?
A: The change to allow six renewals was made in 2023 as an effort to allow people with busy lives a chance to finish books as a way of increasing access.
Q: Why is this changing now?
A: After examining usage trends, The Board of Trustees now believes allowing fewer automatic renewals will enhance access to materials for all users by increasing availability. The change also brings TCPL into alignment with the majority of other Finger Lakes Library Systems members’ renewals policies.
Q: Will this affect the number of items I can check out?
A: The number of items that can be checked out at one time has not changed.
- Books: 50
- Media: 50
- Magazines: 20
- Read along books: 3
- Library of Things items: 5
- FLLS member items: 20
- Interlibrary loan: 20
Q: Were any other changes approved?
A: The updated guidelines also now allow proof of a residential address or a working address within Tompkins County, along with a photo I.D. for those seeking a library card. Anyone who lives or works in Tompkins County is eligible for a library card at TCPL.