Return to Top
What are the definitions of status terms under My Account?

The definition of status terms under My Account are as follows:

  • Requested: You have requested a hold on an item.
  • Active: The hold appears on the list for us to find.
  • Shipped: Your requested item has been pulled from the shelf, scanned, and will be sent to your requested location for pick up.
  • Held: Your item has been placed on the shelf for pick up.
  • Expired: If a hold is not picked up within the specified period of time, the status automatically changes to expired. Expired holds can be reactivated.
  • Unclaimed: If you don't pick up the held item within the specified amount of time, the hold status will change automatically to unclaimed.
  • Cancelled: You or a staff member has cancelled a hold. Also, when an item was unclaimed or not picked up. Cancelled requests can be reactivated.
  • Suspended: Hold has an activation date in the future. The future date has been set by you through My Account (similar to Vacation Holds).
Return to Top
How can I be notified of the status of my requested or checked out items?

Go to My Account and Account Settings in our catalog. You can indicate your preference for:

  • Email, which will come from notices@columbuslibrary.org. Please add to your Approved Senders list in your email account settings, and check your Spam Folder if you aren't receiving them.
  • Text Message through mobile provider
  • Phone Number
Return to Top
How do I get a library card?

Any Ohio resident can get a library card. There are two ways to get one:

  1. In the library: complete an application. Be sure to have a picture ID with your name and current address.
  2. Online: complete the Library Card Application. Your card will be mailed to you.

A parent or guardian must sign the application for minors (ages 17 and under).

Return to Top
What are the loan periods, borrowing limits and fines for materials?

Loan Periods (as of Oct. 1, 2012):

  • Books: 21 days
  • Magazines and Other Print Materials: 7 days
  • Fiction DVDs: 7 days
  • Nonfiction DVDs: 14 days
  • Audio Books: 21 days
  • Music: 14 days

For the first 30 days with a new library card you have a maximum of 10 items on your card.

Borrowing Limits (as of Oct. 1, 2012):

  • Books, Magazines and Other Print Materials: 50 items
  • DVDs and Videos: 10 items
  • Audio Books and Music: 30 items combined

Fines on Materials (as of Oct. 1, 2012):

  • Books, DVDs, Magazines and Audio: 20 cents per day
  • Childrens and Teens' Books, DVDs, Magazines and Audio: 10 cents per day
  • You can no longer borrow library items when fines reach $10.01.
Return to Top
How can I reserve or renew materials?

Click the "Reserve" link on our catalog and follow the on-screen instructions. You can reserve 35 items: 5 movie titles and 30 other formats.

Renew online using My Account, in person at our locations or over the phone. Library materials can be renewed five times. Items reserved by other customers can’t be renewed. You can’t renew items if you have fines of $10.01, if you have materials that are more than 21 days overdue, or if your card has been blocked.

You can renew materials 24 hours a day by calling (614) 645-2275. Select option one (1) for our automated service. Have your library card number and PIN handy.

Return to Top
How can I pay library fines?

You can pay fines the following ways:

  • At any library location by cash, check, credit or debit card
  • Online using any major credit card. Go to My Account and have your library card number and PIN handy
  • By phone with a credit or debit card-call (614) 645-2275 and speak with a library staff member
  • By mail—send check with library card number to:
    Columbus Metropolitan Library
    Attention: Circulation
    96 S. Grant Ave.
    Columbus, OH 43215
Return to Top
How do I pay for lost or damaged items?

Pay for lost or damaged items by calling (614) 645-2275 or by visiting any library location.

Return to Top
What if my card is lost or stolen or I need to change my contact information?

You can report a lost/stolen card and update your contact information on My Account. You can also call (614) 645-2275. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card, so please report changes as soon as possible. There is no charge for replacing your card.

Return to Top
What computer services does the library offer?

All of our locations have public computers and printers for customers to use. You can have up to three computer sessions a day and out-of-town visitors can have guest access for one hour a day.

You can print for 10¢ per page for black & white and 50¢ per page for color.

Call (614) 645-2275 for more information.

Return to Top
What special services does the library offer to teachers?

We offer an Educator Card for anyone who teaches in a K-12 school or licensed childcare center. The Educator Card allows you to borrow Teacher Collections and other materials for your classroom without using your personal card. Call (614) 645-2275 for more information.

Return to Top
What services do you offer to people who are unable to visit the library?

Whether it's bookmobiles visiting schools or lobby stops at retirement communities, we offer a library experience to people who can't get to our branches. Here is more information about our Outreach Services. 

Return to Top
Does the library offer eBooks?

Yes, we offer eBooks in fiction and non-fiction titles for children, teens and adults. Newer titles check out for 14 days while 22,000 classic titles can be kept on your device as long as you like.

System and software requirements vary by device so please check the manufacturer's specifications. 

Return to Top
How do I download eBooks, audio books, music or movies from the library?

We have detailed instructions about downloading materials.

Return to Top
How can I find the eBooks the library offers?

Search our regular online catalog by title, author, subject or keyword. Use the menu on the right to choose the "downloadable” format. You can also link to our holdings from our webpage by clicking “Digital Downloads” link to visit our eBook partner, Overdrive.

Return to Top
Are the library’s eBooks compatible with my eReader?

Our eBooks are offered in three different formats so they are very likely to be compatible with your eReader device. Here is the complete list of compatible devices: http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/.

Return to Top
Do I have to check my eBooks back in?

No, eBooks automatically return themselves. Currently, eBooks cannot be renewed but you can always check out a title again. You may have up to 10 eBooks checked out at one time.

Return to Top
Why should I join the Summer Reading Club?

Summer reading is fun! And you’ll earn prizes!

Return to Top
Who can join Summer Reading Club?

Everyone, from infants to adults!

Return to Top
How do I join?

Visit any Columbus Metropolitan Library or Southwest Public Libraries location between June 8 and August 3 to sign up. At registration, you will receive a Reading Record and a calendar of events. You can also pre-register online beginning May 29.

Return to Top
When can I sign up?

You can go to any Columbus Metropolitan Library or Southwest Public Libraries location between June 8 and August 3 to sign up. But if you want to save time, you may pre-register here beginning May 29.

Return to Top
Do I need a library card?

A library card is the best card in town! It's strongly encouraged, but not required. Be sure to bring your card every time you come to the library.

Return to Top
How much does it cost?

It’s FREE!

Return to Top
How can I help out at the library this summer?

Interested in helping as a Summer Reading Club VolunTeen? Drop by the branch in your neighborhood and talk with the Summer Reading Club coordinator about completing an application. Not all locations have open VolunTeen positions throughout the summer. If your branch is full and you are interested in finding another location to help, call 614-849-1055.

Return to Top
What else will be happening at the library during the summer?

Lots of things! Join us for fun programs and entertaining performers! Don't forget there are always great books just waiting to be checked out.

Return to Top
How do I complete the program?

To complete:

  • Ages 5 or older: Read for 12 hours
  • Ages 0-4: Read or be read to for 6 hours

Between June 8 and August 3.

Return to Top
What prizes can I earn?
  • Babies and toddlers (0-4) who complete the program earn a Vocabulary Builder Book
  • Kids (5 to 11) who complete the program earn a Tote Bag
  • Teens (12 to 17) who complete the program earn a Flash Drive
  • Adults (18 and above) who complete the program earn an extra raffle entry

Also, you can earn other prizes along the way!