BORROWING

LEARN ABOUT BORROWING

We're here to help! Contact us with any questions you may have.

Returns

Items may be returned to any Arapahoe Library and book drops are available 24/7.
Larger-sized materials that do not fit into book drops, such as book club kits, may be returned inside a library.

Holds

Holds can be picked up inside a library during open hours or from a holds locker. You can also select a home delivery option.
You will know a hold is ready for pickup when you receive a notification or you can log in to your library account to check the status of your holds.
Multiple holds cannot be placed on the same item.
Holds FAQs.

Renewals

Items checked out to you may only be renewed if no other patrons have placed a hold on them.
All patrons are automatically signed up for auto-renewals.

Online Account

You can renew items, place holds and pay fees by accessing My Account. Call 303-542-7279 (303-LIBRARY) for assistance.

Fines/Fees

Arapahoe Libraries is fine free!
Learn more about fees.

Blocked Status

Library accounts will no longer be usable if placed into blocked status. Blocked status may be applied to accounts because of unpaid fees, violations of the Patron Code of Conduct, reports of a stolen card, or if the account has become inactive.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can have 100 items checked out and 100 items on hold per library card.

Explore even more library card perks.

FAQs

Borrowing

Holds

Library Card & Account

Overdue, Lost & Damaged Items

Patrons may choose to receive overdue notices by email, phone or text. Overdue notices are issued two, three and four weeks after an item is due. If you choose notification by email or text, you will also receive a courtesy reminder notice two days before an item is due.

Lost or damaged an item? It's okay, accidents happen! Call 303-542-7279 (303-LIBRARY) to ask what to do next. Items overdue by 40 days are considered lost and a replacement cost will be billed. Parents/guardians are responsible for items that may be lost or damaged by a child.

Please note that Arapahoe Libraries does not accept replacement materials for any lost or damaged items.

Learn More About Fees

Arapahoe Libraries has eliminated overdue fines. Although we will no longer charge overdue fines, materials still have the usual due dates and replacement fees will be charged for lost items.

*Replacement fees will not be charged for individual board books (standard policy applies to board book kits).

Fees

An item overdue by 40 days is considered lost and the replacement cost for the price of the item is billed to the patron’s account. Once the billed item is returned, the replacement cost will be waived.
Collection Agency Fee: If materials are not returned within 75 days or replacement fees of $50 or more remain unpaid, your account may be sent to a recovery agency and a $10 fee will apply.
Electronic devices returned to the book drop will be charged $15. If the device is damaged, the replacement cost will be charged.
Non-Sufficient Funds Fee: A check returned with Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) will result in an additional $25 fee.

Account Restrictions

Unpaid fees of more than $10 block the check out of additional items.

Payment Options

Need to pay a fee on your account? Cash, check and credit card are accepted at all libraries. To pay fees online with a credit card, log in to your account and under "My Borrowing" click on "Fees."

NEED HELP? CONTACT US.

TRADITIONAL ITEMS CHECKOUT INFORMATION

All hold items must be picked up within seven (7) days.

Books, Movies, Music & More

Checkout policies by format
Format	Checkout Length	Renewable?	Holdable?
Audiobook CDs, Playaways	21 days	3 times	Yes
Books	21 days	3 times	Yes
Xpress Books and Audiobooks*	21 days	No	No
Magazines	7 days	3 times	Yes
Movies (DVDs, Blu-ray) Changing availability of DVDs at the library	7 days; 21 days for sets of 2–9 discs; 42 days for sets of 10+ discs	3 times	Yes
Music CDs	7 days	3 times	Yes
Video Games	21 days	3 times	Yes
Note: Xpress items are first come, first served.

Kits

Checkout policies for kits and specialty items
Format	Checkout Length	Renewable?	Holdable?
A/V (audio/visual) Kit	7 days	1 time	Yes
Book Club Kits	42 days	1 time	Yes
Brain Box Kit	21 days	3 times	Yes
Caregiver Kit	42 days	1 time	Yes
Just Right Board Book Kit	21 days	3 times	Yes
New Americans Resource Kit	42 days	1 time	Yes
Paired Kit	21 days	3 times	Yes
Storytime To Go Kit	21 days	3 times	Yes
STEAM Kit	21 days	3 times	Yes

Digital Checkouts

Digital collection checkout limits and loan periods
Format	# of Checkouts	Checkout Length	Renewable?	Return Early?	# of Holds
hoopla, opens a new window Streaming (film, music, eBooks, eAudiobooks & comics)	20/month	Film: 3 days Music: 7 days eAudiobooks, eBooks & Comics: 21 days	No	Yes	N/A
Kanopy, opens a new window	40 tickets/month	Most films: 2 tickets, 72 hours access Major Studio Films: 4 tickets, 48 hours access Short films (30 min or less): 1 ticket, 72 hours access	No	No	N/A
OverDrive/Libby, opens a new window*	12	7, 14, or 21 days	Yes	Yes	20
ePeriodicals, opens a new window	Unlimited	Unlimited	N/A	N/A	N/A
Note: OverDrive/Libby offers a deliver later, opens a new window option for holds. Patrons have 3 days to check out, cancel or choose a later date for their requested item.

Borrowing From Other Libraries

Borrowing limits from partner lenders
Lender	# of Checkouts	Checkout Length	Renewable?	# of Holds
Prospector, opens a new window	100	Books: 21 days DVDs: 7 days	Books: 1 time DVDs: No	100
Interlibrary Loan , opens a new window	100	Varies	No	5/week

NON-TRADITIONAL ITEMS CHECKOUT INFORMATION

In addition to items you can check out and take home, Arapahoe Libraries offers many other non-traditional items that can be used inside of a library or learned about through an Ask a Librarian appointment. Check back for new items that will surprise and delight you!

Accessibility

Assistive devices available at the library
Name	Holdable	In-library use only at	Additional info
5" LED Lighted Magnifier	Yes	N/A	Magnifier helps increase the size of printed materials 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
Assistive Devices at All Library Locations	No	All Library Locations	Each library is equipped with: Blue light glasses Collapsible cane Cruiser rolling walker Grabber Hearing loops Large print keyboard Noise reduction earmuffs Reading glasses Ask a staff member for assistance
Book Stand	Yes	N/A	Lightweight angled plastic book holder for use on flat surface 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
Electronic Video Magnifier (handheld)	Yes	N/A	Works with television monitor to magnify printed documents 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
Grabber/Grip & Grab	No	Davies Kelver Smoky Hill	Assistive device aiding in selecting items out of reach Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
In-Library Use Boxes for Adult Day Program Groups	No	Eloise May Koelbel Southglenn Smoky Hill	Learn about what is included Ask a staff member for assistance
Large Lighted Magnifier (handheld)	No	Koelbel Smoky Hill	Magnifies print and other materials Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
Large Print Keyboard with Rollerball	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Southglenn Sheridan Smoky Hill	Large print keyboard has a jumbo trackball, great for those with blindness or loss of vision Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
Lighted magnifier on a stand	No	Kelver Koelbel	Lighted magnifier increases print size Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
Magnifiers	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May	Magnifies print and other materials Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
Mobility Scooter	No	Koelbel Smoky Hill	Electric scooter assists those with mobility issues and allows patrons to move around the library Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
Hands-free Magnifier With LED Light and Adjustable Stand	Yes	N/A	Magnifier usable by hanging from the neck, standing, or handheld Viewing area of 8 inches by 5.5 inches 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
Perkins Brailler	No	Koelbel	A mechanical machine that prints raised dots for writing Braille for blind users Paper, eraser, and a manual available
Reading Glasses	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Southglenn Sheridan Smoky Hill	Various strengths available to assist in reading Ask staff for this item’s location in the library
Walker with seat	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Southglenn Smoky Hill	Walking device to help support a person while walking or sitting Ask staff for this item’s location in the library

Computer-Related Accessibility & More

Laptops for In-Library Use

Laptops which are not secured to a desk or cart are available for use within Castlewood Library, Koelbel Library, Eloise May Library, Sheridan Library, Smoky Hill Library and Southglenn Library.

Who can check out laptops?

Patrons who are in good standing* with an active library card.

How can patrons check out a laptop?

Please speak to a staff member to obtain a laptop.

Laptop Loan Rules

Laptops are available for a 3-hour checkout period.
Laptops are available on a first come, first served basis.
Laptops are not available for placing a hold. Patrons will need to check back later with staff about availability.
Laptops must be used inside the library and are not to be removed from the library building for any reason.
Laptops cannot be checked out less than an hour before the library is closing.
Patrons may check out one laptop at a time.
Laptops cannot be renewed.
Laptops must be returned, powered ON, to a staff member 30 minutes before closing.
If the laptop is checked out and not returned by the end of the day, a replacement bill will be generated and sent to the patron the next day.
Patrons who do not return a laptop will be charged $500.
The patron is completely responsible for the safety of the laptop and for any damage or loss that results from accident, theft, misuse or neglect.

Can I print or download software to the laptop?

Patrons can print from checked out laptops and pay 10¢ per page for black and white or 25¢ per page for color.
Patrons can install software on checked out laptops as long as the installation process does not require a reboot.

*Good standing means the patron does not have unpaid fees exceeding $10.

Questions? Contact us!

Technology and computer-related devices available at the library
Name	Holdable	In-library use only	Additional info
External DVD Drive	No	Eloise May Koelbel Sheridan Smoky Hill Southglenn	USB-connected DVD drive connects to computers to watch DVDs
Floppy Disk USB Drive	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Smoky Hill Southglenn	Read floppy disks without a floppy disk drive
Laptop Computer / Chromebook	Yes		Chromebooks are laptop computers Built-in internet access (no Wi-Fi or hotspot needed) Includes bag and charger 7-day checkout, renewable up to 3 times if no holds
Laptops for In-Library Use	No	Castlewood Koelbel Eloise May Sheridan Smoky Hill Southglenn	Please speak to a staff member to obtain a laptop
Large Print Keyboard with Rollerball	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Southglenn Sheridan Smoky Hill	Large print keys and rollerball mouse
Smart Card Reader	No	Castlewood Eloise May Koelbel Sheridan Southglenn Smoky Hill	Identiv SCR3310v2.0
Noise-Cancelling and Gaming Headphones	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Sheridan Southglenn Smoky Hill	Reduces background noise Includes microphone 12-hour checkout limit
Various Computer Cables	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Sheridan Southglenn Smoky Hill	Availability and type varies by branch Please ask staff for assistance

Digital Media Equipment

Learn how to use this equipment and more at the Digital Media Stations.

Creative equipment available for checkout
Name	Holdable	Additional info
3 Point Lighting Kit	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Included light bulbs: standard 45 watt photo fluorescent daylight spiral light bulbs
Boom Microphone Kit	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Requires 1 AA battery or phantom power supply
Camera Kit	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times How to use the Nikon D3400 Camera
Digital Film Scanner	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Digital scanner for converting film negatives and slides to JPEG format How to use the Kodak Slide N Scan Digital Film Scanner
DVD Player / Video Cassette Recorder	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times RCA cable is included
Elgato Video Capture	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Software download requirements How to download software to use Elgato Video Capture How to use the software for Elgato Video Capture How to connect the Elgato Video Capture to a VCR and computer How to connect a camcorder to a computer when using the Elgato Video Capture
Epson Perfection V550 Photo Color Scanner	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Software download requirements, opens a new window How to download the software for the Epson Scanner How to scan 35mm slides using the Epson Scanner How to scan film strips using the Epson Scanner How to scan photos using the Epson Scanner How to scan medium format film using the Epson Scanner
MovieMaker Pro 8mm/Super 8 Film to Digital Converter	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Requires a 32GB SD card How to digitize 8 mm & Super 8 film with the MovieMaker Pro
Plustek ePhoto Z300 Scanner	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times How to use the scanner How to download/install the scanner software
Record Player	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times How to use the portable record player
Tripod	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Tripod for camera or camcorder with locking telescoping legs and leveling bubble
VHS-C to VHS Videocassette Adapter	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Battery is included How to use the VHS-C to VHS Videocassette Adapter
Wired Lavalier Kit	Yes	7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Requires 1 AA battery

Robotics & Coding

Coding and robotics kits available for checkout
Name	Holdable	Additional info
Dash Robot	Yes	Requires free app(s) Minimum OS requirements, opens a new window Requires Bluetooth
Dot Robot	Yes	Requires free app(s) Minimum OS requirements, opens a new window Requires Bluetooth
Finch Robot	Yes	Compatible with Chromebook, Mac, Windows, and Linux More information, opens a new window
Sphero Bolt	Yes	Sphero Bolt Model K002 Minimum system requirements, opens a new window Requires free app(s) for iOS and Android Requires Wi-Fi (may also require Bluetooth) and device cameras

Smart Devices & AI

Smart devices available for checkout
Picture	Name	Holdable	In-library use only	Additional info
	Echo Dot	Yes		Requires Wi-Fi, an Amazon account, and the Alexa app (iOS and Android) Model number RSO3QR 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Learn more
	Google Home	Yes		Requires Wi-Fi, a Google account, and the Google Home app (iOS and Android) 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Learn more

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous items available at the library
Picture	Name	Holdable	In-library use only	Additional info
	Bike Locks	No	Eloise May Koelbel Sheridan Smoky Hill Southglenn	Lock up your bicycle at the library Day use only
	Bike Repair Station	No	Castlewood Kelver	Dero Fixit bike repair station for basic bike repairs and maintenance Ask a staff member for this item’s location at the library
	Bike Tire Air Pump (handheld)	No	Sheridan	Fill up a bicycle tire Ask a staff member for this item’s location at the library
Image coming soon	Cassette Adaptor	No	Davies	Listen to CDs in a car’s in-dash cassette system
	Colorado State Parks Pass	Yes		Visit Colorado’s 42 state parks with a state parks pass 7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times Explore more of Colorado
	Companion Pet	Yes		Companion Pets look, feel, and sound like real cats and dogs Checkout includes 1 Companion Pet, 1 care guide, 1 brush, and 4 batteries in a carry bag 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
	GoPro	Yes		Mini SD card required Hero3 version 7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
	Graphing Calculator for Checkout	Yes		Graph functions, plot points, solve algebraic equations, and more
	Graphing Calculator for In-Library Use	No	Castlewood Davies Eloise May Kelver Koelbel Sheridan Smoky Hill Southglenn	Graph functions, plot points, solve algebraic equations, and more Ask staff for assistance
	Nintendo Switch	No	Davies	Ask staff for assistance More details to come
	Nokero Solar Light Bulb N200	Yes		Charge in the sun for optimal lighting 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
	Playaway Launchpad	Yes		Interactive learning multimedia devices for elementary-aged students 7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
	Power Check Meter	Yes		Measures the amount and rate of electricity used by your appliances and electronic devices 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
	RICOH THETA S 360 Camera	Yes		Requires free app THETA+ (iOS and Android) Minimum system requirements, opens a new window 21 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times
	T-Mobile or Verizon 4G LTE Hotspot	Yes		Connect up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices 7 day checkout, renewable up to 3 times