Borrowing Policies

Library Card

Anoka County Library cards are free to residents of Anoka County. You may use your library card at any MELSA library in the Twin Cities area as well as other public libraries in Minnesota. You are responsible for all materials borrowed with your card. Parents are responsible for all materials borrowed by their children. A lost, stolen, or damaged card must be reported within 60 days of the occurrence. A failure to do so will cause you to be liable for any fraudulent activity and expenses that might occur on your account. Replacement cards are available for $2. Notify Anoka County Library of changes in name, address, or phone number. Your record will be updated without charge. All cards need to be updated every four years.

Borrowing

Books, magazines, compact discs, and DVDs may be borrowed for up to 21 days. Our standard library card allows you to have up to 100 items checked out on your account at one time. Each time you borrow material you will receive a receipt showing the titles and due dates of those materials. You may place holds on materials and pick them up at the Anoka County Library branch or On-the-Go location you designate.

Renewing

Anoka County Library will attempt to automatically renew your borrowed item three days before the due date. If successful, your loan period will be extended for a full borrowing period (typically 21 days) from the existing due date. Eligible Library materials may be renewed up to four times. 

An item won't renew if: another library user has requested it, the item has reached its maximum number of renewals, you owe more than $10 on your account, your account is expired, or the item is ineligible for renewal (including interlibrary loans).

If renewal is unsuccessful, you will continue to receive notices about overdue items. You may try to renew manually before you return the item by logging in to My Account or by calling the phone renewal line at 763-324-1590. 

Returning

You may return material to any MELSA public library regardless of where the items were borrowed. All Anoka County Library branches have 24-hour book returns.

Overdues

Materials kept past the due date will accrue fines. Fine rates are based on material type.

Adult material: 30 cents per item, per day to a $7 maximum per item.
Children's material: 10 cents per item, per day to a $2 maximum per item.

An email, computer-generated phone call, or mailed notification will tell you when materials are 10 or more days overdue.

Lost or Damaged Materials

Borrowers are responsible for the replacement cost-retail value plus processing fee-for lost or damaged materials. Replacement copies are never accepted as payment.

Other Charges & Fees

If your account is not paid in a timely manner, it may be referred to a collection agency. In this event, there will be additional collection fees of a minimum of $10 added to your account.

Restricted Borrowing

If you owe $10 or more in fines, you may not borrow materials until the fines are paid. Checks that are dishonored and returned will be subject to recovery fees. Activity on your library account will be restricted.