Using the Library

For answers to common questions about borrowing library materials, please visit our FAQs page.

You can borrow materials from HCPL for periods ranging from two to four weeks, depending on the format. Please see loan periods for library materials for complete information.

To renew materials online, log into My Account by clicking the link located in the top-right of the library website. After logging in with your library card number and PIN, click on the "Checkouts" tab, then click "Library Checkouts." From this page, you can renew all or selected items.

You can return library materials to any Henrico County Public Library. Outside book returns are available 24 hours a day at all libraries. Drive-through book returns and pick-up windows are available at Fairfield, Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory and Varina. Drive-up book returns are available at Gayton, Glen Allen, and North Park. Interlibrary Loan Service materials must be returned in person to the branch where the request was made.

Late, damaged, or lost items can be charged fines and fees. See overdue fines for library materials. The fine for overdue interlibrary loan items is $1.00 per day.

Place a hold on a book or other library materials online in the catalog. You may place up to 15 holds at a time. View your holds by logging into My Account and clicking the "Holds" tab. You will be notified by email or phone, and optionally by text when the item is ready, based on your account preferences. Data rates may apply. Your item will be held for three library business days. Please call your library if you cannot make it within that window of time.

To place a hold:

• Search for an item.
• From the Search Results page, find the item that you'd like to place on hold.
• Click on the Place Hold button to the right of the title.
• Enter your 14-digit library card number (typed without spaces between numbers) and PIN (Personal Identification Number). NOTE: You will only need to login with the first item.
• Click on the arrow beside the Pickup Library box to select the library at which you would like to pick up your hold.
• Fairfield, Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory, and Varina have drive-up windows open during normal library hours for hold pick up. Designate Drive-up as the pickup location when placing the hold.
• Click on the Place Hold button.