Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the hours and locations of the community libraries in the King County Library System?
• How do I get a library card?
• How do I get into my account information?
• How can I find out if the library owns a particular book and where it is located?
• What if the library does not own a book I want?
• How many library items may I check out?
• How many items can I borrow at one time?
• Can I renew my library materials?
• Where can I return my library materials?
• What are your loan periods and fines?
• What if an item is damaged or lost?
• Does KCLS operate totally separate from the City of Seattle?
• If I do not live in King County, may I borrow materials?
• Does the library ever have book sales?
• I've got a question for a librarian. How do I ask online?
• Do you offer Literacy and ESL services?
• How do I become a volunteer at my library?

Q. What are the hours and locations of the Community Libraries in the King County Library System?

From the King County Library System home page (www.kcls.org) click Find Your Library located on the left-hand column. Scroll down the page to find King County Library System Hours and location information for each community library.

Q. How do I get a library card?

On the King County Library System home page (www.kcls.org) click Library Cards located on the left-hand column. Eligibility and application information is given.

Q. How do I get into my Account information?

On the King County Library System home page www.kcls.org click the "My Account" tab at the top right-hand corner. Type in your library card barcode number and the last 4 digits of phone number or PIN as requested. If you can’t get into your account, please call Answer Line at (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.

Q. How can I find out if the library owns a particular book and where it is located?

To find a particular book in the Library Catalog go to the King County Library System home page www.kcls.org. Type in the title of the book (and author if known) in the “I need information about” search box, or you can click on the "Catalog"the tab, then the iPac Catalog and search using keywords, exact title, name of author or subject, etc. Once you find the book title, scroll down the page to Place a Hold and to determine owning library and item status.

Q. What if the library does not own a book I want?

Click the "Ask a Librarian" link on the left-hand column of the King County Library System home page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Interlibrary Loan to request an item not in the catalog. Click on Book Request to request books. If the book is newly published, the library will make a purchase decision and send the book to your pickup branch or advise you if it is not to be purchased. Older books will be sought from other library systems.

Q. How many library items may I check out?
There is a limit of 100 items that a patron may have checked out at any one time. Exceptions are nursing homes (250 items) and branch cards (150 items).

Q. How many items can I borrow at one time?
A patron can borrow up to 100 items at one time. There is a limit of 100 items that a patron may have checked out at any one time. Exceptions are nursing homes (250 items) and branch cards (150 items).

Q. Can I renew my library materials?

Yes. King County Library System allows one renewal for any checked-out item if no one else has placed a hold on the title.

Q. Where can I return my library materials?

You can return library materials to any of the 43 branches of the King County Library System.

Q. What are your loan periods and fines?

Information on load periods and fines can be found by clicking here.

Q. What if an item is damaged or lost?

As per the contract stated on your library card: “you are responsible for all materials checked out with this card.” If items are damaged or lost while in your care, you will be responsible for paying the replacement cost for the item as well as a re-cataloging fee.

Q. Does KCLS operate totally separate from the City of Seattle?
KCLS and Seattle Public Library are two separate entities. KCLS is funded through property tax revenues, and, when needed, capital improvement bonds. Seattle Public Library is a general revenue department of the City of Seattle and operates as a totally separate district from KCLS.

Q. If I do not live in King County, may I borrow materials?

King County Library System extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to residents in neighboring library systems. This is done for convenience of King County Library District residents who work or visit outside of the county and as a courtesy to residents in other areas. For more information on reciprocal borrowing privileges .

Q. I've got a question for a librarian. How do I ask online?

From the King County Library System home page click the link that says Ask A Librarian. (or Ask a Librarian in the left-hand column). The next page will give you three choices: "By Online Chat", "By E-mail", or "By Phone". Click on "By Online Chat" if you would like to chat online with a librarian in real time. Click on "By E-mail" if you would prefer to e-mail your question. E-mail questions are usually answered within 24 hours.

Q. Do you offer Literacy and ESL services?

King County Library System Literacy and ESL services can be found on the home page, click on the "ESL/Literacy" link on the lower left-hand side

Q. How do I become a volunteer at my library?

King County Library System welcomes and encourages volunteers. Volunteers enrich the capabilities of the Library System. Volunteers may donate their time in the community libraries or on system-wide special projects and events. Volunteer service is performed with guidance and support from the King County Library System. To find out more about volunteering, contact your local community library. On the King County Library System home page click on Volunteers on the left-hand column for additional information.

Q. Does the library ever have book sales?

Yes! For a complete list of upcoming book sales, please click on this link.

Last Updated: March 11, 2008