Top Questions

After receiving notification that a hold is available, you can do one of the following:

  • Borrow the title within 3 days.
  • Suspend the hold by selecting “deliver later.” This option passes the book to the next person in line while keeping your place on the waitlist. You'll set the suspension period, and can borrow the book when the next copy is available.
  • Cancel the hold.

If you take no action, your hold will automatically be suspended as a one-time courtesy for 7 days. If no action is taken a second time, your hold will be canceled.

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Some Kindle titles are exclusive to Amazon and not available through Overdrive. We purchase Kindle editions whenever possible. If a Kindle edition is available through Amazon, we can submit a request to OverDrive. This does not guarantee that we'll be able to add the Kindle edition.

Please contact Ask KCLS if there is a Kindle edition showing on Amazon.com.

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A full-access King County Library System (KCLS) library card in good standing may borrow:

All items except downloads Maximum of 100 items
OverDrive eBooks and downloadable audiobooks 25 items
OverDrive magazines No checkout limits
Ready Reads 4 items
Hoopla digital music, movies, TV, and comics 10 items per month
Kanopy streaming movies 10 tickets per month. Learn more about Kanopy tickets.
Estante Infinito streaming movies and performing arts 99 tickets per day per person
Estante Infinito streaming TV No checkout limits

KCLS is not responsible for damage to equipment that occurs while using library-owned material.

Patrons who have reached the maximum number of physical checkouts are not able to log in or borrow items from OverDrive or hoopla.

Versión en español:¿Cuántos artículos me puedo llevar prestados?

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Try the last four digits of your phone number. If you haven't set up a PIN/password, it defaults to the last four digits of the phone number in your library account.

If that doesn't work, reset your PIN/password using your library card number. Or, show photo ID to staff at the library.

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Interlibrary loan service provides access to materials that are not in our collection, including:

  • Books, except those published within the last two years
  • Newspapers on microfilm
  • Photocopies of specific pages from journals and newspapers
  • Photocopies of specific information from genealogy or other non-circulating materials
  • Theses and dissertations
  • Government documents
  • Reports and conference proceedings
  • Music scores

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Some libraries have openings for volunteers to help with programs and services. Please contact your local library for more information.

There are also several opportunities to volunteer online. Check the How to Apply section for details.

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Most physical items can be renewed up to two times, as long as the items are not on hold for someone else. 

You can renew OverDrive digital titles (eBooks, audiobooks and magazines) one time as long as the items are not on hold for someone else. 

Ready Reads, Book Group Kits, interlibrary loans and media equipment cannot be renewed.

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Versión en español

Book Group Kits 56 days (8 weeks)
Books
CDs
CD-ROMs
LPs
Kits
Players
Most video discs (DVDs and Blu-rays)
Books to Grow On
Ready Reads		 28 days
OverDrive                                
  • eBooks
  • downloadable audiobooks
  • magazines

Hoopla digital comics
Interlibrary loans

 21 days
Magazines
Feature film and movie video discs (DVDs and Blu-rays)
Hoopla digital music		 7 days
Hoopla digital video 3 days (72 hours)
Kanopy digital video 3-7 days (72-168 hours), depending on the film
Most media equipment (use in library only)  1 day
Estante Infinito streaming movies and performing arts 48 hours
Estante Infinito streaming TV No checkout limits

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Each student account has a login number that begins with a case-sensitive code. The code identifies a district, school, or college.  

The code is followed by either the student’s  

  • school-issued identification number or  
  • college-issued email address.  

There are no dashes or spaces.  

The PIN is the last four digits of the student's ID number. See the full list below for login information. 

K-12 schools 

School District Student Account Login
Auburn School District 4080 followed by school ID number
Bear Creek School bcs followed by school ID number
Bellevue Children's Academy bca followed by school ID number
Bellevue School District 405 followed by student ID number
Bellevue Christian School bcl followed by student ID number
Eastside Catholic School ecs followed by student ID number
Enumclaw School District 216 followed by student ID number
Federal Way Public Schools 210 followed by student ID number
Forest Ridge School frs followed by school ID number
Highline School District 401 followed by student ID number
Issaquah School District 411 followed by student ID number
Kent School District 415sn followed by student ID number
Lake Washington School District 414 followed by student ID number
Mercer Island School District 400 followed by student ID number
Northshore School District 417 followed by student ID number
Rainier Prep rps followed by student ID number
Renton School District 403 followed by student ID number
Riverview School District 407 followed by student ID number
Shoreline School District 412 followed by student ID number
Skykomish School District 404 followed by student ID number
Snoqualmie Valley School District 410 followed by student ID number
Thomas School sts followed by alpha student code
Tahoma School District 409 followed by student ID number
The Overlake School tos followed by student ID number
Tukwila School District 406s followed by student ID number
Vashon Island School District 402 followed by student ID number
Willows Preparatory School wps followed by school ID number
Woodinville Montessori wms followed by student ID number

Colleges 

School District Student Account Login
Bellevue College BVC followed by student ID number
Cascadia College CAS followed by the primary email on file with the college
Highline College HLC followed by the part of the email address before the @
Green River College GRC followed by the part of the email address before the @
Lake Washington Institute of Technology LWT followed by the part of the email address before the @
Renton Technical College RTC followed by student ID number
Shoreline Community College SCC followed by student ID number

Trouble logging in?

Contact Ask KCLS.

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You can add new purchase requests using our "Request an Item" form.

Find a link to the form on our website. You no longer need to log in to your online catalog account. Instead, go to the "Books and More" menu at the top of our site. Under "Services," choose "Request Items for Purchase or Interlibrary Loan.”

If you’re using our app, find a link to the new form on the app home screen. Find the "Request items for Purchase or Interlibrary Loan" link under "Explore Further."

Or, find the new link under "Settings". First, select "Share Feedback," then navigate to the "Contact your library directly" section. Then use the link to "Request Items for Purchase or Interlibrary Loan." 

For digital items such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks

Library cardholders in these statuses may request a purchase of digital items using the Notify Me tag on the Libby App:

  • All-access cards
  • Student cards
  • eCards

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You can use interlibrary loan if you have a library card, unless your card has one of the following statuses:

  • Reciprocal borrowers (Non-King County Residents)
  • Cards that are unable to borrow items due to fees
  • Limited checkout
  • Online registration
  • Visitor cards

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eCards are available to King County residents and property owners, outside of Seattle, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point. 

Residents of reciprocal library systems can get a card that normally needs to be activated in person. Apply online for an all-access card. You can activate your card in person at any of our libraries. You will need proof of address and photo ID that shows your date of birth. You'll receive instructions to complete the process when you get your card in the mail.

If you are unable to access a community library in person, you may email images of your

  • photo ID,
  • proof of address, and
  • a photo of yourself holding at least one of the documents.

Please reach out to your preferred library for details.

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The Sammamish Library will be open 7 days a week, starting April 27. We hope you enjoy this additional day of library service! We plan to add more days of service to several other libraries in 2025 and 2026. We will announce more open hours changes on our news page when that information is available.  

When identifying which library hours will expand, we consider the following factors: 

  • Community feedback 
  • Circulation 
  • Door Counts 
  • Geography 

What changes do you want to see at your library so we can better meet your needs? Go to our comment form to share your suggestions. 

The Sammamish Library will be open 7 days a week, starting April 27. 

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Kanopy uses tickets to check out videos. You will receive 10 tickets every month. Each title displays how many tickets are required to view and how long you have to watch a show. 

Once you press play on a title, you will use the number of tickets required to view. To avoid using tickets unnecessarily, consider watching the trailer on YouTube first. 

Kanopy Kids titles do not cost any tickets to view. 

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If you’re looking for a specific digital title that we do not have, you can use a Notify Me tag in Libby. Notify Me will alert you if the library buys the title. However, not all publishers sell their content to libraries in digital format. If you cannot find a title in Libby’s catalog, then we cannot buy the item. You can learn how to use Notify Me with this tutorial or video.

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Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending upon the number of libraries that own the item and its availability. Specialized items may take longer.

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You have a limit of $1.50 each week in your library card's print allowance. You can use the allowance on library printers or copiers.

With the allowance, you can print or copy:

  • up to ten black and white pages
    OR
  • three color pages each week for free.

If you don't have enough credit for your entire print or copy request, you have the option to pay for more pages.

Additional pages of letter-size (8 1/2" x 11") prints and copies cost:

  • $0.15 for black and white.
  • $0.50 for color.

Learn about file size limits.

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King County Library System (KCLS) libraries are closed on the following holidays each year:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King’s Birthday
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Easter (Crossroads only)
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Native American Heritage Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day

Libraries located at shopping malls close early on New Year's Eve.

The Crossroads, Lake Forest Park, and Southcenter shopping centers close early on New Year's Eve. The Crossroads, Lake Forest Park, and Southcenter Libraries will also close early, at 6pm.

The Crossroads Library also closes on Easter.

The library is located in the Crossroads Mall, which is closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

Plan your visit.

Check individual location pages, opens a new window for current dates specific to your local library. Holiday and closure information is posted on individual location pages. Look for the "Holidays & Closures" box and select "View all Holidays & Closures" to expand the list.

How Holidays Impact Services

You can still use some contactless and online services while we're closed. Find out how the holidays impact services.

Customer Service

Ask KCLS staff are unavailable for email, chat, or phone calls on holidays. Staff are unavailable to respond to questions on our social media accounts.
 

Digital Access

You will continue to have access to your online account and digital collections. You can download eBooks, stream music and movies, and more. Find digital services that you can use while libraries are closed.
 

Returns and Locker Holds

Book drops and Self-Check-in stations are open on holidays. You can return items to book drops while we are closed.
 
Lockers are available as a hold pickup option at select library locations. Lockers are available 24/7. If your holds are ready to be collected from a locker, you can pick them up on a holiday.
 

Your Next Library Visit

Find hours and services offered at your library on your library's location page.

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We do not charge fees but sometimes an item's owning library does. Fees vary and are set by the lending library. Staff will contact you if an item has a cost to borrow before continuing with the request. Indicate how much, if anything, you are willing to pay on the request form. Fees are payable at the library branch when you pick up the item.

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Library cards are available to anyone who lives or owns property in:

*Our service area includes all of King County except for Seattle, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point.

Find out who is eligible and what you need to verify eligibility in the chart below. Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us to find out.

If you: then you are eligible for:  and you must provide:
Live in our service area* All-Access Library Card or eCard For an All-Access Library Card:
  1. Proof of address.
  2. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.

For an eCard:

  1. Valid email address.
  2. Physical address within our service area* where you receive mail.

Own property in but don't live in our service area*

 

Are married to someone who owns property in but doesn't live in our service area*

 

Are younger than 18 and your parent or guardian owns property in our service area*

 All-Access Library Card or eCard For an All-Access Library Card:
  1. Proof of address.
  2. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.
  3. Proof of property ownership. The property owner will need to verify ownership from time to time to keep your card active.

For an eCard:

  1. Valid email address.
  2. Physical address within our service area* where you receive mail.
  3. Proof of property ownership. The property owner will need to verify ownership from time to time to keep your card active.
Live in the service area of a library we have an agreement with All-Access Library Card
  1. Proof of address.
  2. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.

Own property in the service area of a library we have an agreement with

 

Are married to someone who owns property in the service area of a library we have an agreement with

 

Are younger than 18 and your parent or guardian owns property in the service area of a library we have an agreement with

All-Access Library Card
  1. Proof of address.
  2. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.
  3. Proof of property ownership. The property owner will need to verify ownership from time to time to keep your card active.
Are living in our service area* temporarily (longer than one month but less than six months) All-Access Library Card with limited checkout
  1. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.
  2. Permanent residence address.
  3. Local temporary address.
Don't have a residence All-Access Library Card with limited checkout           
  1. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.
  2. A mailing address or phone number.
Don't have photo ID PC Only card
  1. Whatever contact information you have. Examples: a mailing address or phone number.
Don't live or own property in our service area* or the service area of a library we have an agreement with PC Only card
  1. Photo ID that shows your date of birth.

Versión en español: ¿Cómo obtengo una tarjeta de la biblioteca?

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Most libraries have a Friends, Guild, or Association group.

Get the details about your library's group on the library's About page. You can find your library's About page at the top of its location page. Or, go directly to your library's About page from this list:

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We do not charge late fines for items returned after their due date.   

We charge replacement fees for lost, damaged, and items returned with pieces missing. We must charge replacement fees by state law.  

You will be charged a replacement cost for items that are 60 days overdue.  

 You will not be able to borrow physical items if you owe more than $75 in fees. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.  

We do not send accounts to collections. 

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You can keep items for three weeks with no renewals. If you need more time we can try to request the item from a different library.

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You can renew items that other people aren’t waiting for. If an item has holds, you won’t be able to renew it. Find out how many times you can renew an item.

If your account has a balance of more than $75, you won’t be able to renew any items. You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.

Auto-renewal only applies to physical items.

Auto-renewal does not apply to digital collections. That’s because digital items are:

  • Returned automatically on their due date.
  • Paid for with different pricing models than physical items.

We pay vendors for each new digital checkout, including renewals. For this reason, it is important to confirm that digital renewals are intentional. Please continue to manually renew digital items you’d like to extend.

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You don’t need to sign up. Eligible items will automatically renew.

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We provide study rooms to serve the needs of the library and the local community. Rooms provide space for individuals and small groups to meet, study, learn and connect.

Capacity

Study rooms can be used by just one or a few people at a time. A small group reservation is when more than 1 person uses a Study Room at the same time. 

Time Limit

You or your small group can use a study room for up to 2 hours at a time.

Reservation Window

You or your small group can reserve a study room up to 1 week in advance.

Reservation Frequency Window

You or your small group can make one online reservation per week at each library. There are no limits to how often you or your small group can drop in to use a study room. If you or your small group don't have an advanced reservation, you may still be able to use a study room. Check with staff about availability during your visit. 

How to Reserve

Reservations for study rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. You don't need a library card to reserve a standard study room. You need a library card to reserve an enhanced study room. 

Equipment

All study rooms have tables and chairs. At select locations, you can reserve an enhanced study room. When you reserve enhanced study rooms, you reserve a study room and equipment to use in the space. Equipment includes a laptop with webcam and a headset with a microphone.

Late Arrivals

After 15 minutes, we may give the reservation to the next person waiting for a room.

Everyone using the study room must follow this policy:

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You can reserve a meeting room online, opens a new window or by contacting your local community library, opens a new window.

Meeting room capacity varies by location.

Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made 4 weeks into the future. Include enough time for setting up and breaking down the room. 

You will be notified if your request is approved or denied, once staff have reviewed your request.

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You can send a fax for free using Library Document Stations. Fax or scan documents directly to email, cloud storage, or a USB drive.

All libraries have faxing service when they are open for visits.

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Computers are available for one hour. You may be able to use a computer for up to 4 hours if no one else is waiting. Time limits vary by location.

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For Adults

What do I need to bring?

  • A photo ID with your birthdate (current or expired).
    • Examples: Driver’s License, Passport, Washington ID Card, U.S. Military ID, Matricula Consular.
  • Proof of your current residential address (must be current).
    • Examples: Washington Driver’s License or ID Card, utility bill (printout OK), printed checks, apartment lease, voter registration, King County tax bill, or another official/legal document.

Tip: If your photo ID already shows your current address, it counts for both ID and address verification. If it doesn’t, just bring an additional document with your current address.

For Minors

Do kids need photo ID?

  • No, minors do not need photo ID.

How do kids show proof of address?

  • A parent or guardian can provide proof of address (see examples above).
  • Or, if a child applies without a parent/guardian, the library can mail them a “Dear Parent” postcard. Bringing back this postcard counts as address verification.

For Property Owners Outside the Service Area*

You can still qualify for a library account if you or your spouse/parent own property in the service area. Bring one of the following:

  • Property tax statement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Deed
  • Parcel listing from the King County Parcel Viewer

Remote Verification

Can’t visit in person? You may verify your documents by email. Contact your preferred library for details.

*Our service area includes all of King County except for Seattle, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point.

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No. eCards are only available to people who live or own property inside the King County Library System (KCLS) service area. Our service area includes all of King County except for Seattle, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point.

Residents of reciprocal library systems can get a card that needs to be activated in person. Apply online for an all-access card. You can activate your card in person at one of our libraries. You will need proof of address and photo ID that shows your date of birth. You'll receive instructions to complete the process when you get your card in the mail.

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We have reciprocal borrowing agreements with the following Washington counties and library systems. If you live or own property in these counties and systems, you can get a reciprocal card, except where noted.

Within King County

County System Exclusions
King Seattle Public Library

Hunts Point

Yarrow Point

Outside of King County

County System Exclusions
Chelan  NCW Libraries  
Clallam North Olympic Library System  
Clark Fort Vancouver Regional Library Camas
Cowlitz - only Woodland Fort Vancouver Regional Library  
Douglas NCW Libraries

Mansfield

Rock Island
Ferry NCW Libraries  
Grant NCW Libraries

Hartline

Marlin
Grays Harbor Timberland Regional Library Ocean Shores
Island Sno-Isle Regional Library  
Kitsap Kitsap Regional Library  
Jefferson

Jefferson County Rural Library District

Port Townsend Public Library

  
Klickitat Fort Vancouver Regional Library  
Lewis Timberland Regional Library

Mossy Rock

Napavine

PeEll

Vader
Mason Timberland Regional Library  
Okanogan NCW Libraries Conconully
Pacific Timberland Regional Library  
Pierce

Milton Public Library (annexed to Pierce County Library System)

Pierce County Library System

Puyallup Public Library

Tacoma Public Library

Carbonado

Fircrest

Roy

Ruston

If you live in Tacoma, you must have a valid Tacoma Public Library card before you can get a reciprocal card from us.
Skamania Fort Vancouver Regional Library  
Snohomish

Everett Public Library 

Sno-Isle Regional Library

 Woodway
Thurston Timberland Regional Library  

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