Borrowing
Remember to bring your card when you visit the library. It is your ticket to borrowing books and media, using computers, and accessing library databases. Find out how to get a library card.
How many items can I borrow?
Regular cardholders may borrow up to 50 items at any one time.
Borrowing limits by category:
| Most library materials | 50 |
| DVDs | 20 |
| Superloan DVDs | 5 |
| eBook & eAudio (Overdrive) | 10 |
| Audio Read Along | 5 |
| Storytime Kits | 3 |
| Dash Robot Kits | 5 |
How long can I borrow items?
| Most books | 3 weeks |
| Magazines | 3 weeks |
| DVDs & CDs | 3 weeks |
| Tech-To-Go | 3 weeks |
| eBook & eAudio (Overdrive) | 3 weeks |
| Items With 5 or More Holds | 2 weeks |
| Superloans (Bestsellers) | 1 week |
| Book Club Kits | 6 weeks |
| Storytime Kits | 3 weeks |
| Chromebooks | 3 hours (in branch) |
Borrowing materials from Surrey Libraries is free. However, if your materials are returned damaged or lost, fees will be applied your account. Read more about fees.
How do I return my items?
Return materials to any branch of Surrey Libraries, no matter which branch you borrowed them from.
You can also return materials from Surrey Libraries to other InterLINK public libraries in the Lower Mainland.
How do I place a hold?
Place a hold to reserve a library item that is not currently available. You will be contacted when your item is available for pickup. When your hold arrives, bring the library card you used to place the hold with you to pick up. Holds must be picked up within 7 days of arrival. You can manage your holds from your online account.
How many holds can I have?
You can have up to 35 holds on physical items at one time. Additionally, you can have up to 25 holds on digital items in Overdrive/Libby. You can use the "For Later" list in your online account to remember items you would like to borrow in the future.
How do I check out items?
Items can be checked out with staff at our Welcome Desks, or by using the self-checkout stations. Remember that hold items waiting for you in branch need to be checked out before you take them home. All locations except Port Kells branch have contactless self-checkout stations.
How do I renew my items?
You can renew books and media for longer borrowing if no one else has placed it on hold. Maximum of 2 renewals for each item. There are no renewals on Superloans, Superloan DVDs or Book Club Kits. You can manage renewals from your online account.
Can I pay my fees online?
Library fees can be paid for online from your library account or the Surrey Libraries mobile app. Fees are listed under “My Borrowing”. Contact the branch if you need assistance.
How do I check my account by phone?
Check your own library record from home using a touch tone phone: 604-502-6333.
This service (Telemessaging) is available daily, except between 11:00pm Fridays to 4:00am Saturdays.
By phone you can:
- Review a list of everything you have borrowed
- Renew items you have borrowed
- Cancel titles you have on hold
- Review any fees on your account