Checking Out Items
To check out items, bring your library card to the library. You may use the digital card on the mobile app or a valid picture ID if you do not have your physical card. If you want to use the self-checkout machines, you will also need your PIN.
You can check out up to 50 items at a time in any combination.
Books, audiobooks, cDs, magazines and fotonovelas can be checked out for 21 days.
DVDs and blu-rays can be checked out for 7 days.
Newspapers and reference materials are in-library use only and cannot be checked out.
If you have an eCard, you are only able to check out digital items. If you would like to check out physical items, you can come to any library branch to switch your eCard to a regular card for full privileges.
Placing Items on Hold
You can place holds on items that are checked out or located at other branches. You can place a hold online through the library catalog by using the button next to the item.
Library staff can also help you place holds on items. You can either call a branch to request items or go into the library; library staff will need your card or card number.
No holds are allowed on browsing collection books.
Renewing Items
You may renew items with your library card at any branch, by phone, on the KCKPL app, or on the website by going to your account page.
If you are renewing on the website, you will be taken to a login screen where you will enter your library card number and your PIN (your birthdate - mmddyyyy - no slashes are needed). There you will be able to renew individual items or all of your checkouts. The new due date will be reflected on the right side of your screen.
Browsing materials and any materials with a hold may not be renewed. Up to three renewals are allowed on other materials.
Library staff can help you request materials not owned by KCKPL through an interlibrary loan. To request items, call (913) 295-8250 ext. 6201, email ill@kckpl.org, go into the library, or fill out a request on your own. There is no charge for placing a request. You are responsible for any fees charged by the lending library.
To place an ILL request yourself, follow these instructions.
- Go to the WorldCat database.
- Search for and locate the item you wish to request in Worldcat
- Select the item to view its detail page. Under "Availability", select "Borrow this item from another library (Interlibrary Loan)"
- Fill out the ILL request form and click "Submit"
- A message will appear letting you know if the submission was successful and the ILL form will be sent to our ILL department to process.
You may return materials inside at any branch. Book drops are also available outside the building at each location. KCKPL locks book drops on holidays. Audiovisual items may be put in the book drops.
If damaged library materials cannot be returned to the shelf, the current retail cost of the item will be billed to your library card. You may keep damaged items after payment in full.
If a damaged item can be repaired, a charge for minor damage will be billed to the account. This policy does not apply to materials borrowed from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan
You can pay fees in person at the library using cash, credit or debit card, or check. You may also pay bills online. You may also send in payment through the mail if you send in a personal check or a money order. Please make out checks to KCKPL and include the name on the account and the library card number. Payments may be sent to:
Attention of Circulation Department
Main Library
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Library cards are blocked when fees are $25 or greater. A recovery agency recovers fees for lost/missing materials. Fees must be paid off completely before a card can be renewed.