Oh! The urge of a bookworm to loot a library is real. But that is only in our imagination. In reality, you can’t move a single book out of the premises without the librarian’s permission.
Not only that! There are certain checkout rules that you must maintain. Take the time game as an example.
You must return the borrowed book to the library within a given time frame. (What a pain!) If you miss the deadline, get ready to pay a hefty fine.
The next thing will surely piss you off.
A library has a loaning limit on its books and other materials. In no scenario can you tamper with this rule. So, remember to walk out with 100 books in your cart.
Okay! What actually is the borrowing policy? How many books can you check out at the library? Let’s discuss this in today’s article.
You Can Loan A Limited Number of Books At One Time
At first, I found such rules absurd and unnecessary. I mean, come on, dude! People are trying to read here. Why wouldn’t you let us borrow as many books as we want?
It only struck me later that libraries have limitations, too.
Just think like this. Borrowing 40 to 50 books simultaneously makes little sense (unless you are doing research). No superhuman can finish these items in a week or two (Okay! I give you four weeks).
So, your little self-satisfying act is depriving someone else of that material. That is very inconsiderate.
You can be selfish. But libraries are not. Hence, they have put a limit on the loaning of books.
The available resources of that institute definitely influence these numbers. For instance, if we are talking about large city libraries, you can take over 10 to 50 items simultaneously.
But in small libraries, it is only possible to borrow 1 or 2 books for a week or so as they have a limited collection.
Let’s explore how many books you can check out in different libraries.
1. Public Libraries
If you are a voracious reader, public libraries are your perfect fit. There are unlimited resources, offering you options to choose from. The best part is that the public libraries are free. Obviously, these organizations allow you to borrow books and other materials.
But alert! You must have a library card to avail of these benefits. You might have to pay a security deposit to get a card, depending on your locality. Just renew the ID once a year, and you are all set to loan the books.
What’s the limit on check out items? The answer varies. For example,
- At the DC Public Library and New York Public Library, you can borrow 50 items, including 10 DVDs max.
- The Memphis Public Library allows people to loan up to 25 items at a time. Book check out is free of cost. But you have to pay for CDs and DVDs.
- At Denver Public Library, the provisional card holders can borrow only 3 items. On the contrary, the full cardholders can add 100 materials to their cart. Many other public libraries, like Monroe County Public Library, also have this 100-item loaning limit.
2. Private Libraries
Let me be honest. Not everyone enjoys a public library (They question the hygiene). If you are that picky, a private library will suit you better.
Frankly speaking, private libraries are more about taste. The air has no musty odor, and the hygiene is top-notch.
Moreover, you can’t complain about the book collections! You will find some rare editions on the shelves. No wonder these libraries charge a handsome amount to issue a membership card.
The private libraries can ask for up to $100 for an annual subscription, depending on the locality and available resources. Honestly, I don’t mind this amount. Just look at the amenities the organizations are offering. I think these are great deals.
Not to mention that private libraries also loan books. Unlike public libraries, the checking out, donating books, and borrowing rules are flexible for club members.
According to my research, you can take 25 to 40 books simultaneously on a regular subscription. Of course, the service is different for the premium cardholders. They can check out more than 40 books and other materials.
3. Campus Libraries
School libraries barely have a rich book collection. I don’t blame them anyway. They do not have endless funding like the universities.
Yes, the funding is the secret to the handsome campus libraries. The wide collection of research materials in these libraries will make any scholars drool.
The book loaning regulations are bendable in university libraries. Most authorities allow their students access to as many books as they need while on the premises. In fact, on some campuses, pupils can also study in the library at night. Isn’t that amazing?
So, how many books can a student check out from the library? Again, there is no universal rule. The university authority decides the numbers. For instances,
- At the University of Washington, you can borrow up to 30 items at one time.
- The New York University Library is more generous. Most students can check out up to 200 books. However, the non-degree students can only take up to 25 books.
- Harvard Library is a heaven compared to other institutions. Students can take limitless books on their cards. But hey! You will be heavily fined if you miss the deadlines.
4. Home Libraries
Tell me one thing. How many books can you loan to your friends or neighbors?
See, I am just building my library, and there are some 600 – 700 books. People are always asking for books, and I can’t say NO. So, I might come up with a rule similar to the libraries’.
I am thinking about loaning four books a month. Doesn’t it sound right? Considering they are getting free books, I believe it is more generous.
If you have a home library, you should also apply some ground rules. Otherwise, your collection will turn into a ruin.
So, This Is The Right Way To Check Out Books
As I said, you can’t just walk out of the library with a book. You have to go through a procedure and issue the book in your name. Let me give you a brief on the entire process.
- Go to the nearest library and walk to their information desk. Ask the officer about their policies (whether you need a card, what the subscription fee is, amenities available, etc.).
- Fill out the library form with all your personal details and pay the subscription fee if necessary.
- Within a day or two, the library will issue a card in your name. You can use that ID to access any materials in that library.
- Next, choose your books or materials and carry them over the counter.
- The librarian will help you check out and also inform you of the deadline and other formalities.
- Now take the books home and read! And do not forget to return the items on time.
Well, the procedure has changed now. You can self-checkout or return the books at the library counter (Thanks to automation).
Nowadays, the libraries request that members open an online account. There, the readers can check the availability of an item and hold it if required.
Most importantly, you get a due date reminder on these apps or websites. So, say goodbye to your anxiety. You will not miss the deadline this time. Now, just sit back and enjoy the book.
My Final Thoughts
Hey! Don’t whine! Rules are rules. I have already explained why there is a check out limit. Honestly, it is not a big deal.
Instead of complaining, thank the libraries. We can at least access books at a bare minimum price. If you had to buy every book, you would have understood the real hassle.
Anyway, if you are having trouble borrowing physical books, switch to the digital library. Borrowing and returning e-books are easier and more convenient.
And in case you are looking for book suggestions, do not forget to visit our page. You will get juicy reviews and summaries of all genres in just one click.