COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will there be seating areas?
There will be limited seating, spaced accordingly to meet social distancing requirements.
Are study rooms available?
Yes, in branches that have study rooms, they are available and can be reserved in the usual way.
Are public computers available?
Computers are available and can be reserved in the usual way. They have been placed farther apart now to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
Is there a change in how I check-out materials?
To limit contact, self-check-out machines are to be used to check out materials. Staff will be available for assistance.
Will curbside pick-up still be an option?
Except for Zephyrhills, curbside service will be offered. However, during voting, it will be suspended at some branches.
What are the branches’ hours?
Branches are operating under normal business hours. See location hours for current open days and times.
What safeguards are being taken to ensure patron safety?
Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us. We are continuing to disinfect high-touch surfaces throughout the day, plexiglass barriers have been installed, markings on the floor indicate social distancing, and we have hand sanitizer dispensers in each branch.
Automatic Renewals
What is Automatic Renewal?
- Most items checked out from Pasco County Library Cooperative will automatically renew with no action required by the patron.
Which items automatically renew?
- Most items eligible for checkout may be renewed if they have no outstanding holds by other patrons.
Which items do not automatically renew?
- The following items are not eligible for auto-renewal:
- Museum Passes
- Items with a reservation (hold) by another patron
- Items that have reached the maximum number of (5) renewals
- Items on a patron account with $5.00 or more in past fines
- Items loaned to our patrons from another library in Florida, a/k/a InterLibrary Loans (ILLs)
Does an Automatic Renewal give me less time to borrow an item?
- Loan periods are one day shorter than the actual loan period, because items renew one day prior to their due date.
How am I notified when an item Auto-Renews?
- Auto-Renewal notices are sent via email on the day that the item is renewed. It will include the new due date and may indicate if an outstanding hold exists.
- Patrons are always encouraged to visit their account online to check the status of all their material, including due dates, holds, etc. Patrons are always welcome to call/visit any branch too; staff are happy to help over the phone and in person.
Curbside Hold Pickup
What is Curbside Hold Pick-Up?
Curbside Hold Pick-Up is a no-contact safer way for you to receive your library holds, directly to your vehicle. Simply start by placing an item on hold through our website. Once the item is available you’ll receive a notification that it is ready for pick-up. Drive to your local branch and park in the designated area. Follow the prompts on the sign to call us with your library card number. We will check them out to your account and deliver them to your car, placing them in your trunk.
How do I place a hold?
Holds can be placed online through our website: pascolibraries.org. Sign into your account using your library card number and your password. If you encounter issues signing in, contact your branch library for assistance or through our online chat, Ask a Librarian. Staff can also place a hold for you via phone during business hours with your library card number.
Can I only pick up books?
You can pick up books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, Launchpads, Seeds, and more!
How do I know when my items are ready for pick up?
You will receive an automated email, phone call, or text message (if you registered for SMS notifications) informing you that your items are ready to be picked up.
How do I request for Seeds?
Please follow the instructions in order to request seeds.
When will my item be ready for pick-up?
Due to a high volume of holds placed during closures and limited staffing at the branches, items will take longer than usual to process. You will receive a notice as soon as they are available for pick-up. To check the status of your items you can log in to your account on our website.
What do I need to pick-up my items?
Please bring your phone to call us once you’ve arrived and have your library card with you.
What are the hours and phone number of Curbside Hold Pick-Up?
Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Branch Phone Number:
Centennial Park Branch Library: (727) 834-3204
Hudson Regional: (727) 861-3040
New River Branch Library: (813) 788-6375
Regency Park: (727) 861-3049
Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center: (727) 815-7126
Zephyrhills: does not offer curbside service at this time
For more update please visit Location and hours.
Can I return items at Curbside Hold Pick-Up?
For the safety and health of our staff, we ask for you to please return library items to any of our outside book drops. For specific questions on where book drops are located, please contact your local branch directly.
How long will you be offering Curbside Hold Pick-Up?
We plan to incorporate this service long term for the ease and convenience it provides our patrons.
Fine-Free Policy
Why is Pasco County eliminating fines for overdue materials?
Pasco County Libraries is committed to being a valuable resource for all members of the community, providing equal access to information and fostering lifelong learning. Library experts have found that charging overdue fines restricts access to library materials and services. Studies indicate that even modest penalties deter people from registering for a library card or using the library because of the risk of incurring fines. Rather than motivating cardholders to return items on time, fines act as an inequitable barrier to service, disproportionately affecting minors, students, and community members with limited financial resources. In Pasco County, there was a sizeable number of cardholders who were unable to borrow materials from the Library. They will now be able to return and use all the Library resources.
| Out of almost 250,000 Pasco County Library cardholders: | |
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Have other library systems eliminated late fines?
In the U.S., almost 400 libraries have adopted fine-free policies, and the number is growing. In Florida, the Alachua County, Tampa-Hillsborough, Sarasota County, and Miami Dade library systems have adopted fine-free policies. To learn more about this growing trend, visit:
- Urban Libraries Council – urbanlibraries.org/member-resources/fine-free-map
- End Library Fines – endlibraryfines.info/fine-free-library-map
What are the advantages of a fine-free policy?
Libraries that have adopted fine-free policies found that:
- Library card registrations increased
- Borrowing of materials increased
- More library items were returned
- Students returned to the library to use homework resources
- Staff time was redirected from fines-handling to customer-focused services
How will eliminating fines enhance library service?
Library employees who previously spent between 10-20% of their time managing the collection of fines will be able to devote more time to serve library users by:
- Assisting at service desks and with the use of technology
- Assisting with the completion of online applications for jobs and government services
- Conducting instructional sessions and presenting enrichment programs
- Delivering outreach activities in the community
- Developing and maintaining the library collection
Won’t eliminating fines reduce library revenue?
Although revenue will no longer be received from payment of overdue fines, it is far more valuable to the community to increase access to library collections. Revenue from fines have decreased consistently over recent years due to the growing demand for digital resources, which do not incur fines.
Will people return items if there are no fines?
The public library model is based upon a trusting relationship between borrowers and a valued community resource. Library staff trusts that cardholders will return items on time, so others may use them. Other libraries have experienced an increase in return rates after the adoption of fine-free policies. To encourage on-time returns, the number and frequency of reminder notices have increased. If library materials are not returned, the cardholder account will be blocked until items are returned or the replacement cost of the item is received.
Are the due dates for library materials the same?
Yes. The loan periods for items remain the same:
| 1 WEEK: | DVD's Blue-rays, games, Launchpads |
| 2 WEEKS: | New books, magazines |
| 3 WEEKS: | Books, audiobooks, Playaways |
For how long will items be renewed?
Items will be auto-renewed up to five times as long as there are no requests (holds) for the item.
What happens if an item is not returned?
The cardholder’s account will be blocked from checking out additional items, requesting reserved items, and accessing many digital resources. Replacement charges and the block on the account will be removed when the undamaged item is returned or the replacement cost has been paid.
What services can be accessed with a blocked card?
Patrons whose cardholder account is blocked may still access library computers and some digital resources and may participate in programs and events.
What happens to old overdue fines on cardholder accounts?
Past overdue fines will remain on cardholder accounts. Charges for unreturned, incomplete or damaged items remain on the cardholder account.
Can patrons receive refunds for past fines payments?
No. Overdue fines paid before this policy was enacted are not eligible for refunds. The refund policy regarding “lost” items that are subsequently found and returned remains the same.
Where can I learn more?
Visit any Pasco County Library or call the main office at 727-861-3020.