Frequently Asked Questions

• What is my PIN?

  • Your PIN (sometimes called password) is a 7-digit number assigned at time of registration.  You can change your PIN online, or ask a staff member to assist you.
  • With your Library Card number and PIN you are able to renew your items, download music, movies, magazines and books, as well as search databases and online resources.  You also need these numbers to use our public computers.

• How do I access my account?

  • To renew items, pay fines, place holds, and more, access your account online or download the official JCPL mobile app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store).

• What if I lose my library card?

  • If you lose your card or think it might be stolen, please let us know as soon as possible. This is very important because you remain responsible for all card activity until you report the card lost or stolen.
  • Keep your card in a safe place and never share your PIN or let anyone else use your card.

• How do I renew my library card?

  • To renew your library card, stop by the main library, call us at (859) 885-3523 or text us at (859) 538-5885 (standard messaging rates apply).

• How many items may I check out? How long may I keep my items?

  • Material	Loan period	Item limit
    New books	21 days	No limit
    Books	21 days	No limit
    Books on CD	21 days	5
    Music CDs	21 days	10
    Comic Books	21 days	5
    Magazines	21 days	5
    Playaways	21 days	5
    Playaway Views	21 days	1
    Chromebooks	21 days	1
    Video games	21 days	2
    Fiction DVDs/Blu-Rays	3 days	3
    Non-fiction DVDs/Blu-Rays	21 days	3
    Instruments	21 days	1
    Interlibrary Loans	Set by the lending library	3

• Can I renew the items I’ve borrowed and if so, for how long?

  • As long as there are no holds on your items, we will automatically renew them for you once you reach the end of the loan period. Items will continue to auto-renew until they have met their renewal limit.
  • For questions, call us at (859) 885-3523 or text us at (859) 538-5885 (standard messaging rates apply).
  • Items renew as follows:

  • Material	Number of renewals
    New books	2
    Books	2
    Books on CD	2
    Comic Books	2
    Magazines	1
    Music CDs	2
    Playaways	2
    Playaway Views	2
    eReaders	2
    Video games	None
    DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs	2
    Instruments	1
    Interlibrary Loans	Maybe, please contact the Ask a Librarian Desk

• Will I be charged overdue fines?

  • JCPL is fine-free! We will not charge you for overdue items.
  • Read more about our decision to go fine-free.

• What if I lose an item?

  • Library materials that are not returned within 45 days of their due dates are considered lost. At that time, your account will be billed the replacement cost.
  • If you owe $50.00 or more, your account will be blocked. Each time you pay 10% of the outstanding balance, you may borrow two items* regardless of your account status.
  • *A library card in good standing is required to borrow WiFi hotspots and other take-home maker kits, such as musical instruments and sewing machines.

• I borrowed library materials a long time ago, but I still have them. What do I do?

  • If you have a book, DVD, or any other library item from years ago that just never got returned, you can rest easy and bring it back to JCPL with no worries.

• How can I place holds on items?

  • You can place a hold on items in person, by phone at (859) 885-3523 or text at (859) 538-5885 (standard messaging rates apply). You can also place a hold from the library catalog or the JCPL mobile app.
  • Holds can be placed on all items except video games, reference materials, and magazines.

• Where can I return library materials?

  • In addition to book drops at the main library and at JCPL+ Wilmore, book drops are also located at:
  • Kroger, 200 E. Brannon Road, Nicholasville KY
  • Wilmore City Hall, 210 S. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore
  • Please do not return Interlibrary Loans or Maker Kits in a book drop.