Borrowing Policies

Your Chester County Library System (CCLS) card may be used to check out materials at Phoenixville Public Library and at any other System Library, as well as to use our public computers and access electronic resources and databases through the CCLS website.

You are eligible for a free Chester County Library System card if you live in Chester County or are able to present a card from your home library displaying an “Access PA” sticker.  To apply for a library card, you may fill out an application online or at the Circulation Desk, and present a valid photo ID verifying your current address.

Material Timeframe
Public laptops (in-Library use only — photo ID required) 1 hour
DVDs/software/videogames/Launchpads/Tablets/Reference books/7-day books 1 week
eBooks, eAudiobooks, hotspots 1 or 2 weeks
Museum passes 3 days
All other items 3 weeks
  • Your total checkouts may not exceed 100 items at any one time.
  • Children’s Holiday books are limited to three (3) books per subject.
  • Children’s books are limited to three (3) books per subject when there are known school projects.
  • Total fines exceeding $9.99 must be paid in full in order to check out additional materials.

To borrow mobile hotspots, museum passes, and Launchpads/tablets: you must be 18 or older, have an up-to-date library card and registration form, and have an account in good standing (i.e., cannot owe more than $9.99 in fines or fees or have any other restrictions).  Only one Launchpad/tablet per household  may be checked out at any one time.  Hotspots and Launchpads/tablets must be returned in good working condition with all accessories present (incl. case, charger, and cable).  The Library is not responsible for personal information left on a device.

Material Fine
Adult books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, software, videogames 25¢/day ($10.00 max)
Magazines 25¢/day ($3.00 max)
Children’s books & audiobooks 15¢/day ($10.00 max)
Launchpads/Tablets $5.00/day ($100.00 max)
Hotspots/Museum passes $20.00/day ($100.00 max)
Returning museum passes, Rokus or hotspots to bookdrop $5.00/item

Material Fee
Videogames/software $2.00/item
Hotspots $14.00/week
Lost/damaged collection items Replacement cost
($70.00 plus $25.00 processing fee for hotspots)
Lost Launchpad/tablet containers $13.00/container
Other lost item containers (bags, boxes, etc.) $3.00/container
Lost USB cables $7.00/cable
Lost device chargers $10.00/charger
Replacement library cards $1.00
CD-RW’s 50¢/disk
Flash drives $8.00/drive
Computer printouts 15¢/page B&W or 35¢/page color

Library materials may be renewed in person, online, or by calling 610-933-3013, ext. 121.  Rental charges are assessed where appropriate.  Museum passes, Launchpads/tablets, 7-day books and items on hold are not renewable.  The renewal date is calculated based on the date the item is renewed, not on the original due date.  Hotspots may be renewed but first must be returned to the Adult Circulation Desk and the rental fee paid.  You are responsible for overdue fines and replacement costs of lost and/or damaged materials (and their containers) borrowed on your library card.  Materials may be returned to any Chester County System library.  Bookdrops are available outside the building for returning books and magazines at any time.  Hotspots, museum passes, Launchpads/tablets, software, DVDs, videogames, audiobooks and music CDs must be returned to the Circulation Desk.  See the “Help” section of OverDrive for information on renewing eBooks and eAudiobooks.

You may place a hold on most items at Phoenixville Public Library, or hold an item from any Chester County System library, by filling out a form at the Circulation Desk or by placing a hold in the online catalog.  Forms are also available online that may be used to request magazine articles or items that are not available in the Chester County Library System.  You will be notified by phone, e-mail or text when the material is available.  Note: The owning library may refuse a hold request.  Hotspots and museum passes are reservable online at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org, in person, or by phone.