FAQs
How can I find out what is checked out on my card?
To protect your privacy, we ask that you provide your library card or photo identification before we release information about what is checked out on your card. If you prefer, you may access your password-protected library record from our online catalog or the Ida – An Idaho Library app.
How do I renew materials I’ve checked out?
Boise Public Library automatically renews checked out items for you. Most items will be automatically renewed up to two times unless your item is on hold for another cardholder. You will be notified of the new, extended due date via email.
Eligible Boise Public Library materials will be automatically renewed 2 days before the due date, and you will be notified of the new, extended due date. Materials can be renewed prior to the 2-day timeframe in person, by phone, and online. Items are not eligible for renewal if there is a hold for another customer or if the item has reached maximum renewals. (Using Your Card.)
- Online: To renew your materials online, go to My Account. Log-in using your library card number and PIN (Personal Identification Number - usually the last 4 digits of your telephone number). From this screen you may renew your items.
- App: Download the Ida – An Idaho Library App to view the checkouts in your account. From your list of checkouts, you may renew eligible items.
- Telephone: Dial 208-972-8980 any time, day or night, to use the automated telephone renewal system. You must be a card holder at a LYNX! Consortium library to use this service. The system will provide you with an account summary, allow you to list titles you've borrowed, list titles ready for pick up, list titles you have requested, and renew your items. You will need your library card number and PIN, and the item barcode numbers of materials to be renewed.
- Interlibrary Loans: Interlibrary loans may be renewed if approved by the lending library. To request a renewal for these items, call 208-972-8223 or email bplill@cityofboise.org before the due date.
My account seems to be blocked. What does this mean?
Customer accounts are blocked from renewing items if:
- There are outstanding fines and fees of $10.00 or more on the account
- The library card has been reported lost, stolen or is expired
- There is information in the account that requires updating
If your account is blocked or your items are overdue, please visit or call one of our locations during regular business hours for assistance.
How do I reserve or place an item on hold?
Log into your account in the online catalog to place a hold on an item that is checked out or at another library location. Each account is allowed up to 15 regular holds, including titles waiting to be filled and those waiting for pick up. OverDrive Titles are limited to 10. You will be notified by email, phone, or text when your item is ready for pickup. To be notified by email, update your library card information with your email address under "Contact Information and Preferences" when you log in to Your Account using the online catalog.
Do I have to pick my hold up at a Boise Public Library location?
No! As a member of the LYNX! Consortium, you can pick your items up at any of the following locations. Simply select the intended pick-up location when you place your item on hold.
What if my library card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, let us know immediately. The cardholder is responsible for items checked out before the card is reported missing. Replacement fee for a lost card is $2.00.
What if materials are damaged?
If an item is damaged, bring the damaged item to the library with your library card. We will assess the damage and ask you to pay accordingly. If the damage is severe or the item is lost, you will need to pay the price of the item. Boise Public Library does not accept personally purchased replacement copies in lieu of payment of fines or fees.
How do I update my personal information?
You can update your account information in the online catalog under My Record, or work with any of our staff.
- Log into My Account
- Click on the "Contact Information and Preferences" section
- Update your email address or change your PIN (Personal Identification Number)
You must come into a library location to update your name, address or phone number. Please note:
- If you have a change in residence, you will need to show proof of your current address
- If you move outside of the city limits of Boise, you may need to change your library registration to your local library district
More Information
For more information, please see our policy manual.