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Borrowing Policies
Augusta County Library lends far more than books. Here’s everything you need to know about what you can borrow, how long you can keep it, and what happens when things are overdue.

What You Can Borrow

With your Augusta County Library card you can borrow books, audiobooks, movies, CDs, cake pans, laptops, mobile hotspots, and more. You can also borrow digitally through Libby and Hoopla — eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, and streaming video.

  • Cake pans — Available at Fishersville. Please return clean; a $2 fee applies if returned without cleaning.
  • Laptops & Chromebooks — For use in the parking lot only at Fishersville, Churchville, Craigsville, Stuarts Draft, and Weyers Cave. Two-hour limit per day; valid driver’s license required at checkout.
  • Mobile Hotspots — Free to borrow for three weeks, renewable up to three times. See full hotspot policy below.
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Loan Periods & Renewals

All items are automatically renewed up to three times — you don’t need to do anything. If an item has a hold placed on it by another patron, it cannot be renewed and must be returned by the due date.

You’ll receive automated notifications by phone, email, or text when items are due or holds are ready. Contact library staff if you’d like to change your notification method.

Mobile Hotspot Loan Period

  • Checkout period: 3 weeks
  • Renewable up to 3 times if no holds are placed
  • Holds may be placed; items must be picked up within 7 days of notification
  • Overdue hotspots will be disabled after 24 hours if not returned
  • Hotspot considered lost after 30 days overdue; replacement costs will be billed to the patron

Returning Items

You may return materials at any Augusta County Library location or book drop, as well as the book drops at Staunton Public Library and Waynesboro Public Library.
View All Locations & Book Drops

Holds

You can place a hold on any item in the Valley Libraries Connection catalog — which includes Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro — and have it delivered to the location of your choice. Courier services run between the three main libraries every business day and to branch and station locations weekly.

  • Placing a hold is free
  • Maximum of 15 holds per card at one time
  • You have 7 days to pick up a hold after notification; uncollected holds will be canceled

To place a hold:

  • Ask at the Help Desk at any location
  • Call your nearest library
  • Log in to your online catalog account 24/7 and select “Place Hold” on any item

We’re Fine-Free

Augusta County Library does not charge overdue fines. We removed them because research shows fines are not effective at encouraging returns — but they are effective at discouraging people from using the library. Every item still has a due date, and we ask that you return items on time so others can enjoy them too.

If an item is lost or significantly overdue, a processing fee may apply depending on how long it has been out. You will not be charged daily late fees.

Read the Fine-Free FAQ

Lost or Damaged Items

If an item is lost or damaged, please notify library staff. Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged materials. Items not returned or paid for may result in borrowing privileges being suspended.

Questions? Ask a librarian. Stop by any location, email ask@augustacountylibrary.org or call 540-885-3961.