Monterey Public Library and Pacific Grove Public Library share a computer system with a combined catalog. This expands access to library materials for customers of both libraries, and makes the most efficient use of community tax dollars. The two libraries are separately funded by their respective jurisdictions and operate under separate policies and procedures.

Borrowing Materials
Loan Period
All materials are checked out for 3 weeks.

Returning Materials
Most materials borrowed from Monterey Public Library may be returned to Monterey Public Library or Pacific Grove Public Library. Ukuleles and telescopes must be return to the desk at Monterey Public Library.

Renewing Materials
Materials borrowed from Monterey Public Library and Pacific Grove Public Library may be renewed up to 3 times, except those which are on hold. Items can be renewed at the Library or online via the Library’s Catalog:

1. Go to www.montereylibrary.org.
2. Click on "Log into your account".
3. Click on the "Log in" button.
4. Your account will now appear on the screen. If you have any items checked out, they will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
5. You may renew selected items by clicking in the check box next to each title you wish to renew and then clicking on the "Renew Selected" button. You may also click on the word "Renew" by each item you wish to renew.
6. You may renew all of your items at once by simply clicking on the "Renew All" button.
7. The due date will be updated on each item renewed. Note that some items may not be renewable.

Holds
If you are searching for a particular item in the catalog, you may reserve it by placing a hold. When the item is ready to be picked up, you will be notified by postal mail or via e-mail, depending on which you have set as your preference. There is no fee to hold an item.
Placing a Hold

1. Holds are placed directly from the Library Catalog.
2. With the item you are interested in displayed, click the "Place Hold" link, located on the right side of the page.
3. If you are not already signed in, enter your card number and password in the boxes provided and click on the "Log in" button.
4. Select the location where you would like to pick up the item by clicking on the drop box's black arrow and selecting the desired location.
5. If you select the Bookmobile as your pickup location, you will need to click on "Show more options" and note the name of the stop you use in the "Hold Notes" box.
6. You may optionally enter a date after which you no longer want the item.
7. Click on the "Place Hold" button.
8. The system will then confirm whether the hold has been placed.

Once you have entered your card number and password, you will be signed into your library account, eliminating the need to re-enter your information for subsequent holds during the current session.
Sign into your library account now

Items That are Not Checked Out
If you place a hold on an item that is not checked out, please be aware that there may be a delay in it becoming available to you ranging from a few hours to a few days, depending on where the item is located. If the item is checked out by another customer before it can be pulled for you from the shelf, you will be notified when it is available for you to pick up.

Fines for Overdue Materials
Fines are based on the policy of the library which owns the overdue item. Overdue adult materials are $.50/day with a $10.00 maximum per item; overdue youth and teen/young adult materials are $.25/day, with a $5.00 maximum per item. Overdue telescopes are $5.00/day with a $50.00 maximum.

Fines may be paid at the Library Help Desk or via the  online via the Library’s Catalog.

Lost/Damaged Materials
Replacement charges for most materials are governed by library policy and for most items is the cost of the item. The replacement cost for adult magazines is $10; youth & teen magazines are $5. The replacement cost of adult paperbacks is $10; youth & teen paperbacks are $6.

Contactless Library Loans and Renewals.


Library Cards

• How to get a library card
• How to renew your library card
• How to replace your library card
• Sign in to your library card account
• By signing into your library account you can:
  • See what items you have checked out.
  • Renew items you have checked out.
  • See what items you have on hold and whether any are waiting for pickup.
  • View and pay any outstanding charges on your account.
  • Verify your current contact information (mailing address, email, and phone number).
  • Search the catalog and place materials on hold.

Access to Library Materials
The Library provides equal access to materials and resources, including the Internet, to people of all ages. As a parent, it is your responsibility to monitor your child's selection and use of library materials and resources.

Confidentiality of Library Records
California law (Section 6267 of the Government Code) gives all library customers the right to keep their library borrowing records private. The Library will not release information on what is checked out on your library card to anyone but you, even if you are a minor.