Media Contacts:
Katie Woods, Communications Manager
San Mateo County Libraries
(650) 556-5209
The Peninsula Library System, opens a new window unveiled a new feature that makes manually renewing your favorite library items a thing of the past. Library users can now enjoy books, DVDs and many other library materials a little longer with the launch of our new automatic renewals program.
All library patrons can expect non-digital items belonging to a library within the Peninsula Library System to be renewed automatically one day before it is due. Patrons will then receive an email letting them know that their item’s lending period has been extended.
Following a successful automatic renewals pilot program earlier this year, the Peninsula Library System hopes this program will not only make things more convenient for patrons but will also help them avoid the financial burden of having to deal with overdue fines.
“This is a wonderful feature. I'm a stay-at-home mom with two kids, and sometimes the busyness of life gets in the way, and we start to accumulate fees for our checked-out books. My kids are excited to go to the library and have new books to read, but the fees from forgetting to renew make it a challenge financially. Thank you for helping a mother out!” - Library Patron
How Automatic Renewals Work:
All library accounts have been activated to receive automatic renewals. If a library patron has an email address associated with their account, then they will receive a notice via email that lists which items were successfully renewed and which items were not, if applicable. This applies to all cards including children’s cards that have less than $15.00 due in fines.
What Items Are Not Eligible?
- Items that have reached their renewal limit - whether automatically by the system or manually by the patron.
- Items that are on hold for other patrons.
- Non-traditional items and devices.
- Items that have already expired will not be retroactively renewed.
About Peninsula Library System
The Peninsula Library System (PLS) is a consortium of 35 public and community college libraries, opens a new window working together to provide innovative and cost-effective service to their users. Founded in 1971, the system is a Joint Powers of Agreement and is funded primarily by member libraries: Burlingame Public Library, opens a new window, Daly City Public Library, opens a new window, Menlo Park Public Library, opens a new window, Redwood City Public Library, opens a new window, San Bruno Public Library, opens a new window, San Mateo County Libraries, San Mateo Public Library, opens a new window, South San Francisco Public Library, opens a new window, and the San Mateo County Community College District, opens a new window (including the College of San Mateo, Canada College and Skyline College). PLS also receives support from the state California Library Services Act funds, federal Library Services and Technology Act and local contracts for special services.
Thanks to PLS leadership and the cooperation of its members, residents of San Mateo County can borrow and return books at any local library. They can search a joint catalog of member library holdings and use other library services by logging on to www.plsinfo.org, opens a new window.
