Services
- Your Library, Reimagined
- Ask Us
- Interlibrary Loan
- Language Communities
- Law Library
- Library Card
- Mobile App
- Meeting Rooms, Conference Rooms, and Study Rooms
- Online Services
- Outreach
- Printing at the Library
- Purchase Request/Interlibrary Loan
- Computer Use
- Test Proctoring
- Wireless Access
Frequently Asked Questions
More Services Available
In-building services are now available at 18 Pierce County Libraries! Learn more.
What is Library Curbside?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our doors had to temporarily close, however, Pierce County Library System designed Library Curbside services as a way to safely connect our customers to the library. Through curbside services you can now:
- Pick up a variety of materials (books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, etc.).
- Print from home at your local library.
- Be surprised by staff-selected items in a grab bag chosen just for you.
In addition to curbside services, we are offering virtual events for all ages. See our event calendar for more details. We also encourage you to email us at webref@piercecountylibrary.org for assistance.
How do I get my items?
The day of your scheduled pick-up, go to the designated pick-up area. All items will be bagged, checked out and ready for you to take. A bag with your items will be labeled with the first five letters of your last name and the last five numbers of your library card.Do I have to schedule a pickup?
We recommend that you schedule your pickup to ensure everything is ready to go for you when you arrive. Feel free to see us anytime during business hours for service, but there may be a little wait.
Can I pick up someone else’s holds?
We hope you make the most of your Library Curbside visit. Please feel free to pick up for others! You'll want to include the names and library card numbers for everyone you're picking up when scheduling your pickup.
How do I place a hold?
How will I know when my items are at the location I want to pick them up?
When an item you requested arrives at the pick-up location, you will receive notification by either email, phone or text, depending on which option you have chosen.
Another way to tell if your items are ready for you to schedule your pickup is to log in to your account on our website or the mobile app and check the status of your holds:
Another way to tell if your items are ready for you to schedule your pickup is to log in to your account on our website or the mobile app and check the status of your holds:
If the status of the hold is Held, then your item is ready for pickup at the location listed. You can schedule your pickup for this item but your other requested items may not be ready for pickup yet.
If the status is Shipped, then your item is on the way to the location listed and should arrive within a few days.
If the status is Pending, that means there is a copy available at one of our locations, but not necessarily the pickup location. The item is in the process of being located on the shelves in order to be sent to fulfill your hold.
If the status is Active, that means there is not currently a copy available to fulfill your hold.
Printing
For full details and instructions, check out our Printing at the Library page.
Is printing free?
Yes, customers will receive $5 in free prints per week. We are currently not accepting any form of payment for printing so please do not print more than the free amount allowed.
How many pages can I print?
Prints are limited to 8.5 x 11” paper, and customers will receive $5.00 in free prints per week (50 black and white; 10 color). The cost per printed page is 10 cents per black and white page and 50 cents per color page. We are currently not accepting any form of payment for printing so please do not print more than the free amount allowed.
Are there sizing limits I should be aware of?
Prints are limited to 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
How do I get my prints?
After you send us your prints, schedule a print pick-up. After completing these steps, your prints will be available for pickup at the library of your choice. Please note: If you are picking up a print job, you will have to call library staff to receive your prints to ensure customer confidentiality. Please follow the instructions placed on the library curbside tables outside of each library building.
Can I fax, scan or photocopy?
Faxing, scanning and photocopying services are unavailable at this time.
Grab Bags
What kinds of materials can be in a Grab Bag?
Let us shop the shelves for you! Grab Bags can include books, movies, audiobooks, music and more selected just for you. You can even get any combination of those items. Do you want two books and a movie? Just ask!
How can I get items in my Grab Bag I'm sure to enjoy?
Answer a few questions to help Library staff select books, movies and more, based on your interests. Be as specific as possible about the types of items you would like and the formats you would like to get (books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, etc.) For more personalized recommendations, please complete a My Next Read form.
Returns, Fines and Damages
How long can I borrow materials?
Click here to view more details about checking out materials.
How do I return materials?
All library items can be returned at our libraries during business hours or using the book drop. These are located on the side of the building.
Will I be charged late fines?
The Library System is not currently assessing fines for overdue books and materials given the ongoing economic burden brought on by the pandemic as well as the overall disruption to library service.
You will be charged to replace non-returned, lost or destroyed library items, or to repair damaged library items. Pierce County Library does not accept in-kind replacements for lost or damaged items.
The library is not responsible for repair of equipment used to play library materials.
What should I do with a damaged item?
Please return the item to the library and staff will be in touch shortly after if fees need to be assessed.
