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Answered By: Khalil El-Bathy
Last Updated: Oct 10, 2022     Views: 1185

The limit on checked out items is different depending on which county library system you are using.  In Kent and Sussex counties, the limit on the number of items a patron can check out is 50. 

In New Castle county, new patrons are limited to checking out 12 items.  After their first 6 months, this limit will be increased to 99 items.  For audiovisual materials (DVDs, CDs), if you've had your library card for less than 6 months, you may check out 3 items; after 6 months, you are allowed up to 10 audiovisual items.

There is also a checkout limit of 7 electronic items (eBooks, eAudiobooks) and 10 holds allowed on eMedia at any given time.

Please contact your preferred library directly for their specific checkout limits policy.

Comments (6)

  1. I suggest a higher limit on electronic holds, maybe 20 at least. Some holds are very long and it can be difficult to keep a steady stream of reading material with only 10 holds.
    by Rick on Aug 20, 2019
  2. Hello Rick,
    Thank you for your suggestion. We are always looking to improve our customer service and appreciate any feedback. I will forward your suggestion on to the appropriate department for consideration. In the meantime, thank you for understanding that because of budget constraints and licensing restrictions for electronic materials, the holds limits that are in place serve to accommodate the demand in the most efficient way possible at this time.
    Again, we appreciate your suggestion and thank you for your support of Delaware Libraries and resources! Feel free to reach out anytime! http://answers.delawarelibraries.org/
    by Missy Williams on Aug 23, 2019
  3. For how long are digital books on loan? For how long are physical books on loan?
    by Michele on Mar 10, 2021
  4. Hi Michele-thank you for your question. The loan lending periods depend on the library location and for digital materials depend on the content and the platform. For OverDrive: eBooks checkout for 7 or 14 days; eAudiobooks checkout for 7-12 days; Videos checkout for 3-7 days; eMagazines - 7-14 days. You can change the settings yourself once you are logged into your OverDrive account.For hoopla eMedia content: eBooks, comics, and eAudiobooks are borrowed for 21 days; video content-7 days; and music - 3 days.Generally, for physical materials: Books, audiobooks, music CDs, magazines: 3 weeks, renew up to 3 times; DVDs: 1 week, renew up to 3 times; Video games, EduKits, Launchpads: 1 week, cannot be renewed.
    by Missy Williams on Mar 12, 2021
  5. How many library holds can we have at a time? Is it only 5?
    by Crystal on Apr 14, 2021
  6. HI Crystal-thank you for your question. The number of holds allowed depends on the type of library card you have. For most library card accounts the limit is 99 holds. However, for new library card and online library card accounts, the limit is 5 holds. For children's cards, the limit is 12 holds.
    by Missy Williams on Apr 14, 2021