Borrowing FAQs

  • General Questions

    You can find and borrow digital content directly from the catalog. Use the catalog search in the top-right of the page. eBooks and eAudiobooks will appear in your search results. You may choose to use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow your search to see only digital content. Check out the video below to see this process in action.

    You can also visit our Overdrive collection site to browse and borrow downloadable ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. 

    On a mobile device download the Libby app to browse the library's catalog and borrow digital items. 

    Still need an item? Renew online or in the mobile app, call our automated phone system, or visit your local library. Other than Lucky Day items or those with a wait list, most items allow two renewals. All items renew from the date the item is due. If an item has renewals remaining and there are no users waiting it will be automatically renewed before the due date.

    Use the Library Catalog from home or in the library
    •  
    Call i-tiva at 360-586-1599 (in the Olympia calling area) or 1-800-582-9703.  
    • Select option 2 to hear your account options
    • Enter your library card number (without the D) and last four digits of your phone number or PIN
    • Follow the menu options to renew items that you have checked out.
    • An item will be renewed if no one else has a hold on it and if you have not already renewed it twice.
    Contact Ask A Librarian, opens a new window, call your local library or ask a staff member in the library for help.

    In the top right, click Log In/My Account. Enter your card number or username and you four-digit PIN. Follow the log-in prompts.

    Once you log in, you’ll see your dashboard. This is a summary of your account. Checked Out and On Hold items are visible in the top left under My Borrowing. Click each box to view more, renew items and manage borrowing.

    Looking for something Timberland does not have in our collection? Use our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service to request up to 5 items at a time from libraries all over the US and Canada.

    If the item has been published in the last two years, you can also suggest up to 10 titles per month through Suggest a Title. 

    For downloadable ebook and audiobook suggestions, use the Suggest a Purchase form or the Notify Me, opens a new window feature in the Libby app to be alerted when the library adds new titles you are interested in. 

    As a convenience, most checked out items can be returned to any TRL Location. A few specifically marked items need to be returned to the location on the item. 

    Additional return bins are available at the following locations:

    Fire District 3, Station 35
    3701 Willamette Drive
    Lacey, WA 98516
    Get Directions

    Haggen's NW Fresh
    1313 Cooper Point Road SW
    Olympia, WA 98502
    Get Directions

    Rainier City Hall
    102 Rochester Street West
    Rainier, WA, 98576
    Get Directions

    Timberland sends notifications to library users when items on hold are available for pickup, when due dates are approaching, when items are overdue and when a long-overdue item has been charged to the users account. There are three options for receiving notifications: 

    • Email - An email notice will be sent to you if you have provided your email address to TRL. Login to your account to enter or update your email address.
      • Click on the Log In/My Account link.
      • Select "My Settings" once logged in to add or update your email address.
      • Or, contact Ask A Librarian, call your local library or ask a staff member on your next visit to help you update your account.
    • Text Message - A text message can be sent if you have provided your cell phone number to TRL. Standard text messaging rates apply. 
    • Telephone - i-tiva, TRL's automated telephone notification system will call you.

    Request an item that is not in our catalog through Suggest a Title. Due to the large volume of suggestions received, we are unable to purchase all requested materials.

    If purchased, a hold for physical materials will be placed for the requester. We are unable to place holds on eBooks and eAudiobooks, so please check Overdrive for your suggested title. Digital material is ordered on or after the publication date.

    Patrons are limited to 5 purchase suggestions per month.

    Items that we will consider for purchase: Books, Music CDs, Audiobooks, DVDs/Blu-Rays, eBooks, eAudiobooks.

    • Items available for purchase now (we do not take pre-publication/release requests).
    • Items with broad interest for library users across the TRL district.
    • Items published/distributed within the last two years (unless they are a part of a series TRL has already started purchasing). Please use the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, opens a new window for older material.

    i-tiva is an telephone renewal and Notification system that is connected to the TRL catalog.

    You can call i-tiva by telephone 24 hours a day about:

    • Renewals - Renew items you have checked out
    • Holds - Hear a list of your holds and find out if holds are waiting for you to pick them up 
    • Hold Cancellations - Cancel holds that you no longer need - either filled or unfilled holds
    • Due Dates - Hear a list of items you have checked out and their due dates, including overdues

     i-tiva calls you by telephone to notify you about:

    • Items that are being held for you and are ready to pick up
    • Items that are overdue.

    How can I call i-tiva?

    • In the Olympia local calling area: 360.586.1599
    • Outside the Olympia local calling area: 1.800.582.9703

    How does i-tiva work?

    When you call i-tiva, it answers and asks you for your library card number. Enter the library card number on your telephone's keypad. Do not enter the "D". i-tiva then asks for your PIN. Enter your PIN on your phone's keypad.

    i-tiva tells you how many items you have checked out, how many overdues and amount of fines you owe. 

    Then, you will hear a menu. Select the option you want:

    • For account options, press 2
      • For renewals, press 1
      • For holds, press 2
      • For account status, press 3
      • To hear a list of holds and loan items, press 4
      • To customize your recorded name, press 6
    • For renewals, press 5
    • For holds, press 6

    At any time, you can return to the previous menu by pressing *.

    i-tiva May Be Calling You

    You can receive either telephone (i-tiva) or email notification about items on hold for you and overdue items.  The default notification method is i-tiva. 

    Holds

    • When an item you have placed a hold on is ready for you to pick up, i-tiva will call to tell you the item is waiting and where to pick it up.
    • If you no longer need an item that is waiting for you to pick up, you can call i-tiva or your local library to cancel the hold.

    Overdues

    • When you have an overdue item, i-tiva will call to remind you.
    • If you need to keep the overdue item longer, you can call i-tiva or your local library to renew the item.

    What does i-tiva say?

    i-tiva will tell the person who answers (or voicemail) the name of the person with holds waiting or with overdue material. It will not give titles for either overdue material or holds waiting for pick up.

    Yes! We offer a wide variety of book club kits that can be reserved for your discussion group. Browse our kits, place a hold or check out upcoming book discussions around the library on our Book Clubs page. 

    Yes! Library staff are happy to help you find your next read/watch/listen. 

    Fill out our Personalized Picks form to get a list of suggestions based on your preferences. 

    Users who want a quick grab bag assembled from items checked-in at their local branch should use the Grab & Go form.

    First, you’ll need to enable borrowing history if you want to keep a record of your checkouts. For privacy reasons, your checkout history is not recorded by default.

    Log into you account and under the account menu, click “Settings”, and then Borrowing History to enable your borrowing history. Items you checkout will be recorded going forward. 

     

    You can borrow assistive devices through your local Timberland library. The purpose of this small collection is to provide you the opportunity to try out a device you may be considering for yourself or another and to encourage thinking about how assistive devices may promote greater independence.

    Assistive Technology includes any device that is used to maintain or improve functional abilities of an individual with a disability.  A device can be high or low tech, off the shelf or specially designed.

    • Search the TRL Library Catalog under WATAP, opens a new window to see the assistive tools available for checkout.  You may place a hold on an item that interests you and it will be available at the library of your choice within a few days (unless it’s already checked out to someone else!) 
    • View a description and photo, opens a new window of each item. 
    • Ask staff at your local library to see a printed catalog of available items.

    Please note:

    • You need your library card to place a hold in the TRL Library Catalog to reserve the assistive device.
    • The device must be picked up in the library of your choice – no mail outs.
    • Please fill out the feedback card included with checkout – postage paid.
    • Checkout is for three weeks only – no renewals.
    • Items must be returned inside any TRL library - do not return in book drop.

    After you’ve tried it out:

    WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services.
    WATAP is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies

  • Lucky Day Collection

    Lucky Day items are extra copies of popular materials that typically have a long wait list. Lucky Day copies cannot be placed on hold. So you may be in line for a popular book and find it on the Lucky Day shelf on your next library visit. If so, it's your lucky day! 

    Lucky Day books check out for 3 weeks. Films check out for 1 week. Limit 2 Lucky Day books and 2 Lucky Day films per card.

    Most TRL items check out for 3 weeks. Exceptions include:

    • Lucky Day DVDs - 7 Days
    • Interlibrary loans (ILLs) – Loan period depends on the loaning library. Typically 3 weeks.
    • Chromebooks, iPads and items from the Library of Things have different loan periods. Please check with staff to confirm checkout details. 

    Renewals are not allowed on Lucky Day books. We want as many readers as possible to enjoy the collection. 

  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

    If Timberland Regional Library doesn’t own an item you are looking for we may be able to borrow it for you from another library. Timberland borrows items for patrons every day from resource sharing partner libraries all over the U.S.

    Begin by logging in our ILL Portal with your Library Card and Pin number.  Open ILL portal, opens a new window:

    Once logged in, select "Create Request" to enter details about the item you are requesting. 

    Please note that the request form defaults to "Copies, Articles & Scans". If you are requesting a book, CD or DVD be sure to select the appropriate format menu.

    The lending library will charge a replacement fee for the item, which will be your responsibility to pay. 

    No. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) check out for three (3) weeks and may not be renewed. 

    Yes, all devices have different format sizing. In some cases, when creating a new ILL request  the form options may not display correctly. If this happens, either switch your device to view landscape (device is held sideways) or click on the link below for the format you are requesting:

    We process our patrons’ ILL requests as quickly as possible, and in the order they were received. However, sometimes people may need material for a project which has a deadline, after which date they no longer need the material.

    In this case, the Needed Before date is the date after which the material is no longer needed. We will do our best to obtain the requested item before that date, but if the request has not been filled by that date it will automatically be cancelled.

    TRL does not charge for ILL service, but some other libraries do charge fees for lending materials or providing photocopies through ILL.

    We always try to fill your requests for free, but some items are only available from locations that charge fees. You will never be charged more than you have agreed to pay.

    Letting us know in advance how much you are willing to pay will help us obtain your requested item more quickly if payment is necessary.

    If you don't wish to pay any fees, that is okay. Just enter 0 in the payment field. We will restrict our borrowing attempts to free lending locations.

    Please contact your local TRL branch directly.

    Simply cancelling your hold on your TRL account does not stop the item you requested from being sent from another library.

    Please contact library staff as soon as possible if you need to cancel your ILL request.

    Please note that ILL requests cannot be suspended. Suspending your hold will not stop your request from being sent from another library.

     

    Usually, it takes 1-2 days for requests to be processed and for us to locate potential lenders for the requested item, depending on how many requests there are on any given day.

    Your request will be manually created and placed on your account by the ILL staff as soon as we have submitted your request to the potential lending libraries.

    Most ILL items will come within 2 weeks. However, harder-to-find items occasionally take up to 6 weeks to locate a library who owns the item and is willing to lend it, and for them to ship the item to TRL.

    You will be notified when your ILL request is available in the same way you are notified when your TRL holds are available for pickup.

    TRL patrons can request and checkout up to 5 ILL items:

    • Books
    • Books in large print
    • Foreign language books
    • Books on CD
    • DVDs
    • Music CDs
    • Photocopied journal articles
    • Microfilm

    Unfortunately, e-format materials are not available through interlibrary loan.

    Please note that items published within the past year cannot be borrowed through ILL, but you may request that Timberland consider purchasing your request by using the Suggest a Title for Purchase., opens a new window

    Patrons with a Basic, Regular, Mail, Homeschool, Staff, or paid Non-resident card, who do not have overdue ILL materials, lost or damaged materials, or fines of $15.00 or more on their account may request ILL items.

    TRL patrons may have a maximum of 5 active ILL requests in progress at one time. ILLs count toward your total maximum holds.

  • Books by Mail

    TRL Patrons with a mailing address within the five-country district who:

    • Have no means of receiving books except by mail.
    • Who qualify to receive library materials under the USPS Free Matter for the Blind service. 

    1. Complete the Books by Mail application:
    2. If you are not applying online, return your application to
      • Your local library including Anywhere Library or
      • By email asklib@trl.org, or
      • Mail to:
        Timberland Regional Library
        Attn: Books by Mail
        415 Tumwater Blvd SW
        Tumwater, WA 9850

    The print application may be waived, if the applying patron speaks directly with a staff member in person or via our online chat during the setup process. Available at all locations and Anywhere Library.

  • Holds

    Once an item on hold becomes available you have 7 days to pick up the item from the library and check it out. The 7 days only count the days your pickup location is open so the actual number of calendar days may vary from branch to branch. 

    For regular cards:

    • 50 checkouts
    • 50 holds
    • Digital Downloads (Overdrive): 12 checkouts / 12 holds
    • Streaming Movies (Kanopy): 16 tickets per month

    For basic cards:

    • 10 checkouts
    • 10 holds
    • Digital Downloads (Overdrive): 12 checkouts / 12 holds
    • Streaming Movies (Kanopy): 16 tickets per month

    Basic cards may be upgraded to regular card with verification of physical address.

  • Fines & Fees

    If you need to pay for lost or damaged materials you may do so online via the library catalog, by mailing payments to the address below or in-person at your local library (cash, checks, cards accepted)

    If mailing payment, send a check and include the library card number of the account to be credited, to:

    Administrative Service Center - Finance Department
    Timberland Regional Library
    415 TUMWATER BLVD SW
    TUMWATER WA 98501

    Timberland Regional Library prioritizes connecting to our communities and ensuring that we’re providing equal access for all. Research has shown that overdue fines act as a financial barrier for many people and disproportionally impact low-income and minority communities.

    Additionally, library fines represented a small percentage of TRL’s overall revenue, and this percentage had declined over time. With the increased popularity of our digital collection (which has always been fines-free), this decline in fines revenue was expected to continue. In 2017 library fines constituted 1.3% of revenue. That number dropped to 1.1% in 2018, and fines revenue was projected to drop below 1% for 2019. Data collected within our system indicated that it was costing more in staff time to collect overdue fines than TRL receives in fines revenue. Beginning January 1, 2020 TRL eliminated the collection of daily overdue fines after the approval of the Library Board. 

    Library users are still responsible for ensuring that items are returned by the due date. An item that remains overdue for longer than 28 days will be considered lost, and you will be responsible for either returning the item or paying a replacement fee for the item. Accounts with more than $14.99 in fees will have borrowing privileges suspended. Users will need to pay down their fees or return items to have their borrowing privileges reinstated.

    TRL does not charge daily overdue fines on our collection materials. This policy does not impact fees for lost or damaged items.

    It's still good library etiquette to return items by the due date so everyone has a chance to enjoy items.

    Other Fines and Fees

    • Replacement costs are charged for items that are 28 days overdue. These are referred to as "lost" items. You may know where they are, but they are "lost" to TRL. The replacement cost is waived when the item is returned in good condition.
    • Damage fees are charged if an item is damaged while you have it checked out. Staff inspect items for damage when they are returned so you will not be charged for damage that occurred before you checked an item out.
    • Interlibrary loan fees are charged if the library we are borrowing from on your behalf charges a fee. You determine the maximum amount you are willing to pay before we request the item. TRL always searches for free services first.
    • Printing in excess of the monthly free printing credit. Library accounts are granted a free-printing credit of $44.00 each month. Additional printing can be paid for at the normal rate of $0.10 per B&W page and $0.50 per color page.

  • Assistive Devices

    The purpose of this small collection of assistive devices is to provide you the opportunity to try out a device you may be considering for yourself or another and to encourage thinking about how assistive devices may promote greater independence.

    Assistive Technology includes any device that is used to maintain or improve functional abilities of an individual with a disability.  A device can be high or low tech, off the shelf or specially designed.

    Try these products at your home, school or work for up to three weeks. They may not be renewed, since the purpose of the service is to let you try them out to see if the device suits your needs.

    WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services and is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies

    The device must be picked up in the library of your choice. We are unable to deliver devices via mail out service at this time.

    Items must be returned inside any TRL library - do not return in bookdrop.

    WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services and is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies

    Checkout is for three weeks only – no renewals.

    The purpose of the service is to let you try them out to see if the device suits your needs.

    WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services and is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies

  • Zines

    Zines (pronounced "zeen," like "bean") are self-published - often via photocopier - magazines with limited print runs. They typically provide an individualistic or alternative point of view. The zine collection currently lives at the Olympia and Lacey Timberland Libraries. You can also search for zines in the catalog and request them to be sent to the Timberland library of your choice.

    We purchase zines that we have found to be of general interest to the readers in our communities with an emphasis on local and Northwest zines. We collect zines in over 40 subject areas, including: Activism, Body Image, Comics, Disabilities, DIY & How-to, Elderly, Feminist, Food, Homelessness, Humor, LGBTQ, Literature & Poetry, Music, Parenting, Punk, & Teen zines.

    Timberland also accepts zine donations that fit our collection guidelines, and we place an emphasis on zines that were created locally. If we decide that a zine isn’t right for our collection, we give the zines back or donate them elsewhere, based on your preference.

    For questions about the zine collection contact zines@trl.org.

    You can search the catalog by author (ex: Wrekk, Alex), by title (ex: Funwater Awesome), or by subject (ex: feminist zines).

    To see a list of all zine subjects including books about zines, go to advance search, select "Zine Collection" under the Collections.

    We appreciate donations, especially zines written by our library users! Zines added to the collection need to be in good condition and fit within Timberland’s broader Collection Guidelines. We also have a zine swap box at the Olympia Timberland Library where anyone can take a zine or leave a zine.