Library Policies
On this page you can read our policies and details about using some of our services.
General Policies
- We expect users to respect the comfort and safety of fellow library users and library staff. If your behavior is making others unsafe or uncomfortable, we’ll ask you to stop.
- We expect users to comply with requests from library staff. If you don’t, we reserve the right to suspend privileges and/or access.
- We expect users to comply with local, state, and federal laws. If you break the law, we may prosecute.
Borrowing Materials
| Item | Check out period | Times you can renew |
| New books | 2 weeks | 3 |
| Non-Fiction videos and TV series | 3 weeks | 3 |
| Feature Films on DVD | 1 week | 3 |
| Friends' books (marked with a blue tab) | 2 weeks | 0 |
| Kids book kits | 3 weeks | 3 |
| Adult book kits | 6 weeks | 3 |
| Digital Media Lab Equipment | 3 days | 3 | Chromebooks | 2 weeks | 1 |
In addition to picking up holds at the library, users can pick up holds at University Place Lockers. The lockers are open 24/7.
- Place holds through the online catalog and select the pick up at "University Place Lockers" option.
- Wait until you receive an email that your hold is ready.
- Go to the lockers — located outside at 201 S Estes Dr, next to Alfredo's Pizza.
- Scan your library card or type in your library card number.
- Grab your materials, close the door, and enjoy!
If you don't see location options in the catalog, you may need to update your single-click hold preferences here.
Borrowers may have 50 items checked out at a time, with the following limits:
| Item | Limit |
| DVDs | 10 |
| New Books | 6 |
| Friends' Books | 2 |
| Book Kits | 2 |
| NC Digital Library items | 6 |
Borrowers may place holds on items through the catalog or by phone, with the following limits:
| Item | Limit |
| Physical items | 15 |
| NC Digital Library items | 6 |
- You will receive a bill for the replacement cost of the item and your ability to check out other materials will be suspended.
- If you return the item, your ability to borrow materials will be restored.
- If you cannot find the item, you can pay the bill and have your ability to borrow materials restored.
- We abide by state laws governing library privacy.
- We provide access to numerous online resources. When you use those resources, you are subject to their terms and privacy policies.
(1) "Library" means a library established by the State; a county, city, township, village, school district, or other local unit of government or authority or combination of local units of governments and authorities; community college or university; or any private library open to the public. (2) "Library record" means a document, record, or other method of storing information retained by a library that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific information or materials from a library. "Library record" does not include nonidentifying material that may be retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the circulation of library materials in general. (1985, c. 486, s. 2.)
§ 125-19. Confidentiality of library user records.(a) Disclosure. - A library shall not disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services, or as otherwise having used the library, except as provided for in subsection (b). (b) Exceptions. - Library records may be disclosed in the following instances:
(1) When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library; (2) Upon written consent of the user; or (3) Pursuant to subpoena, court order, or where otherwise required by law. (1985, c. 486, s. 2.)
Borrowing Materials
Most of the materials in the library can be borrowed for 3 weeks at first, and renewed three times. If an item you have borrowed can be renewed, it happens automatically. A few exceptions:
| Item | Check out period | Times you can renew |
| New books | 2 weeks | 3 |
| Non-Fiction videos and TV series | 3 weeks | 3 |
| Feature Films on DVD | 1 week | 3 |
| Lucky Day books | 2 weeks | 0 |
| Kids book kits | 3 weeks | 3 |
| Adult book kits | 6 weeks | 3 |
| Digital Media Lab Equipment | 3 days | 3 |
| Chromebooks | 2 weeks | 1 |
| Hotspots | 2 weeks | 1 |
If another user has placed a hold on an item that you have checked out, you will not be able to renew.
In addition to picking up holds at the library, users can pick up holds at University Place Lockers. The lockers are open 24/7.
- Place holds through the online catalog and select the pick up at "University Place Lockers" option.
- Wait until you receive an email that your hold is ready.
- Go to the lockers — located outside at 201 S Estes Dr, next to Alfredo's Pizza.
- Scan your library card or type in your library card number.
- Grab your materials, close the door, and enjoy!
If you don't see location options in the catalog, you may need to update your single-click hold preferences here.
Borrowers may have 50 items checked out at a time, with the following limits:
| Item | Limit |
| DVDs | 10 |
| New Books | 6 |
| Friends' Books | 2 |
| Book Kits | 2 |
| NC Digital Library items | 6 |
Borrowers may place holds on items through the catalog or by phone, with the following limits:
| Item | Limit |
| Physical items | 15 |
| NC Digital Library items | 6 |
- You will receive a bill for the replacement cost of the item and your ability to check out other materials will be suspended.
- If you return the item, your ability to borrow materials will be restored.
- If you cannot find the item, you can pay the bill and have your ability to borrow materials restored.
- We abide by state laws governing library privacy.
- We provide access to numerous online resources. When you use those resources, you are subject to their terms and privacy policies.
(1) "Library" means a library established by the State; a county, city, township, village, school district, or other local unit of government or authority or combination of local units of governments and authorities; community college or university; or any private library open to the public. (2) "Library record" means a document, record, or other method of storing information retained by a library that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific information or materials from a library. "Library record" does not include nonidentifying material that may be retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the circulation of library materials in general. (1985, c. 486, s. 2.)
§ 125-19. Confidentiality of library user records.(a) Disclosure. - A library shall not disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services, or as otherwise having used the library, except as provided for in subsection (b). (b) Exceptions. - Library records may be disclosed in the following instances:
(1) When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library; (2) Upon written consent of the user; or (3) Pursuant to subpoena, court order, or where otherwise required by law. (1985, c. 486, s. 2.)
Donations
We will not accept damaged books, textbooks, encyclopedias, old dictionaries and reference books, magazines or journals.
We also accept financial donations in any amount.
Printing and Scanning
Laser printing costs $.15 per page for black and white and $.50 for color copies.
We sure do. It's on the lower level near the computers. You can save the images to memory sticks, send them through email, or print them. It's free to use. A professional scanner is also available in our Digital Media Lab.
Collections
If you want us to consider an item that's not in our collection, please feel free to send us a suggestion.
- Popular demand
- Critical reviews from the industry and media
- Established authority of an author or their publisher
- Current or long-term significance of a work
- Accuracy and timeliness
- Authentic reflection of diverse ideas, information, stories, and experiences
- Relationship to existing collection
- Price, format, condition, and ease of use
We also accept donated materials for consideration as additions to the collection, including works by local authors. We reserve the right to use or not use any donation as we see fit. Once we accept a donation, it becomes the property of Chapel Hill Public Library. Due to the high volume of donations, we do not return donations or track their status in the consideration process.
Adler Elizabeth Adler-Olsen Jussi
Ahern Cecelia Albert Susan Wittig
Albom Mitch Ali Monica
Allen Sarah Addison Allende Isabel
Alvarez Julia Amis Martin
Andrews Donna Andrews Ilona
Andrews Mary Kay Archer Jeffrey
Armstrong Kelley Atkins Ace
Atkinson Kate Attenberg Jami
Atwood Margaret Auster Paul
Backman Fredrik Bagshawe Tilly
Baker Nicholson Baldacci David
Balogh Mary Banks Russell
Banville John Barclay Linwood
Bardugo Leigh Barker Clive
Barnes Julian Barr Nevada
Barry Dave Bass Jefferson
Beaton M. C. Beattie Ann
Bell Ted Benedict Marie
Benjamin Melanie Berenson Alex
Berenson Laurien Berg Elizabeth
Berry Steve Berry Wendell
Black Benjamin Black Cara
Black Lisa Blackstock Terri
Block Lawrence Bohjalian Chris
Bolton Sharon (formerly S. J. Bolton) Bond Larry
Born James O. Bowen Michele Andrea
Bowen Rhys Box C. J.
Boyle T. Coraghessan Bradford Barbara Taylor
Brandman Michael Brashares Ann
Briggs Patricia Brockmann Suzanne
Brooks Geraldine Brooks Terry
Brown Dale Brown Dan
Brown Rita Mae Brown Sandra
Bruen Ken Buchanan Edna
Bujold Lois McMaster Burke Alafair
Burke James Lee Bushnell Candace
Butcher Jim Byatt A. S.
Cabot Meg Cain Chelsea
Cameron W. Bruce Card Orson Scott
Carr Caleb Carr Robyn
Carriger Gail Carter Stephen L.
Cash Wiley Castillo Linda
Chabon Michael Chamberlain Diane
Chambers Becky Cherryh C. J.
Chevalier Tracy Chiaverini Jennifer
Child Lee Child Lincoln
Childs Laura Cisneros Sandra
Clancy Tom Clark Carol Higgins
Clark Mary Higgins Clark Mary Jane
Clarke Richard A Cleage Pearl
Cleeves Ann Coates Ta-Nehisi
Coben Harlan Coelho Paulo
Coes Ben Coetzee J. M.
Coleman Reed Farrel Colgan Jenny
Collins Max Allan Connelly Michael
Cook Robin Coonts Stephen
Cornwell Bernard Cornwell Patricia
Coulter Catherine Crais Robert
Crider Bill Crombie Deborah
Crusie Jennifer Cunningham Michael
Cussler Clive Daheim Mary
Dailey Janet Dallas Sandra
Danticat Edwidge Davidson MaryJanice
Davis Lindsey de Bernieres Louis
de Castrique Mark de los Santos Marisa
De Rosnay Tatiana Deaver Jeffery
Dekker Ted del Toro Guillermo
Delinsky Barbara DeMille Nelson
Deveraux Jude Diamant Anita
Diaz Junot Dickey Eric Jerome
Divakaruni Chitra Banerjee Dodd Christina
Doerr Anthony Doherty Paul
Doiron Paul Donati Sara
Donoghue Emma Dorsey Tim
Douglas Carole Nelson Drabble Margaret
Drake David Dugoni Robert
Dunant Sarah Eggers Dave
Enright Anne Erdrich Louise
Esquivel Laura Eugenides Jeffrey
Evanovich Janet Evanovich Stephanie
Evans Mary Anna Evans Richard Paul
Evison Jonathan Fairstein Linda A.
Feehan Christine Fesperman Dan
Fforde Jasper Fforde Katie
Fielding Joy Finch Charles
Finder Joseph Flagg Fannie
Flint Eric Fluke Joanne
Flynn Gillian Foer Jonathan Safran
Follett Ken Ford Richard
Forsyth Frederick Fossum Karin
Fowler Earlene Fowler Karen Joy
Francis Dick Frank Dorothea Benton
Franzen Jonathan Frazier Charles
French Nicci French Tana
Gabaldon Diana Gaiman Neil
Galbraith Robert Gardiner Meg
Gardner Lisa Garlock Dorothy
Garwood Julie Genova Lisa
George Elizabeth A. Gerritsen Tess
Giffin Emily Godwin Gail
Goldberg Lee Goodkind Terry
Gordimer Nadine Goudge Eileen
Graham Heather Grahame-Smith Seth
Greaney Mark Green Jane
Gregory Philippa Griffin W. E. B.
Griffiths Elly Grimes Martha
Grippando James Grisham John
Groff Lauren Gross Andrew
Grossman Lev Gruen Sara
Gudenkauf Heather Guillory Jasmine
Gutcheon Beth Haddam Jane
Haddon Mark Hagberg David
Haldeman Joe Hall James W.
Hall Parnell Hambly Barbara
Hamilton Laurell K. Hannah Kristin
Hannah Sophie Harbison Beth
Harkness Deborah Harper Jane
Harris Charlaine Harris Joanne
Harris Robert Harrison Kim
Hart Carolyn G. Hart John
Hawkins Paula Heller Jane
Helprin Mark Hendricks Greer
Hendrix Grady Hiaasen Carl
Higgins Jack Hilderbrand Elin
Hill Joe Hillerman Anne
Hoag Tami Hoffman Alice
Hood Ann Hooper Kay
Hornby Nick Horowitz Anthony
Hosseini Khaled Howard Linda
Hunter Stephen Iggulden Conn
Iles Greg Indridason Arnaldur
Irving John Isaacs Susan
Ishiguro Kazuo Jackson Joshilyn
Jackson Lisa Jakes T. D.
Jance J. A. Jemisin N. K.
Jewell Lisa Jiles Paulette
Jin Ha Johansen Iris
Jonasson Ragnar Jones Darynda
Jones Tayari Kadrey Richard
Karon Jan Kava Alex
Kay Guy Gavriel Keillor Garrison
Kellerman Faye Kellerman Jesse
Kellerman Jonathan Kelly Martha Hall
Kenyon Sherrilyn Kerr Philip
Keyes Marian Khoury Raymond
Kidd Sue Monk King Cassandra
King Laurie R. King Stephen
Kingsbury Karen Kingsolver Barbara
Kinsella Sophie Klavan Andrew
Kleypas Lisa Kline Christina Baker
Konrath J. A. Koontz Dean R.
Korelitz Jean Hanff Koryta Michael
Krauss Nicole Krentz Jayne Ann
Krueger William Kent Kubica Mary
Kwan Kevin La Plante Lynda
Lackberg Camilla Lackey Mercedes
Lagercrantz David Lahiri Jhumpa
Lamb Wally Landvik Lorna
Lansdale Joe R. Lansens Lori
Lapena Shari Lehane Dennis
Leon Donna Leonard Elmore
Lescroart John Lethem Jonathan
Lewis Beverly Lindsay Jeff
Lindsey Johanna Lindskold Jane M.
Lipman Elinor Lippman Laura
Liu Cixin Liu Ken
Lively Penelope Livesey Margot
Locke Attica Lovesey Peter
Lowell Elizabeth Ludlum Robert
Lupica Mike Lustbader Eric
Lutz Lisa Maas Sarah J.
MacDonald Ann-Marie Mackintosh Clare
Macmillan Gilly Macomber Debbie
Maguire Gregory Malerman Josh
Mallery Susan Mandel Emily St. John
Mantel Hilary Marcinko Richard
Margolin Phillip Marklund Liza
Martel Yann Martin George R. R.
Martini Steve Mason Bobbie Ann
Massey Sujata Masterton Graham
Maupin Armistead May Peter
Mayor Archer Mbue Imbolo
Mcbride James McCall Smith Alexander
McCarthy Cormac McCrumb Sharyn
McDermid Val McDermott Alice
McEwan Ian McGuire Seanan
McInerney Jay McKevett G. A.
McLain Paula McLaughlin Emma and Nicola Kraus
McMillan Terry McMurtry Larry
McNaught Judith Meacham Leila
Meltzer Brad Messud Claire
Michaels Fern Mieville China
Miller Karen E. Quinones Miller Linda Lael
Min Anchee Mina Denise
Mitchard Jacquelyn Modesitt L. E.
Moning Karen Marie Monroe Mary
Monroe Mary Alice Moody Rick
Moore Christopher Moore Lorrie
Morgan Robert Moriarty Liane
Morrell David Morris Mary McGarry
Morrison Mary B. Morrison Toni
Morton Kate Moshfegh Ottessa
Mosley Walter Mosse Kate
Moyes Jojo Muller Marcia
Munro Alice Murakami Haruki
Murphy Shirley Rousseau Murray Victoria Christopher
Myers Tamar Neggers Carla
Nesbo Jo Ng Celeste
Nguyen Viet Thanh Nicholls David
Niffenegger Audrey Novak Brenda
Novik Naomi O'Malley Daniel
Oates Joyce Carol Ondaatje Michael
Oyeyemi Helen Packer Ann
Palahniuk Chuck Palmer Michael
Pamuk Orhan Paretsky Sara
Paris B. A. Parker Robert B.
Parker T. Jefferson Patchett Ann
Patterson James Patterson Richard North
Pearl Matthew Pearson Ridley
Penny Louise Perry Anne
Perry Thomas Phillips Susan Elizabeth
Picoult Jodi Poyer David
Preston Douglas J. Pronzini Bill
Proulx E. Annie Pynchon Thomas
Quick Amanda Quindlen Anna
Quinn Julia Quinn Spencer
Quirk Matthew Rankin Ian
Rash Ron Ray Jeanne
Reichs Kathy Reid Taylor Jenkins
Reilly Matthew Rice Anne
Rice Christopher Rice Luanne
Richards Emilie Riordan Rick
Roanhorse Rebecca Robards Karen
Robb J. D. Robbins Tom
Roberts Nora Roby Kimberla Lawson
Rollins James Rose M. J.
Rosenberg Joel C. Rosenfelt David
Ross Ann B. Rothfuss Patrick
Rowell Rainbow Rowling J. K.
Ruiz Zafon Carlos Rushdie Salman
Russell Mary Doria Russo Richard
Ryan Hank Phillippi Sager Riley
Sanderson Brandon Sandford John
Scalzi John Schwab V. E.
Scottoline Lisa Sebold Alice
See Lisa Semple Maria
Shaara Jeff Shaber Sarah R.
Shalvis Jill Shreve Anita
Shriver Lionel Siddons Anne Rivers
Singh Nalini Sister Souljah
Sittenfeld Curtis Slaughter Karin
Smiley Jane Smith Haywood
Smith Lee Smith Martin Cruz
Smith Zadie Sparks Nicholas
Spencer-Fleming Julia Steel Danielle
Steinhauer Olen Stevens Chevy
Tan Amy Tartt Donna
Taylor Brad Taylor Patrick
Thayer Nancy Theroux Paul
Thoene Brock & Bodie Thompson Victoria
Thor Brad Todd Charles
Toibin Colm Tracy P. J.
Tremblay Paul Trigiani Adriana
Tropper Jonathan Turow Scott
Tursten Helene Turtledove Harry
Tyler Anne Tyree Omar
Unger Lisa Vachss Andrew
Vargas Llosa Mario Viets Elaine
Walker Alice Walters Minette
Ward J. R. Ware Ruth
Waters Sarah Weber Carl
Weber David Weiner Jennifer
Weir Alison Weir Andy
Weisberger Lauren White Karen
White Randy Wayne Whitehead Colson
Wiehl Lis Wiggs Susan
Willig Lauren Wilson F. Paul
Winspear Jacqueline Wolf Dick
Wolitzer Meg Woods Sherryl
Woods Stuart Woodson Jacqueline
Wouk Herman Zevin Gabrielle
Study Rooms
- Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- We ask that you try to limit your study room use to four hours per day by the same person or group.
Photography
Photos and videos taken at Chapel Hill Public Library events and programs are often shared with the community in a variety of forms. Videos are archived on our YouTube channel. Photos are added to our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts, and on rare occasions to our website.
You are our top priority at Chapel Hill Public Library, so if you are uncomfortable with having a picture that features you online and would like it to be removed from our website or social media accounts, please let us know. It will help if you can give us a link to the web page where the photo in question is displayed.
We also appreciate it when people share their own pictures with us. Do you have a great shot of something that happened in or around the library? Please send it to us!
Merchandise
We currently offer kids T-shirts, adult T-shirts, and water bottles. We may offer more items in the future, with prices based on our fee schedule. For more information about what we sell, including sizes and prices, please visit this page.