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Borrowing guide

Clear rules for borrowing, renewal, holds, and returns.

A practical guide for using The Athenaeum collection with confidence, from first checkout to final return.

Standard loan

21 days

Renewals

2x

Hold pickup

3 days

Desk support

Daily

Loan periods

Borrow by material type

Loan policies are built to balance generous access with fair circulation for high-demand materials.

MaterialLoan periodRenewalNotes
Books21 days2 renewalsPlace holds when all copies are out
ReferenceIn libraryNo renewalsAsk staff for scans or support
Course reserve2 hoursNo renewalsHigh-demand access at the desk
Media kits7 days1 renewalReturn directly to circulation

How it works

From discovery to return

Browse catalog
1

Find

Search the catalog by title, author, ISBN, or subject.

2

Borrow

Bring available copies to the desk or ask a librarian for checkout support.

3

Renew

Extend eligible loans before the due date from your account.

4

Return

Return books on time so the next reader can access them.