Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep the items I borrow from the Library?
3 weeks, 5 renewals is the standard loan period for most items

Some less common items and items from other libraries may have different loan periods, but the due date will be printed on your checkout slip.

Where can I return the items I borrowed?
Items may be returned during operating hours inside the library. You may also use one of our three outdoor bookdrops, which are available to you 24 hours a day: 2 located on the street of the Bellevue Avenue side of the building and 1 Automated Return System located on the ramp in the parking lot. Items may also be returned to any library in the Peninsula Library System.

How long can I keep an item out?
The following items may be checked for three weeks (five renewals):
Adult level books (including new titles)
Children's books 
DVDs
CDs
Books On CD
Magazines/Periodicals


How much are late fees?
On Adult Cards:
Adult Materials: No late fees. Replacement costs still apply.
Children's Materials: No late fees. Replacement costs still apply.
On Children's/Teen Cards (18 & under):
No fees on any items. Replacement costs still apply.

Items that belong to Burlingame Public Library will not accrue late fees, however, they still need to be renewed or returned by their due date. If an item is not returned or renewed, you will eventually be billed for the item. If the item is returned after being billed, the replacement cost will automatically be waived upon check-in.

 
Are there any other library fees?
Interlibrary Loans (requests for items outside San Mateo County) $5.00
Replacement Library Cards no charge
Self-service copies 15¢ per page
Lost or damaged items replacement cost + processing fee

Can I reserve an item?
If the item you are looking for is checked out, it may be reserved for you. Items not in our collection can often be borrowed from another library.

If you don't see an item you are looking for in the Peninsula Library System catalog, you may still be able to get it from one of the local Community Colleges. The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) no longer shares a catalog with the Peninsula Library System, but as members of the community you can still access their materials. For more information on borrowing  SMCCCD materials, please click here.
 
How many items can I have checked out at one time?
You may have up to 50 items checked out at one time on your library card account.
 
Can I download large files?
The bandwidth available for the wireless Internet connection is shared with all others in the library. To show consideration for others’ needs, we ask that you not download excessively large files, use peer-to-peer file sharing programs, or access streaming audio/video.
 
What kind of wireless card do I need?
You need an 11Mbps 802.11b wireless network card for your laptop. Burlingame Library uses the Netgear WG511 Wireless PC Card. For PCs, other users within the system have had success with the Orinoco Silver (made by Lucent), the Cisco Aironet and Linksys brands. We have no information thus far on the performance of SMC, D-Link or US Robotics brands. For Apple notebooks, the Airport card is recommended. Most cards are available for about $70 (or less) at local computer stores, or one of many online computer outlets.
 
What are the minimum requirements for my laptop (PC and Apple)?
You should be limited only by the wireless network card you buy. The drivers and software to operate the card must be compatible with your system. See the card’s packaging and documentation for compatibility and minimum requirements.

What settings do I use to connect to the wireless network?
SSID or Network Name: Burlingame Library
WEP: disable
IP or Network Settings: DHCP enabled or obtain an IP address automatically
DNS: obtain DNS address automatically
Gateway: no default gateway set - your card should detect it automatically
Close settings and restart computer if necessary

If there are too many users, will I be blocked from using the wireless network?
A pool of resources has been set aside large enough to accommodate users at the library. You will not be “blocked” from accessing the network because of too many users.
 
What speed is the Internet connection?
The Library has a 1GIG Fiber Optic Line
 
From where can I access the Burlingame Library’s wireless network?
The network is accessible from anywhere inside of the library and in many areas adjacent to the library building.
 
What do I need to access the Library’s wireless network?
You will need a laptop computer with a wireless network card. New laptops may come with wireless technology already installed within the processor, such as the new Intel Pentium M Processor. For older laptops, you will need to purchase a wireless network card. After you purchase the card, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install it on your computer. This should involve installing the network card driver, and also a client utility program. This program will allow you to configure the settings for your network connection, monitor signal strength, and perform other useful tasks.
 
How do I get a library card?
Getting a library card is easy! All you need is a photo ID and proof of your current California address. If you are under 18 years of age you need to have a parent/legal guardian with you. Your card may be used at all branches of the Peninsula Library System. To apply for a library card online click here.
 
I want to keep an item past its due date, how do I renew it?
Loan periods on most items may be extended in any of 4 ways:
  • Using our website
  • Use our self check machines at the main or branch library
  • By calling our automated renewal line at 650-638-0399
  • Come into the library with your library card and one of helpful staff members will renew the items for you at our Circulation Desk