Boston Public Library
Where to Check Out Material
Borrowing and Circulating Information

Central Library (Johnson and McKim buildings)
All library material may be checked out in the lobby of the Johnson or McKim buildings. You must present your library card and the item(s). A library card may only be used by the person to whom it is issued. You are responsible for all borrowed materials, including fines and fees for overdue, lost or damaged items.

Neighborhood Branches
Each neighborhood branch has a Circulation Desk. The Circulation Desk is generally located at the front of each building. You must present your library card and the item(s). You will receive a receipt that lists the due dates for each item borrowed. A library card may only be used by the person to whom it is issued. You are responsible for all borrowed materials, including fines and fees for overdue, lost or damaged items.

Self Check-Out Machines
At the Central Library and at the Brighton, Grove Hall, Honan-Allston, Mattapan and West End branches, self-check machines are available for self-service checkout of materials. You must have your library card with you to use the self-check machines.

To use the self-check machines:

1. Follow all directions on the screen.
2. Scan the barcode on the back of your library card.
3. Place the first item you want to check out into the machine, with the barcode on the front underneath the scanner.
   Books should have their spines in the bottom of the V-shaped slot on the machine. DVDs and CDs should have the spine of the case at the bottom of the V. Do not remove DVDs and CDs from their cases.
4. Make sure that the spine of the item rubs against the bottom of the V.
5. Repeat this process with all items you want to check out.
6. When finished, touch the "I'm Finished" button on the screen to recieve your receipt. Please hold on to your receipt as proof of checkout and a reminder of your due dates.