-  How can I get a library card?
A free library card is available to all Maricopa County residents with photo ID and proof of address.  Non Maricopa County residents can obtain a card for $40 a year.

- I just want to use the Internet.  Do I need a card?
Your library card is your access to the Internet at the library.   Non Maricopa County residents may obtain a card for $5 for 30-days or a visitors one-day pass for $1.00. 

-  Where can I use my library card?
Your card is valid at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library only and allows home access to the library catalog and research databases.  

- Can anyone in my family use my card?
Anyone can use your card with your permission. We do encourage all family members to obtain their own card.  Be sure to let us know right away if the card is lost or stolen.

-  How many items can I check out?
You may only check out 5 items on your first visit.  After you return those items you can have up to 35 items on your card at any one time, including up to 5 DVDs.  

- How long can I keep the items?
Regular books 3 weeks and Interlibrary Loans 2 weeks.   New books, magazines  and DVDs check out for one week.   Renew your items online by using your library card number and your pin.  You can also call us at 623-333-2665.

- What is my pin?
Your pin is the last 4 digits of the telephone number we have on record for you.    It is used to log in to the library's Internet computers, and when renewing online.

- How do I return items?
Return your items inside by using our self-check-in kiosk.  We also have an outside bookdrop for after-hours convenience.

- What if you don't have the book I want?
Items not found in our catalog can be requested through Interlibrary Loan (up to 5 at a time).  We will notify you when your request becomes available.   CD's and DVD's are not available through interlibrary loan.

- How do I put items on hold? 
You can reserve a title on our website through our online catalog. You can also call us and we will put the item on hold for you.   You will be notified when your item becomes available.   The item will be held for pickup for 10 days.  

- Will you let me know if my items are late?
When you check out your materials, you will get a receipt with the items and their due dates listed. If you have an e-mail address on file with us, you will receive a 3-day advance notice letting you know your items are coming due. If you only have a phone number on file, you will receive a call after your items have become late.  Keep your contact information current, as the library is not responsible for late or non-delivery of notices.

- How much are your fines? 
The fine for regular books, audios, and magazines is .20 cents per day with a 3-day grace period.  The fine for Interlibrary Loans is $2.00 per day with no grace period and the fine for DVDs is $1.00 per day with a 3-day grace period.    

- How can I prevent fines?
Use the outside book drop or use the self-checkin!  Renew your items!  You can renew your items 3 ways: online, by phone (623-333-2665), or you can renew in person.   (DVDs are not renewable)

- I owe fines.  Do I have to pay them today?
As long as your fines are under $10 you may check out items today.  

- My address has changed.  Do you need to know?
Please notify the library as soon as possible if your address, telephone number or email has changed.  We will ask you to verify the information on your library account annually. 

- What should I do if my card is lost? 
Report the loss immediately to prevent unwanted charges to your account. To replace your card, bring in your photo identification and $2.00.

When necessary the library uses the services of a collection agency to retrieve overdue items and/or fines.  If you have fees, fines, and/or lost materials in excess $50, your account is subject to a $15 penalty.