Loan periods

  • Books and CDs: 21 days
  • DVDs, Learning to Go, and WiFi Hotspots: 7 days
WRL library cards with logo

Library Fines and Fees

WRL does not charge overdue fines. If an item becomes lost or damaged in your care, you will be charged for the cost of the item. You can pay these types of fees online by going to My Account, through our WRL app or in person at one of the Circulation desks. If you have any questions about any charges on your account, please contact us at 757.741.3300, option 1. See more information about our Fines and Fees here.

NEW: Library Pin Numbers

On February 1, 2022, WRL started keeping your data and personal information safer by adding PINs to user accounts.
When accessing anything that requires a library card number, you will also need a PIN as well. This includes online access to your account through our website or app, self-checkout machines, digital collections, databases, printing and more.
The default PINs will be the last four digits of your phone number, but you will be able to change it to any four-digit number of your choosing.
Please see a staff member if you have questions about this or need assistance as we roll this out.

Renewing materials

Most items may be renewed four times if not requested by another user. You may renew items online or by calling either building. Please have your library card number available.

Returning Items

You may return items to either building or at one of our community book drops which are located at:

  • Monticello Marketplace near Publix – 4660 Monticello Ave, Williamsburg, VA 23188
  • James City County Recreation Center – 5301 Longhill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
  • James City County Government Center – 101 Mounts Bay Road, Bldg F, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Outside both library buildings

Placing Holds

Use the online catalog to look up the item you want to borrow. Select “Request Item,” enter your library card number, and choose where you want to pick up the item. If you are interested in WRL’s curbside pickup service, please choose a building, not the Mobile Library Services location. You can also reserve items by calling either building. Your physical item(s) will be held for you for seven days from the time you are notified that they are available. Residents of James City County and the City of Williamsburg may place up to 20 physical items on hold at a time; residents of York County may place up to 16 physical items on hold at a time. You will receive an email or text message to let you know when your item(s) are available.

Suspending holds

You may suspend requests you have made for library materials. When requests are suspended, your name continues to rise in the queue but the hold will not be activated for you until after the date you specify. Your request automatically reactivates after the suspend period.

  • Login to your Library Account
  • Click Hold Requests on the Overview page
  • Check the box next to each pending request you wish to suspend
  • From the date pulldown boxes above the bar, select the month, day, and year you wish your request reactivated
  • Click the Suspend request until button above the bar