Books & More

Frequently Used

Library Card Info, Loan Periods, Renewals, Requests

Library Card Benefits:

  • You can use your card at ANY library in Allegheny County to access nearly 4 million books, large print books, magazines, eBooks, DVDs, CDs, audio books, children’s books, puzzles, and more. SNHL offers nearly 130,000 items for your use.
  • You can request materials, from any library, to be picked up at Shaler or a library of your choice.
  • Access FREE e-resources including ebooks, movies, magazines and research databases 24/7.
  • Free and low-cost amazing programs!

Loan Periods and more: 

  • Each individual library has its own rules on lending and extended use fees. The information provided below applies to the Shaler North Hills Library.  There are no limits to the number of items you can borrow.
  • 3 Week Loan:
    • Nearly all items at SNHL
  • 1 Week Loan:
    • Games
    • Magazines
    • “Library of Things”

All items may be returned 24/7 in the outside bookdrop located to your right at the bottom of the steps.

SNHL no longer charges overdue fees. 

What does this mean?

  • If you check out items from SNHL, you will not accrue fines on overdue items.
  • If you return items to SNHL, you will not accrue fines on overdue items.
  • Not all libraries are fine free. Items from other area libraries may still accrue overdue fines.
  • You are still responsible for returning your items by the due date.
  • If items are not returned in a timely manner, they are considered lost, and you will be billed for the item(s). Once the item(s) are returned, the bill will clear from your account and you will not accrue any overdue fines. Accounts billed for lost items over $10 may result in a loss of some library privileges including borrowing and access to e-resources.

Renewals:
Items will automatically renew up to 6 times unless another patron is waiting for the item. Please return new, high-demand items as others enjoy browsing what is new at SNHL.

  • Items can be renewed by:
    • Online using The Catalog
    • Calling SNHL at 412-486-0211 during operating hours.
    • Visit us in-person!

Requests:
Items can be requested from any library in the Allegheny County system and sent to Shaler or any library for pick-up.

  • Items can be requested by:
    • Online Using The Catalog
    • Downloading and using The Allegheny County Library app–available in your app store (search Allegheny County Libraries)
    • Calling SNHL during operating hours
    • Visiting us in-person