MAX Library Access

MAX FAQs

• What is MAX?

  MAX is a countywide book sharing service between public libraries throughout Maricopa County. If your library does not have a book you are looking for, search MAX, opens a new window to see if it is available from one of our partner libraries.

• How does MAX work?

  • You may use up to 5 books at a time from the MAX catalog. This includes active MAX requests and books checked out through MAX.
    Example: I have 3 books checked out through MAX. I can place 2 more requests. 
  • Use your Chandler library card number and PIN to request books and select your pickup location.
  • The partner library will send the book to your pickup library (at no cost to you!)
  • You will be notified when your item is ready for pickup. Most MAX books will be on the holds shelf. Ask at the Information Desk if your book is not on the holds shelf, as some must be checked out at the desk.
  • MAX books check out for 3 weeks. They cannot be renewed.

• What about returns, renewals or fees with MAX books?

  Returns

  • When finished, simply return your MAX books to the library where you checked them out.
  • If you have your own library cards with MAX partner libraries, please keep track of which books you checked out directly from those libraries and which you checked out from Chandler Library through MAX. MAX books checked out with your Chandler Library card must be returned to Chandler Library.
    
    Example: I checked out Curious George from Scottsdale Library. Then I went to Chandler Library to check out Green Eggs and Ham but it was not available, so I requested it through MAX. Scottsdale Library sent a copy to Chandler Library for me to check out. Green Eggs and Ham must be returned to Chandler Library. Curious George should be returned to Scottsdale Library.

  Renewals

  • Books borrowed from MAX are not eligible for renewal.
  • MAX books check out for 3 weeks only.

  Fees

  • There is no fee to use the MAX service.
  • If you damage or lose a MAX book, you will be charged a $20 fee. Books go into lost status 14 days past their due date.
  • If you see damage on the book before checking it out, please notify your library as soon as possible.
  • Because Chandler Public Library does not charge overdue fees, you will not be charged for books 1-13 days past their due date. However, we ask you to return the courtesy of our member libraries and return MAX items on time.

• What is not available from MAX?

  • Only items that are currently available at a member library can be requested. If all copies are checked out, you will receive an error message when you place your request. Please check back later to see if copies are available. Holds cannot be placed in the MAX system.
  • Availability in MAX depends on what the member libraries choose to include. Most do not lend new books, DVDs or other media, for example.
  • Items that a member library declines to send due to popularity, damage or other reasons will cancel the MAX request. You may re-request the item if another member library has a copy available.