Circulation Policies

Registration

All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid library card to borrow library materials. Individual library cards will be issued and family cards are available upon request.

Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. The following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron's information and acceptance:

I agree to be responsible for all items borrowed with the library card issued in the above name, including items borrowed with it by others with or without my consent unless I have previously reported the loss of my card. I promise to comply with all library rules and policies both present and future, and to give prompt notice of change of contact information or loss of library card.

Identification is required. A driver's license or student ID is preferred, however, any other official ID or recent piece of mail may be acceptable.

Applicants under 13 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.

Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued.

All library cards expire after 1 year. In order to renew a library card, patrons must verify identification in person, over the phone, or via email and must clear all outstanding bills.

Lost or Forgotten Cards

If a patron loses their library card, they should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement. The first replacement card is free and subsequent cards will be $1.00 each.

All patrons, adult and juvenile, are expected to bring their library cards with them if they intend to check out items. An individual who repeatedly ignores this expectation may be denied the privilege of checking out materials until they present their card at the library.

Loan Periods

28 days for most items with a limit of 10 items out at a time.
Generally, reference books do not circulate. Upon request, some reference materials may be checked out overnight.
Interlibrary loans are due the date indicated by the lending library.
Books may be renewed twice if there is not a waiting list for the title.
Periodicals and newspapers do not circulate.
7 days for DVDs with a limit of 3 DVDs at a time.

The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g., computer software.

Holds

Holds may be placed by patrons either in person, over the phone or by email. Patrons will be notified by telephone or email when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for interlibrary loan services (unless return postage is required).

Fines and Charges

There are no fines for overdue materials. A first notice is sent after the material is due. If the material is not returned within a designated period, a bill will be sent for the material with the cost of replacement of the material and a service charge for processing, cataloging and postage. Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are returned or paid for if lost and/or damaged.

Damaged Materials

If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost. A notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower.