Library Policies

Basic Guidelines and Policies

A library card is available to residents of the Tri-County area. Materials are checked out only upon presentation of a library card.

When you apply for a card an up-to-date driver’s license will be required (or verification of current address and date of birth). Children under 14 will be issued cards upon application by the parent or legal guardian who is responsible for the use of the card.

You are responsible for all items checked out to your card. This is why it is important for you not to lend your card to someone else. You must notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen, or upon any change of address or phone number.

Reserves

If material you want is checked out, you may request to be placed on a waiting list. When the item is returned, it will be held for you a maximum of 3 days only — then the next person waiting will be called. We will call your local phone number to notify you that the book is now available. There are a few exceptions such as reference materials and some high demand titles.

Limits

First time borrowers are limited to 2 hardcover books. After return of these 2 books, patrons may check out 22 hardcover books per visit. There is no limit on the number of paperback books which can be checked out each visit. Videos are limited to 4 per family.

Book Depository

An outside book depository in the community room door is available when the library is closed (for books only). Audio, Video and DVDs must be returned inside the library only.

Renewals

You may renew an item one time, providing no one else has requested the item. A renewal may be made if you have no fines, no over dues, and the item has not been requested by someone else. No renewals on material if someone else is on the waiting list. Renewals may be requested by phone.

Late Charges and Fees

The loan period for books is two weeks (one week on videos with an overdue charge of $1.00 per day). There is a late charge of $.10 a day (Sundays are not counted) on each overdue book. Fines accrue daily until a maximum cut-off amount is reached. The maximum late return fine for overdue books is $5.00 each and videos $15.00 each.

If items are not returned on time, a telephone call will be made to your local phone number.

A fee of $5.00 is charged for replacing a lost permanent library card.

Borrowers are required to pay for the replacement of lost items plus a processing fee of $5.00 per item.