BORROWING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION
Policy last updated: January 24, 2022
Any person who is a permanent resident of the state of Ohio is eligible for a Milton-Union Public Library card free of charge regardless of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, or any other factor. The Milton-Union Public Library is a member of the Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) consortium and also accepts valid library cards from other member institutions.
To acquire a patron card, adult applicants (anyone 18 years of age or older) need to complete an application and present a picture ID with their current address. If the address on their ID is not current, bills, checks, or official documents with their current address and name may be used in addition to their picture ID. Applicants under the age of 18 need an application signed by a parent or legal guardian who is a library card holder and thus has submitted documentation of identity and residence already. Minors must be present in order to be issued a card, although there is no minimum age. All patron cards must be signed in the presence of a staff member at the time the card is issued. On the day the card is issued, the new patron may check out three library items. After the initial use of the card, the library no longer limits patron circulation.
At the time the applicant presents a completed application form to a staff member at the circulation desk, the staff member will search the SEO database to ensure the patron is not already in the computer file. Any applicant with an account in serious arrears with another SEO library may be denied a card.
A fee to replace cards will be necessary except when a card is defective, the patron has changed his/her name or child reaches 18 years of age when his/her juvenile card may be replaced by an adult card.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF LIBRARY CARD OWNER
Policy last updated: January 24, 2022
A Library card, Library card number, or valid photo ID must be produced in order to check items out. Alternatively, a Library patron without identification can confirm account details in order to access that account. It is assumed that anyone in possession of a Library card has that user’s permission to borrow on that Library account. Library users can also designate other adults who may access their account by showing a valid ID. A Library user is responsible for all materials checked out on their Library card.
If such materials are lost, damaged or returned late, the Library card owner is responsible for paying the applicable fines or fees.
The parents/legal guardians of a child younger than age 18 are financially responsible for all materials checked out on a minor’s card. The parents/legal guardians are also responsible for determining appropriateness of materials checked out to their child, including electronic information.
It is the responsibility of the Library card owner to notify the Library immediately if:
- a card is lost or stolen
- a change in name, address, phone number or email occurs.
A fee to replace cards will be necessary except when a card is defective, the patron has changed his/her name or child reaches 18 years of age when his/her juvenile card may be replaced by an adult card.
LOAN PERIODS OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
Policy last updated: January 24, 2022
Library materials are loaned for a period of 7 days, 14 days or 28 days – depending on the type of item.
|
Length of Checkout |
Renewals available |
|
|
New Fiction Books and Audiobooks (YA or Adult) |
2 weeks |
4 |
|
Books (Children’s, YA, or Adult) |
4 weeks |
4 |
|
Music CDs |
2 weeks |
4 |
|
Audiobooks (CD or Playaway) |
4 weeks |
4 |
|
Video Games |
2 weeks |
4 |
|
DVD/Blu-Ray |
1 week |
4 |
|
Mobile Hotspot |
1 week |
0 |
|
Telescope |
2 weeks |
0 |
|
Puzzle |
4 weeks |
4 |
|
Items borrowed through interlibrary loan from another library on behalf of a Library patron are subject to the loan rules of the lending organization. Items on reserve for other patrons cannot be renewed. |
||
RENEWING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
Policy last updated: January 19, 2021
Eligible Library items can be renewed for additional loan periods up to 4 times. Patrons may renew items online, by phone or in the Library.
Items on reserve for other patrons cannot be renewed.
Items borrowed through interlibrary loan from another library on behalf of a library patron are subject to the renewal rules of the lending organization.
FINES AND FEES
Policy last updated: January 24, 2022
Beginning January 1, 2018, any materials borrowed from and returned to the Library will not be charged late fees.
Patrons receive notification when items are 14 and 28 days past due. On the 30th day overdue, a bill for the replacement cost of the item with a $3 processing fee is mailed to the patron’s address and added to the patron’s account. At 60 days overdue, the account is sent to a collection agency and a non-refundable $12 fee is added to pay for the services of the agency. To be sent to the collection agency, an account must owe at least $25 and have at least one item 60 days overdue.
Check-out and renewal of items is blocked if fines/fees total more than $5.00 on a library account.
When an item is lost or damaged, the cardholder is required to pay the cost of the item plus the $3 processing fee. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for such charges on a child’s card.
Items borrowed through interlibrary loan from another library on behalf of a Milton-Union Public Library patron are subject to the fines/fees rules of the lending institution.