Circulation Policy
A. Registration
All borrowers must have a valid local or system library card to borrow library materials. Applicants must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. Government-issued identification is required. Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. The child must be present when an adult fills out an application for a card. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards. Children must be five (5) years old to get a library card. The parent or guardian is solely responsible for the type of material their children check out. Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued. A patron must have their card with them to check out materials or use a card app (CardStar, KeyRing, or StoCard) or the SEOLibraries app on their smartphone/tablet.
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B. Lost or forgotten cards
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If a patron loses his/her library card, they should notify the library as soon as possible. Replacement cards cost $1.00.
C. Loan periods
Materials | Checkout Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Book/Audiobook (tape/CD/playaway)/Music CD | 28 days | |
DVD, Blu-ray | 7 days | |
Console Game | 7 days | Limit 5 |
Magazine | 7 days | |
Interlibrary Loan $2 fee on pickup | Varies
| Renewal limits vary |
D. Holds
Holds may be placed by patrons either in person, over the phone, or online. Patrons will be notified by e-mail, telephone, or text when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a hold. Holds that are not picked up will be canceled and returned. Holds at one time are limited to 25. Patrons may suspend holds if they are unable to pick up their items. Interlibrary loans (items not in the consortium catalog) cost $2.00 per title, payable when the item is received, whether or not the item is checked out.
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E. Fines and charges
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As of April 1, 2017, the Washington County Public Library does not charge fines for overdue materials. If the material(s) are not returned within 30 days, a bill for the replacement cost of the material(s) plus a $3 per item processing fee, will be charged. As of April 20, 2021, patrons who have fees of more than $10 or more than 3 overdue items will be denied borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are returned or paid for if lost and/or damaged. If parents owe $10 or more on their own cards, they cannot sign their children up for a Washington County Public Library card. Patrons with fines/fees over $10 are still allowed to use library computers.
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F. Lost/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 placed on the borrower's record. Parents or guardians are responsible for all items checked out to their children. The Washington County Public Library does not give refunds for lost/damaged items that have been paid for. If an item is found after the borrower has paid for it, it is theirs to keep.