Library CardAny person 5 years of age or older may apply for a library card. Adults must apply in person at the library. Positive identification and confirmation of current address are required by applicant or parent/guardian of a minor. Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian signature for a card to be issued. By signing the application, the parent/guardian agrees to promptly pay fees, damage and replacement costs incurred on the card. Upon confirming proof of current address, applicants may fill out a library card application and immediately check out up to 3 items (excluding Mobile Hotspots). Library cards will be mailed to patrons. Without proof of current address, applicants may fill out a library card application but will not be permitted to check out items until receiving library card in the mail. Although issued to a patron, the library card remains the property of the Blanchester Public Library. It may be recalled or invalidated, and patron privileges blocked or terminated, in cases of violation of library rules or regulations and for failure to pay fines, fees, damage or replacement costs.
Borrowing Regulations Patrons may check out materials only on their own library card. Each adult is responsible for all items checked out on his/her card. No person shall damage or fail to return any library materials borrowed from a public library. No person shall abuse a library card issued by a public library. Examples of abuse of a library card include: Obtaining or attempting to obtain a card by means of false identification or address; using or attempting to use a card that has been revoked; using or attempting to use another individual’s library card. Patrons should notify the library promptly if their library card is lost or stolen. A fee will be charged for a replacement library card. Patrons must notify the library of any address or phone number changes so their account can be updated. If a patron’s name changes, a new application is filled out and the patron’s account information is updated.
Upon turning 18 years old, children are required to update to an adult card. Patrons must fill out a new application indicating they are now responsible for their own account. (Follow steps under Library Card #3.) - Only adult cardholders may check out mobile hotspots and DVDs. A patron may have up to 7 DVDs checked out at one time.
All libraries contain some materials that a parent may find inappropriate for his or her own child. The Blanchester Public Library staff does not monitor the choices children make. The responsibility for any restrictions on a child’s borrowing privileges rests with the parent or guardian.
Loan Periods
2 week loan periodAll circulating library materials except those specified below. Items may be renewed up to three times, provided no other patrons have requested the item. Items with requests may not be renewed. All qualified items will automatically renew on the due date and notification will be sent via e-mail. Patrons also may renew their items at the library, by phone, or online.
1 week loan periodDVDs, Mobile Hotspots, and 7-day new books Items may be renewed one time. All qualified items will automatically renew on the due date and notification will be sent via e-mail. Patrons also may renew their items at the library, by phone, or online.
Interlibrary loansItems will be loaned out for 3 weeks from date received at library, except for DVDs and videos, which will be loaned out for 1 week. Renewals may be requested at the library or by phone but depend upon authorization from lending library.
RequestsRequests may be placed for all circulating items at the library, by phone or online. Patrons will be notified by their preferred method (phone call, e-mail, or text message) when the item they requested is available. Requests expire 5 business days after notification except for DVDs and Mobile Hotspots, which will be held for 2 business days.
Overdue Materials
Fines for overdue Mobile Hotspots: $1 per day/per item. Patrons will be charged replacement costs for lost items. Patrons will be charged fees (determined by the Technical Services department) for damaged items or items missing pieces. Patrons will be charged replacement costs of items damaged beyond repair.
As a courtesy, the Blanchester Public Library mails notices to patrons regarding items that have not been returned, using the following schedule:
The first notice is sent to the patron 21 days (3 weeks) after an item is overdue. If an item has not been returned within 49 days (7 weeks) of the due date, a final notice is sent to the patron, the item is considered lost and the replacement cost of the item is billed to the patron’s account.
Refund of replacement charges may be obtained if a lost item is returned undamaged within 3 months of the original due date, the patron’s accumulated fines and fees do not equal or exceed the replacement cost of the item, and the patron provides a valid receipt issued for the payment of replacement costs. Patrons’ borrowing privileges will be suspended if the fines/fees on their account are over $10 or materials are owed. Patrons’ computer privileges will be suspended if the fines/fees on their account are over $20 or materials are owed. If fees/fines on a juvenile patron’s account surpass $50, the adult who signed the library card application will have his/her borrowing privileges suspended until the amount owed is equal to $10 or less. Any blocks resulting from teacher/storytime checkouts must be initiated or approved by the Children’s Librarian.
Revised by the Board of Trustees 1/20
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