Circulation Policy
Purpose
A core service of the library is the loan of materials to individuals in the community. The library does this by
maintaining a database of registered borrowers and giving patrons in good standing access to the collections of
the Union County Library System. In providing borrowing privileges, the library promotes use of materials, ensures
the rights of borrowers and protects the interests of the taxpayers.
Policy
1. All residents of the state of Union County are eligible for a library card. Persons living outside Union County
but within a reasonable service area may obtain a card at a cost equitable to the taxes paid to support the library
by Union County residents.
2. All library circulation records are confidential.
3. Library staff will require those applying for library cards to present identification sufficient to establish their
identity and place of residence.
4. Patrons applying for library cards will sign a responsibility statement which reads as follows: "I accept
responsibility for library materials borrowed with the library card issued to me until I report the card lost or stolen. I
agree to pay fines for materials returned to the library after their due date and to reimburse the library for
materials that are lost, damaged, or stolen."
a. The library will require that a parent or guardian must sign the application form for their minor child.
b. Parents or guardians are responsible for their minor children's use of library material, including payment
of any fees or charges incurred by their children.
c. Each family shall have the right and responsibility of setting standards for their own children; standards
applied to their child shall not be imposed on anyone else's child.
5. The Union County Library System will not assert the rights of a minor child over the rights of that child's
parents. The library will comply with a parent or guardian's written request restricting their minor child's access to
specific collections at checkout.
6. The library staff shall set loan periods and limits on the number of materials which can be borrowed and
borrowing periods for various collections appropriate for the proper use of materials.
7. The library may charge a fee or recover costs for the following situations:
a. Borrowing without presenting a library card
b. Lost library card replacement
c. Items returned overdue
c. Damaged items
e. Replacement of items damaged or not returned
f. Postage and materials for notices
g. Photocopies/document delivery
8. Library staff may deny borrowing privileges to cardholders:
a. not presenting their card or other identification
b. with a significant number of overdue materials not yet returned
c. with significant fines or bills for unreturned material not returned
9. The library reserves the right to take measures up to and including legal action to recover materials not
returned.