Library Policies

LIBRARY USE POLICIES 

Check Out Policy

The Lee-Bardwell Public Library maintains its collection for the benefit of all its patrons.  In order to serve everyone equally, the following rules will apply when applying for a library card, reactivating a card, and when checking out materials.

1.       Library Cards:

A.     Resident Cards: If someone in the family has a current Texas Drivers license or Identification Card, that person may be issued a borrower’s card at no cost.  State law requires that parents must apply for children under 18 years of age.  Adult children still residing at home will be on the same family card.  All persons residing at one address will be on the same card.  These requirements must be met to also reactive a card.

B.      Giving fraudulent information on the application will be grounds to invalidate the family card for all family members.  Library privileges will be suspended if fines exceed $2.00 or if damaged or lost materials are not replaced.

2.       New Card Use:

The first three (3) times a newly issued card is used, there will be a limit of two (2) items per person listed on that card.  All limits on items per card listed in the items below also apply.  If only one (1) person is on a card, that person may check out three (3) items each of the first three (3) times.  If all materials are returned promptly and in good condition during this time period, the limits will be removed except as stated below:

A.     New book (less than 6 months) may be checked out for two (2) weeks with no renewal.

B.      Books with waiting list or reserve may be checked out for two (2) weeks with no renewal.

C.      Other books may be checked out for two (2) weeks with two (2) renewals.

D.     Audiobooks may be checked out for two (2) weeks with two (2) renewals.

E.      Homeschool Materials: Homeschool materials are for use in the library and may not be removed from the library.

F.      DVDs may be checked out for two days with no renewal.  There is a limit of two (2) titles per library card. DVDs may not be checked out for a friend or relative.  They must be returned to the library circulation desk, not in the overnight book drop.

3.       Renewal Policy:

A.     All materials are renewed as noted above.

B.      Materials that cannot be renewed must be in for one (1) normal circulation time before the same card may recheck them

C.      There will be no exceptions to these rules.

4.       Toys and Games:

Toys and games may be checked out while in the library.  Each child may check out one toy or game to play with in the designated children’s area.  When the child is through playing with that toy or game, the child may bring it back to the circulation desk and pick another one.  No toys, games, or game pieces may be left on the tables, floors, chairs, or shelves.  If this happens, or the toys and games are broken or torn up, toy and game privileges will be revoked.

Minors in the Library

1.       Children under the age of thirteen (13) will NOT be left unattended in the library. 

a.      Children under the age of eight (8) must always remain with the parent or guardian while in the library.  This means that the parent or guardian must have the children within their line of sight AT ALL TIMES. 

b.      Children between the ages of nine (9) and thirteen (13) are free to peruse the library while a parent or guardian is present inside.  This means that they may have access to all the public areas of the library while the parent or guardian is otherwise occupied.

c.      Children ages fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) who are left at the library by their parents or guardians must be picked up from the library five (5) minutes PRIOR to closing.  If after fifteen (15) minutes they are still at the library, the police department will be notified.

2.      Parents or guardians will be responsible for the behavior of minor children while they are in the library.  If the children are disruptive, the parent or guardian may be asked to leave with the children.  Disruptive behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

1.       Running in the library;

2.       Screaming or yelling;

3.       Throwing objects such as books, toys, games, puzzle pieces, etc.;

4.       Climbing on shelves;

5.       Turning over chairs and/or tables;

6.       Knocking down, pulling down, tearing up, or defacing any book or object on display.

7.       Playing with the public computers;

8.       Writing on the screens of any computers or on the tables, chairs, or shelves;

9.       Walking or running behind the circulation desk at any time;

10.   Disturbing any other patrons who may be using the library.

***PARENTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR OR REPLACING ANY ITEM DAMAGED BY THEIR CHILDREN!***

We at the Lee-Bardwell Public Library are dedicated to our community, which includes your children.  We know that children can be rambunctious and high-spirited, that they may have needs that require special attention as well as grace and understanding.  We also know that we all have our own parenting methods and requirements.  However, we have a responsibility to make sure that our library is a safe, equitable, and welcoming space for all our patrons, including your children.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making sure that our wonderful library maintains not only its ability to serve you and your children, but everyone in our community.