OVERDUE POLICY
The Library Board has established overdue fines as a way to encourage the timely return of materials. Fines are not charged to punish borrowers or to generate revenue. Fines are charged only for days the Library is open.
Delinquent patrons will receive one overdue notice (via email if they have an account and have given us permission to use it) and one bill. The overdue notice will be sent two weeks after the due date. If the item(s) is not returned in two weeks, a bill for replacement will be sent. The Library may attempt to collect based on total number of overdue materials and/or total value of materials.
Any patron who has received a bill for replacement of library materials shall be restricted. (A patron who has been restricted may not check out materials, but may continue to use materials in the Library.) Any patron who has two or more overdue items or $5.00 in fines shall be restricted; if a patron has fines of between $5 and $20, they may check out one item. Each item shall have a fine limit of $3.00.
A $1.00 billing fee per item will be added to the fine for any patron who receives a bill to help defray the cost of sending bills at public expense. A processing fee of $3.00 per item will be added to the bill for replacement.
Patrons who have been submitted to a collection agency more than once within a two-year period may be subject to restriction of borrowing privileges.
Library Loan and Fine Rates
| Item | Loan | Renew | Reserve | Limit | Fine/day | Max fine |
| Audio Books | 3 weeks | Yes | Yes | None | 10 cents | $3 |
| CD Music | 3 weeks | Yes | Yes | None | 10 cents | $3 |
| DVDs | 1 week | Yes | Yes | 10 | 10 cents | $3 |
| Videos | 1 week | Yes | Yes | None | 10 cents | $3 |
| Video Games | 2 weeks | No | Yes | 2 | 10 cents | $3 |
| Books | 3 weeks | Yes | Yes | None | 10 cents | $3 |
| Magazines | 3 week | Current – No Older – Yes | Yes | None | 10 cents | $3 |
PATRON CONDUCT POLICY
To maintain pleasant facilities for all library patrons, the Albion District Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following Code of Conduct
- Pursuant to the Calhoun County Clean Indoor Air Regulation Act, tobacco, tobacco products and/or other burnable products may not be used in the library or on library property. Smoking shall also be prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance, window or ventilation system. This includes no smoking, chewing, rolling or display of tobacco, other burnable products or electronic cigarettes. Library property includes the parking lot and sidewalks.
- Library patrons may not possess, consume or be under the influence of any intoxicant or any controlled substance (except as may be authorized by prescription).
- All weapons are banned from Library premises to the fullest extent permitted by law.
- Patrons may not disturb others in any manner. Patrons may not behave in a rowdy manner, stare at another person, follow another person about the building, play audio equipment so that others can hear it, sing or talk loudly, use profane or abusive language, or behave in any manner that can reasonably be expected to disturb others.
- Patrons may not display materials or make verbal comments or gestures that might reasonably be expected to offend or harass others. Physical violence or the threat of physical violence will not be tolerated.
- Patrons need to be respectful of library furnishings including library equipment and materials. Users may not deface, mark on, or mutilate any library furnishings, materials or equipment. Users shall not remove or attempt to remove any library materials without first checking them out.
- Patrons need to dress in an appropriate manner. Shoes (or other footwear) and shirts are required at all times for hygiene and safety purposes.
- Non-alcoholic beverages in a lidded container are permitted except at computer workstations or in the Local History Room. Other beverages and food may only be consumed in connection with events sponsored by the Library or if approved by Library Staff.
- Cell phone users need to turn devices to “silent” when they enter the library. Patrons may use cell phones in the library as long as they do not disturb others. Patrons may be asked to move outside if their conversations are disruptive to others.
- Patrons may not sleep in the library.
- Patrons may not use restroom facilities for washing or drying clothes, bathing, shaving, or any other purpose that might reasonably be considered inappropriate.
- Patrons may not exhibit problematic personal hygiene that would disturb library patrons and staff or interfere with other library patrons’ or staff members’ use of the facilities.
- People may not use roller blades, roller skates, or skateboards on library property.
- People may not solicit or beg library patrons in the library or on library property unless approved by the Library Director. People may not circulate petitions, distribute literature or leaflets, hang printed material, or make appeals to the public inside the library or on library grounds without first obtaining permission from library staff.
- Only animals needed for library programs and service animals are allowed in the library.
- Patrons may not enter an area that is designated “Staff Only” unless they are accompanied by a staff member. Patrons may not remain in the Library after closing time or after a request to leave, including emergencies and evacuation drills.
- Patrons may not convene on stairwells or block library entrances or exits.
- Patrons must follow library procedures when instructed to do so by library staff.
- Patrons may not violate any local ordinance, state, or federal law.
11.1.1 Penalties
Any person who violates these rules and regulations may be denied access to the library and to library services by the Director or designee upon notice for a period commensurate with the infraction. Library employees will contact the police when necessary.
11.1.2 Appeal
Any person denied access to the Library or its services may appeal the denial to the Library Director. If the appeal is not resolved by the Director, it may be submitted in writing to the Library Board. The Library Board will provide the person with an opportunity to be heard before deciding the appeal.
11.2 Unattended and Disruptive Children (revised 05/14/2015)
Albion District Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the library. Parents and legal guardians assume all liability for damage done by their children to the library facility, equipment, and materials. For more information, please refer to the Library’s Unattended and Disruptive Child Procedures.
Under no circumstance will a library staff member transport a minor to another location.
11.2.1 Unattended Children
- Children 5 years of age or under must have a parent/caregiver, 16 years of age or older, within visual proximity of them at all times. Exceptions may be made for library programming.
- Children ages 6 through 8 may use the Children’s Room unattended, provided they have a parent or caregiver, 16 years of age or older, present in the building.
- Children ages 9 and up may utilize the Library unattended.
- Children ages 8 and under will be referred to Albion Public Safety if Library staff members are unable to contact a parent or caregiver by closing time.
- For the safety of all minor library patrons, Library staff will not confirm or deny the whereabouts of a minor to anyone other than a public safety officer, nor will they verbally page a minor for a phone call using the Library telephone.
11.2.2 Disruptive Children
- Children are expected to adhere to all Library policies and procedures. If they fail to do so, the child’s parent or caregiver may be contacted.
- If a child violates a library policy or the Code of Conduct, Library staff will adhere to the steps outline in the Unattended and Disruptive Child Procedures.
11.3 Patrons with Special Needs
Any person who, due to physical or developmental challenges, is incapable of adequately caring for their self or interests must have a guardian/caregiver, 18 years of age or older, in the immediate vicinity of and within visual contact of them.
If a child or adult with special needs is found in distress, library staff will attempt the patron’s guardian/caregiver in the Library. If the guardian/caregiver is not in the building, library staff will attempt to contact the patron’s guardian/caregiver via telephone. If library staff is unable to locate the patron’s guardian/caregiver, Albion Public Safety will be notified.