LIBRARY CARDS & PATRON REGISTRATION
Revised 12/19/2019
The Albion District Library offers two types of library cards: Standard Borrower cards and Library1 cards. The Standard Borrower cards allow patrons full borrowing privileges. For item-specific borrowing limits, see 10.4.3. The Library1 cards allow borrowers to check out one item at a time.
All Albion District Library cardholders assume responsibility for the care and safekeeping of all materials borrowed on their cards and for settling any fines incurred on their cards. Standard Borrower cardholders assume responsibility for damages, losses, or other assessments incurred by the use of their cards; Library1 cardholders do not. For more information regarding the Library1 card, see 10.2. Cardholders are asked to report changes in names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers so that the Library’s patron records can be kept up-to-date.
10.1 Standard Borrower Card
Standard Borrower cards allow patrons full borrowing privileges. Full borrowing privileges allow a patron to check out the maximum number of items for the specified periods of time stated in 10.4.3.
10.1.1 Local Patrons
Local patrons shall be entitled to a library card free of charge. A patron is local when that person has an address within the library service area, be that address residential, commercial, or agricultural. Said differently, patrons are local who live in or own or rent property in the Library’s service area. The service area includes the City of Albion and the surrounding townships that contribute penal fines and the current required millage level of support to the Albion District Library. Local patrons may give permission to specific people to borrow on their card. In such cases, the patron must notify the Library before anyone other than the patron is allowed to use the patron’s card. The patron is responsible for any fines, fees, damages, losses, or other assessments.
10.1.1.1 Proof of Identification and Eligibility
Standard borrower cards will be issued to local patrons only after the applicant presents proof of personal identity and of an address in the Albion District Library service area. The preferred form of personal identification is a valid Michigan driver’s license. Any current government-issued photo ID showing the applicant’s name and current address will be considered acceptable proof of address.
If the patron is a resident of the Library’s service area but does not have a photo ID that documents an eligible address, the patron must show two other forms to prove they have such an address. Preferred forms of proof include utility bills, rental agreements, and correspondence from the local, state, or federal government. In the case of a non-resident property-owner, a preferred proof of address is a current tax bill for the eligible property. In the case of a nonresident renter, a preferred proof of address is a rental agreement for the eligible property. In the event that a patron has only one proof of address, the Director may use their discretion.
10.1.1.2 Renewal
Cards must be renewed every twelve months. Patrons must provide current proof of identification and address at time of renewal.
10.1.1.3 Persons Under 18 Years of Age
A Standard Borrower card may be issued to anyone regardless of the applicant’s age. A person under the age of 18 seeking a Standard Borrower card must have their application signed by a parent, a grandparent, or an individual legally authorized to act in place of the minor’s parent. In the event that the person who signs for the child does not already have a Standard Borrower card, they will be required to apply for one. The person who signs the standard borrow card application for a minor is responsible for any outstanding fines, fees, damages, losses, and other assessments on the minor’s library card.
In the case of an emancipated youth, that youth applicant must provide proof of emancipation in order to be exempt from having an adult cosigner.
10.1.2 Employees of Local Businesses, Nonprofits, and Government Entities
Persons employed by businesses, nonprofits, and government entities located within the Albion District Library’s service area are entitled to a Standard Borrower card free of charge.
10.1.2.1 Proof of Identification and Eligibility
To secure a Standard Borrower card, employees of entities listed above must provide a permanent address, current government-issued photo ID, and current proof of employment by an Albion business, nonprofit, or government entity. A pay stub is the preferred proof of employment.
10.1.2.2 Renewal
Such cards must be renewed every six months. At the time of renewal, the cardholder must provide a current government-issued photo ID and proof of employment.
10.1.3 Patrons of Libraries with which ADL Has a Reciprocal Agreement
The Albion District Library has reciprocal agreements with the following libraries: Jackson District Library, Albion College Stockwell-Mudd Libraries, and Homer Public Library. Patrons at these libraries are entitled to a Standard Borrower card free of charge, per the terms of the agreement.
10.1.3.1 Proof of Identification and Eligibility
To secure a Standard Borrower card, patrons at libraries with reciprocal agreements must provide a permanent address, a current government-issued photo ID, and proof of patronage at the reciprocating library.
10.1.3.2 Renewal
Such cards must be renewed every twelve months. At the time of renewal, the cardholder must provide a current government-issued photo ID and proof of patronage at the reciprocating library.
10.1.4 Non-residents
Persons residing outside of the Library’s service area who do not otherwise qualify for a standard borrower card shall be charged a fee to obtain a Standard Borrower card. This fee shall be established by the Library Board. Cards may be purchased for a full year, or for one quarter, one half, or three-quarters of a year at a pro-rated fee.
10.1.4.1 Proof of Identification and Eligibility
To secure a Standard Borrow card, a non-resident must provide a current government-issued photo ID showing the applicant’s name and address.
10.1.4.2 Renewal
Such cards must be renewed at the end of their designated period.
10.2 Library1 Card
Library1 cards are available to patrons who do not otherwise meet the criteria for a Standard Borrower card. The Library1 card allows borrowers to check out one item at a time. Should the item be lost or damaged, the patron is not financially responsible for it. Should a patron establish a pattern of losing or damaging materials, the Director may use their discretion to revoke the Library1 card. The Library1 card does not allow patrons to borrow equipment.
10.2.1 Proof of Identification and Eligibility for Library1 Card
Any patron, regardless of age, may apply for a Library1 card. Applicants for the Library1 card do not need proof of identification or of address to secure a Library1 card. Applicants will be required to provide a local address and have their photograph taken. That photograph will be kept in the records for identification purposes.
10.2.2 Renewal
Such cards must be renewed every twelve months.
LOAN AND OVERDUE POLICY
Revised 12/19/2019
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 |
| DVDs | 1 week | Yes | Yes | 10 | 10 cents | $3 |
| Videos | 1 week | Yes | Yes | None | 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.