How to Get a Library Card

 

A library card is a privilege for those who can use library services in a responsible manner, entitling patrons to borrow library materials and a-v equipment. Those borrowed materials are the responsibility of the individual identified on the library card, who is subject to all of the fines, rules, and regulations of the Library. In some cases, a deposit is required to borrow certain items. A resident cardholder has borrowing privileges at all Cabell County Public Library branches and the affiliated libraries of the Western Counties Library System.

 

Our Service Area

All residents of West Virginia are eligible for library cards. Residents of the following counties may also receive cards at no charge:

 

Ohio counties: Lawrence, Gallia, Scioto, Jackson, Meigs.

 

Kentucky counties: Greenup, Johnson, Carter, Lawrence, Boyd, Martin, Floyd, Pike, Elliott

Individuals residing outside these regions may receive library privileges at an annual rate of  $30.00.

 

What documents must I present to obtain a card?

Acceptable Identification - To obtain a library card a person must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. Applicants for Cabell County Public Library cards must present:

• A valid photo identification card issued by a school, government agency, or employer. Examples are: a driver’s license, passport, driver’s instruction permit.

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• A document verifying current address. The following are considered acceptable: a residential property tax statement for a West Virginia residential property with the name of the applicant; a copy of a current utility bill displaying the current residential address; a bank checkbook with current address imprinted on checks; current bank statement, or canceled mail postmarked within the last week. 

Children are issued library cards on the same basis as adults. For applicants twelve or younger, a parent or legal guardian should accompany the child, have proper identification and sign the application.  Young  people between twelve and eighteen years of age will be issued a Cabell County Public Library card upon presentation of acceptable identification (or parent’s identification if present). Parents or guardians are financially responsible for all items checked out on their children’s cards and are urged to apply for cards of their own. The library may refuse to issue a new card to any members of a family that has overdue material or outstanding fines and/or fees.

 

What if I lose my library card?

Notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen either in person or by telephone. This will prevent unauthorized use of your library card. You are responsible for all charges incurred by an unauthorized user until the library card is reported lost or stolen.

 

Library Card Fees/Replacement Cards -There is no fee for first library cards. The charge for the first replacement card is $.25. The fee doubles for each subsequent replacement card.

Patrons must have a library card in good standing, i.e. fines amounting to less than $5.00 and no long-overdue items, before the circulation staff will issue a replacement card. 

 

Customers must show identification with a current address to obtain a card, renew a card or replace a lost card. Except for business/institutional cards, Cabell County Public Library cards are good for three years and are renewed free of charge by verifying the current address. There is no charge for changes of name or address.

 

Can I borrow materials if I haven’t brought my card to the library?

 

The Library encourages all Library cardholders to carry their cards with them to the Library, but understands that this is not always possible. In their absence cardholders may check out material by presenting a photo identification card.

 

 

Loss of Borrowing Privileges

Books may not be checked out to a borrower in any of the following circumstances: The borrowing limit of 20 items has been reached. Bills or overdue fines are $5 or over. Your library card has expired. Cards may be renewed if all fines or fees are paid in full and address is verified.

 

Library Fines

 

The purpose of a library fine is to encourage the prompt return of library materials in order that others in the community may use them.  Fines may be paid either by cash or check.The Library will work with patrons to allow a reasonable payment plans, if necessary.

 

Holds (Reserves)

 

Customers who wish to pick up material being held for another person must have the other person's library card and either the reserve notification letter or proof they share an address and notify the circulation staff before they will be allowed to pick up reserve materials.

 

Deposits

 

Some library materials require deposits either by cash or check before they may be checked out to patrons. Only the patron whose signature appears on the deposit form may pick up the deposit when returning the item, unless another arrangement has been made. The circulation department will accept the return of the item by anyone, but will return the deposit only to the original patron.

 

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