The basic purpose of TDL’s circulation policy is three-fold:
- To make multiple services available
- To provide maximum use of all collections
- To ensure equitable retrieval of overdue materials
TDL is a member of Lakeland Library Cooperative and may participate in other cooperatives as deemed beneficial.
TDL shall serve all residents of Cato, Hinton, Pine Townships and the Lakeview Community School District except residents of previously-existing service areas such as Kent District Library or Flat River Community Library.
The use of TDL or its services may be denied or restricted for due cause such as: failure to pay fines, stealing of library property, destruction of library property, disturbances of other patrons, or any other objectionable or illegal conduct on library premises, at the discretion of the Director.
LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION
TDL issues resident (free) and non-resident (fee) library cards.
The applicant must reside in the TDL service area to be eligible for a free card.
Applicant must provide proof of residency by presenting a valid Michigan Driver’s license or a Michigan ID card with current address. If applicant does not have a Michigan license or ID, a copy of a current tax record from within the service area or a current utility bill showing name and address along with another form of picture ID may be used. (Exception: Religious exemptions regarding picture ID shall be considered on an individual case basis.)
Applicant must complete and sign a registration form.
A parent or legal guardian must come in and sign the application form for minors under 18. Parents or legal guardians have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their minors to library resources. By signing a minor’s library card, such parent or legal guardian is taking responsibility for said minor’s selection and shall not hold TDL responsible.
A card is necessary to check out materials from TDL. If the card is lost or stolen, the patron must notify TDL as soon as possible. Lost or stolen cards can be replaced for an administrative fee (see Appendix A). If there is an address change, TDL must be notified.
Non-residents of our service area shall be allowed a library non-resident card. Non-resident applicants must provide the same proof of address and identity as residents and must complete and sign the registration form. A non-resident card is valid only for in-house materials owned by TDL and e-books available to TDL patrons. Non-residents shall pay an annual non-refundable, non-resident fee. The non-resident fee shall be computed at the beginning of each fiscal year and shall remain in effect until the following July 1 in accordance with the following formula:
Total Library Budget (TLB) divided by
Latest Population Census (LPC) equals
Per Capita Cost (PCC)
TLB
----- = PCC
LPC
Said Per Capita Cost shall be rounded up to the next highest dollar and shall be known as the Non-resident Fee. (see Appendix A)
Non-resident cards are valid for 1 year from the date issued.
SPECIAL BORROWERS-Library Staff
All materials borrowed must be checked out on the circulation system. No item on hold for a TDL patron shall be checked out. Staff is not expected to pay overdue fines or rental fees.
FORGOTTEN CARDS
A library card is required to check out materials. If a patron forgets their card, items may be set aside for 24 hours until the patron returns with their library card.
LOAN PERIODS
TDL establishes loan periods with the intent to make library resources available and useful to each patron to the maximum extent possible. There shall be automatic renewals on all materials checked out unless owning library has restricted renewal or items are on hold for another patron.
Genealogy and newspapers do not circulate. Reference books only circulate at the discretion of the Director or designee.
USER FEES
TDL may charge for services which are not “library services” but are “provided as a convenience that are equally available commercially”. Fees for services such as copying, faxing, or DVD rental shall be clearly posted in a schedule of fees approved annually by the Board. (see Appendix A)
OVERDUE MATERIALS
To encourage the prompt return of materials, TDL and lending libraries have established a fine for overdue materials. Maximum fine accrual shall follow the policies of Lakeland Library Cooperative.
CLAIMS RETURNED
Claims returned shall be allowed at the discretion of the Director.
LOST AND DAMAGED MATERIALS
Any patron who borrows materials from TDL is responsible for returning them on time and in good condition. The patron is to pay for damages when materials are returned. If an item has to be replaced because it is damaged beyond repair, then a full replacement charge shall be assessed.
When a patron has lost materials, they are responsible to pay for the materials lost. If the patron finds the lost material within 3 months of payment they may return the material, in good condition, for a refund. Refunds shall not include the maximum overdue fine for each item. Any lost or damaged materials belonging to another library shall be subject to that library’s policies for damage fees and repayments of returned lost and paid books.
LIBRARY PRIVILEGES SUSPENDED
Patron’s library accounts must be in good standing, less than $10.00 in fees or fines. When fines and fees exceed the $10.00 limit, library borrowing privileges are suspended.
Upon restitution, suspension shall be lifted. Exceptions to suspending privileges can be made when the patron shows good faith by making payment(s) on an existing fine or bill.
VIDEO
Any patron wishing to rent a video or DVD must have a valid library card in good standing. TDL does not restrict access to any of its materials based upon the age of the cardholder. Parents or guardians who sign for a minor’s card understand that it is their responsibility to give guidance on what is appropriate for their minors to view.