​Patron Policies

Patrons

• All patrons of Swisher County Library are served without regard to race, creed or color. Library cards are available to any Swisher County resident who requests one.
• All patrons of the library are expected to abide by the Patron Policy of Swisher County Library.
• Adult patrons will not leave children 10 years old and under without supervision in any area of the library.
• Excessive cell phone usage may result in being asked to step out of the library to complete their calls.
• The librarian or staff may deny service to any person for failure to pay fines, destruction of library property or for objectionable conduct in the library.
• All patrons of the library are expected to abide by the Patron Policy of Swisher County Library.

Food And Drink

• Food and drinks (including candy) are not allowed in any public areas of the library.

Library Cards

• Patrons will be issued individual library cards to be used for checking out library material and using the computers.
• Computer policy must be read and signed before first use.
• Each patron must supply a valid Texas driver’s license/ID, a second proof of address, and sign the application form.
• A parent or legal guardian must supply their driver’s license or ID and sign the application for children under age 18.
• Children must be at least 5 years old and able to sign their own name.
• Replacing a lost card will cost $2.00 for each instance.
• Library cards are also available for out-of-county users at the yearly cost of $15.00 per person and $25.00 per family.

Computer Use Only Cards

• Patrons wishing to use library computers only can be issued a computer only card.
• This card cannot be used to check out books or other items from the library.
• Each patron desiring a computer card must have a valid driver’s license or TX ID.
• This card and it’s accompanying PIN will be used to sign on the computer.

Lending Limit

• Four titles may be checked out on one patron card (excluding DVDs), with a limit of two NEW titles.
• DVDs are limited to four titles per household.

Lending Time

• Titles (excluding magazines/DVDs) are checked out for 2 weeks and with two possible renewals, except for NEW titles which cannot be rechecked. If a book is on hold for another patron, it cannot be rechecked. NEW magazines may be checked out for one week, and back issues may be checked out for two weeks. DVDs may be checked out for one week, renewals are at the discretion of the librarian.

Reserves/Holds

• New materials (two months old or newer) will be held for 3 business days from the time of notice of their arrival.
• Older materials will be held for 5 business days from the time of notice of their arrival.
• Items cannot be reserved for a specific date.

Fines

• Charges for overdue books and CDs are .10 per day per title. DVD charges are $1.00 per day. This does not include the days the library is closed.
• Patrons with fines may be grouped with other cardholding members of the household if fines are not paid promptly. Overdue fines can result in suspension of privileges for the entire group.

Damaged/Lost Materials

• Damage charges will be assessed depending on the extent of the damage and is at the discretion of the librarian.
• A processing fee of $5.00 will be added to the cost of the item if the item is too damaged to be circulated and for all invoiced items.
• Lost items that have been paid for become the property of the patron.
• The library does not issue refunds for lost/paid items. Patrons are not allowed to purchase replacements without prior library staff approval.

Overdue Notices

• A first overdue notice is issued at two weeks overdue.
• An invoice is mailed at 60 days overdue.
• There is a drop box for materials located at the front of the building.
• Patrons must notify the library of changes to their address, email, or telephone number.
• The library is not responsible for undelivered notices if no current information has been provided.

Interlibrary Loans

• Patrons requesting loan material will be charged for one-way postage.
• If the patron does not pick up the material within five days, it will be returned, and they will be charged for postage.
• No further material will be ordered for the patron.
• Similarly, if a patron returns materials over 7 days late, no other material will be ordered for said patron.

Document Scanning/Printing

• Printing is a cash-only service - NO CARDS accepted
  
• Scanning: .10 each side
• Printing: Black & White: .25 each side
• Printing: Color .50 for 50% or less of the page covered
• Printing: Color 1.00 for 50% or more of the page covered

Revised on January 19, 2024