Services

Circulation Policies


Getting a library card is easy!

You are eligible for a free library card if you live, own property, work, or attend school in Hardin County. If you do not meet these criteria, you may obtain a non-resident card for an annual fee of $10.00.


Applying for a Library Card:

  • See "How to Get a Library Card" for required documents.
  • Treat your library card like a credit card — do not lend it.
  • Notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen; the card will be stopped immediately.
  • A replacement fee applies for lost cards.
  • Present a photo ID to receive a replacement card.


Updating Your Information:

  • Notify the library if you move, change your phone number, or change your email.


Forgot Your Card:

  • Adults: Present a current photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Children: Accounts can be accessed using a parent’s library card or ID


BORROWING MATERIALS:  The Library offers a large collection of books, magazines, and audiovisual materials for all ages. Newspapers and history room materials are restricted to in-library use only.


Checkout Locations:

  • Main Library
  • North Book Locker
  • Bookmobile


Loan Periods:

  • Books, audiobooks, books on CD, music CDs: 14 days
  • Reserve books and DVDs: 7 days
  • New items (purchased within 6 months) and DVDs: initial checkout for standard loan period only
  • Other circulating items: up to 14 days


Checkout Limits:

  • Patrons with fines/fees over $10.00 cannot check out items.
  • Maximum of 20 items per patron at one time.
  • Item Limits Within 20 Items:
  • New fiction/nonfiction: 5 items
  • DVDs: 5 items
  • Music CDs: 5 items
  • Audiobooks/books on CD: 10 items


HOLDS:  A hold or reserve requests the library to set aside an item when it becomes available.

  • First-come, first-served basis
  • Notification by phone or email once the item is ready
  • Holds kept at the pick-up library for 3 days; cancelled on the fourth day if not picked up
  • Holds can be placed online or in the library


RENEWALS:  Renewals can be done in person, by phone, or online

  • Most items may be renewed up to 4 times
  • Cannot renew:
  • New items
  • DVDs
  • Items requested by others
  • Interlibrary loans
  • Items already renewed 4 times


Reasons Online Renewal May Fail:

  • Item requested by another user
  • Maximum renewal limit reached
  • Fines/fees exceed $10.00
  • Library card expired (cards expire after 1 year; must verify info, return overdue materials, and pay all fines/fees)


OVERDUE MATERIALS, FINES, DAMAGED ITEMS:

  • Overdue notices are sent by email (courtesy only; failure to receive notice does not exempt fines)
  • Items with multiple pieces must be returned in full before checkout is completed; fines accrue until all pieces are returned
  • Minor damage can often be fixed in-house at no charge
  • Severely damaged or lost items: borrower pays replacement cost plus any fines
  • You may provide a new item with the same ISBN (or newer edition for nonfiction) instead of paying the replacement cost
  • Refunds for paid lost items returned:
  • 100% within 30 days
  • 50% within 31–59 days