Obtaining A Library Card

Having a library card is a privilege. Protect it! It is the patron’s responsibility to report a missing or stolen card immediately. Patron assumes full responsibility for all items checked out to his or her library card. It is also the responsibility of the patron to inform the Circulation staff of any changes in personal information such as address and telephone number. Finally, the borrower agrees to comply with all library rules and regulation, pay all fines and to be responsible for any loss of damages to material checked out under his or her library card.

  1. The FIRST library card is free and it is nontransferable; patrons must use their own library card and NOT SHARE such privilege with anyone including family members.
  2. An applicant age 17 or under is considered a minor and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to obtain a library card.
  3. An applicant who is a minor must be present to have a library card issued.
  4. When applying for a library card, proper photo identification with current address is required. The following documentation is accepted: Drivers License, State Issued ID, or Mexican Consulate ID Card.
  5. No library card will be issued 15 minutes prior to closing.

CHECKING OUT MATERIAL:
Patron must present his or her library card each time he or she needs to borrow library material.

  1. Library card is good at any of the public libraries in Hidalgo County for the exception of Donna.
  2. Be aware that each library in Hidalgo County has its own polices; therefore, it is the patrons’ responsibility to become familiar with the libraries’ policies.
  3. No materials will be checked out five minutes prior to closing.
FORGOT LIBRARY CARD:
If you need library material and forgot your library card, you may still checkout material by meeting the following criteria:

  1. Show proper identification: Driver’s License, State Issued ID, or Mexican Consulate ID Card. If an adult has no identification or proof of residence that person may obtain a library card under his/her spouse’s account with the spouse as the responsible party.
  2. Address on ID must match information on file (again it is the patron’s responsibility to inform the Circulation staff of change of address and/or telephone number).
  3. Not be delinquent, this includes overdue books and/or fines at Dustin Sekula Memorial Library or any other library in Hidalgo County.
LOAN PERIOD & RENEWAL:

Any books that are overdue or have a hold status may not be renewed.

MATERIALLOAN PERIODRENEWALSNUMBER OF ITEMS
Books 2 weeks 1 renewal Limit of 15
Language Kits 2 weeks Non renewable Limit of 1
Software 2 weeks Non renewable Limit of 4
Books on CD/Cassette 2 weeks 1 renewal Limit of 4
Music CDs 2 weeks 1 renewal Limit of 2
Videos/DVD 5 Days Non renewable Limit of 3


DATE DUE & OVERDUE MATERIAL:

The date the material is due is printed on receipt issued to patron at time of checkout. It is against City of Edinburg ordinance to retain any library material past the due date.

Please note City of Edinburg ordinance Chapter 96 Sections 03, 04 and 06:

Section 03 RETURN OF BOOKS.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to retain or fail to return any books, articles or materials beyond the date designated by the library employee or officer at the time such book, article or material is removed by consent of the library and charged out to the person removing same at the library or any extensions of time granted in writing by the library.”

Section 04 FAILURE TO RETURN BOOKS AND THE LIKE; FINES AND LATE CHARGES.
“Any person failing to return any book, article or other material, on or before the date designated as provided in 96.03 shall be liable for fine or late charge for each day of such retention as provided by the rules and regulations of the Edinburg Public Library Board…”.

Section 06 FILING COMPLAINTS.
“The Director of the Library or any person authorized by the Director may file a complaint in the municipal court against any person violating the provisions…”

CHARGES:
All material is inspected before and after each use. It is the borrower’s responsibility to see that videos are rewound and all other material is returned in good condition or pay for the cost of repair or total replacement. Fines on overdue material are charged per day per item.
MATERIALFINE
Books $0.05
Books on CD/Cassette $0.05
VHS/DVD $0.50
Software $0.50
VHS Not Rewound $0.50
Mailed Notices $0.50 per letter
Certified Letter Amount depends on service price
Date Due Card $0.25
Torn Pocket $0.50
Missing Barcode $1.00
Torn Spine Label $0.50
Card Protector $1.00
Missing Security Card $1.00
Processing Fee Per Item $5.00


REPLACEMENT OF LIBRARY CARD
1st Replacement Card $1.50
2nd Replacement Card $3.00
3rd Replacement Card $5.00

REPLACEMENT FEE:
Replacement charges consist of the following:

  1. Lost or damaged material must be paid at the cost of the item.
  2. In addition, there is a non-refundable processing fee of $5.00 per item.
  3. Refunds for lost and paid materials will be issued if they are returned to the library within 30 days from the date of payment.
  4. Material must be returned in good condition to be eligible for a refund.
  5. No refunds will be given for items paid as lost without the original receipt.
  6. Accrued fine will be charged from the date the material was due to the day the material is returned.
  7. The amount left after the fine is assessed will be the amount of the refund.


BORROWING LIMITS:

  1. Adults, 18 years or older may check out 15 items.
  2. Children may check out 15 items.
  3. Young Adults ages 14 and older may check out 15 items.
  4. Children and young adults may not check out DVD's.