Circulation Policy

Purpose:

The core service of the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library is to serve as a learning and educational center for all residents of the community. In providing borrowing privileges, we promote the use of materials to help patrons obtain information to meet their personal educational and professional needs.

Obtaining a Library Card:

Having a library card is a privilege. It is the patron’s responsibility to report a missing or stolen card immediately.  A 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 regulations, pay all fines and to be responsible for any loss or 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 and be present to utilize their library card.
2. An applicant age 17 or under is considered a minor and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to obtain a library card.
3. An applicant who is a minor must be present to have a library card issued. Child must be able to sign their name on the card.
4. When applying for a library card, proper photo identification with current address is required (this does not apply to E-Cards).  The following documentation is accepted: Drivers License, State Issued ID, or Mexican Consulate ID Card. (A current electric or water bill statement is required for proof of residency if using a Mexican Consulate Card).
5. No library card will be issued fifteen 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. Except for 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.
4. Any library card being used by a relative or friend will be confiscated, and staff will contact original patron.

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 that spouse as the responsible party; so long as he or she has the proper documentation as mentioned above.
2. Address on ID must match information on file.
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 and Renewal:

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

Date Due and 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 music cd’s, DVDs, Blu-ray, video games, books 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.

As a courtesy to our patrons we will allow the checkout of material if there is a fine balance of $3.00 dollars or under.  Any fine that is due for over $3.00 must be paid at the lending library before materials can be checked out.  This courtesy may be revoked at any time if outstanding balance is not paid before next checkout.

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.
8. All damaged material must be paid within 30 days in order to claim the said damaged material.

BORROWING LIMITS:

1. Adults, 18 years and older may checkout circulating materials this includes: Books, DVDs, Blu-ray, Video Games, Music CDs, Language kits, audio visual, and kits.

PRIVACY POLICY:

The Circulation staff will safeguard the confidentiality of patron records.  This is in accordance with the Privacy act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579).  No information will be given to a third party about the name of another patron who has checked out material.

The only exception to this policy will be in response to a court order.  Requests of this nature will be handled by the Library Director.