Loan Policies
Rules for borrowing
- A library card is needed to check out library materials (Photo ID can be used to access a card-holder's account and check out materials if the card
is unavailable).
- Library materials are loaned to individual library users with valid library cards for a specified period of time. Please return or renew the materials no later than the due date.
- To use non-circulating reference materials (periodicals, microfilm, etc.) for in-library use, we require library card or photo ID to be held at the checkout desk.
- If you move, change your phone number, or email address, let us know so we can update your library account.
- Failure to receive an overdue notice does not negate your responsibility to return items to the library on time.
- We do not charge overdue fines for most materials; however, you may be charged for lost and damaged materials.
- You are responsible for everything checked out on your card, even if those items are lost or stolen.
- Your borrowing privileges may be be suspended when limits established for the following activities are exceeded:
- Overdue materials
- Dollar amount owed for lost or damaged materials
Lost, stolen and replacement library cards
Please report lost or stolen cards to the library to avoid being held responsible for materials checked out on your card after the loss or theft is reported. If you report a card lost or stolen,
you'll need to present photo ID to get a replacement card.
Checking Out
Resident and non-resident patrons of the Longview Public Library may have up to 40 items
on their individual card at any given time. A special "address challenged" cards for those without proof of permanent address will allow 5 checkouts.
How long can I keep borrowed items?
The lending period is three (3) weeks on most items. Exceptions may apply to special materials and collections.
DVD Circulation Policy Information
Age Restrictions:
Any Longview Library cardholder may check out DVDs. There are no longer age restrictions, and a youth card may be used to borrow these materials. As with all other library materials, the staff is not
responsible for monitoring what a cardholder checks out.
If you, as parent or guardian, do not want your child to be able to check out DVDs, please let library staff know so that we can place a block on the young person's card. This will prevent all
DVDs--adult and juvenile--from being checked out on the blocked card.
Renewing Materials
Most items may be renewed up to 4 times if no one else is waiting for them. Items on hold for someone else cannot be renewed and must be returned by their
due dates. Eligible items will automatically renew unless there is a hold on them.
Late Fines
Library materials are due back by closing time on their due date. The due date is on the receipt that you are given when you check items out. You can also check a due date by calling
360.442.5300. You may also check due dates yourself from your account in our library catalog.
We do not charge fees for late items, but if an item is not returned within sixty days of its due date, it will be declared lost and the patron's account will be charged the replacement cost.
Patrons have sixty days to return lost material for no penalty, or pay the charged price.
After an item has been declared "lost" for sixty days the library may no longer accept the return of that item, and the price of the item must be paid in full.
If a patron pays for a "lost" item, but is able to return it within the sixty days of being declared "lost", they will be reimbursed within ninety days, with the exception of the $5/item restocking fee.
Returning Materials
How long will an item stay on my record after I return it?
You may return items in any of the drop boxes located in the lower floor lobby and near the main floor checkout desk, or in the outside book return, located on the Maple Street side of the building. Please be aware
that returning items to a return box does not remove them from your account immediately. This includes Lost material. Staff must process the item in order for it to be removed from your list of checkouts and library return schedules vary.
If you return items that are missing a part, they won't be checked in until you return the missing piece.
What do I do if something is lost or damaged?
Lost and damaged items should be reported to the library as quickly as possible. Lost material charges are based on the cost of replacing
the item and for processing the material for circulation when it is replaced. Charges for damaged items are assessed based on the nature of the damage and whether or not the material can be mended and
put back into circulation. For questions about lost and damaged materials, call 360.442.5317 or email us.
The library urges patrons to handle materials carefully and return them on time. You are responsible for any material checked out on your card and should not loan your card to others.
Please keep DVDs and CDs in their containers when not in use. A frequent problem for the library involves media items returned in the wrong case or without the inserts. Help us preserve materials so
others can use them. Help keep library costs down by returning materials on time and in the condition in which you received them.
Note: If you discover an item is damaged after you have checked it out, please notify the library as soon as you notice the problem.
Refund Policy
If you have paid for a lost item, then find the item, you may ask for a refund within ninety days. The refund will be in the form of a check from the City of Longview, and may take a little while to
process.
Placing Holds
Holds may be placed on items online or over the phone (360.442.5300), or from any catalog computer in the library. Learn more about placing holds and and picking up materials on our Library Drive-Thru page. Please allow at least 24 hours for items which are
currently checked in to be placed on the holds shelf. You will be notified that your item is ready by email, text, or mail, depending on your preference. You can adjust your preferences by logging into
your online account.
Your PIN Number
The PIN number associated with your library card are the last 4 digits of your phone number. To verify or change your PIN number, call: 360.442.5300. Please have your library card number available when you call. You can also reset your PIN or choose a new password yourself
by accessing your online account. Click the "Forgot Your PIN?" link on the account logon page.
