Policies

  1. Standard Registration Rules
  2. Patron Registration Codes
  3. Standard Loan Rules
  4. Fines, Fees & Charges
  5. Suspension of Privileges
  6. Confidentiality of Patrons Records
  1. Library cards are initially available to all Shelby County residents free of charge. An application must be completed for every person wishing to obtain a card and use Shelby County Public Libraries' services.
  2. All applications must be completed and all cards issued at a Shelby County library during normal operating hours.
  3. All applicants and responsible parties must be present for a card to be issued.
  4. Identification and proof of residence are required for all patrons before a card can be issued. A photo ID such as driver's license, non-driver's ID, passport, student ID, military ID, or work badge is preferred. A patron without a photo ID must provide two alternate forms of identification such as social security card, insurance card, credit card, etc. Patrons providing a P.O. Box as a mailing address must also provide proof of their physical street address.
  5. Applications for minors who are younger than 18 must have a parent or legal guardian's signature. The adult who signs for the minor will be held liable for any and all charges or damages associated with the minor's card. Upon the minor's 18th birthday all present fines and fees will be assumed by the signing responsible party and all future fines will be the responsibility of the applicant.
  6. If the parent/guardian signing for a minor's card, has a card that is not in good standing, then a card cannot be issued to the minor until the issues on the adult's card have been cleared.
  7. If a minor has a card that is not in good standing and the parent/guardian who signed the minor's application wishes to apply for an adult card, then the charges on the minor's card must be paid before the parent/guardian may be issued a card.
  8. The use of VIP library cards is at the discretion of each individual library. Cards with VIP patron codes must only be assigned by the library director at each library.
  9. Students who attend school within Shelby County may obtain a card free of charge for one year without charge if they present verification of enrollment and proof of current and permanent residence.
  10. Non-resident adults, 18 years and older, who are working for business located in Shelby County are eligible to receive a free library card for one year with proof of employment such as a paycheck stub and/or employer ID card or badge.
  11. Non-resident cards can be issued to adults, 18 years and older, for an annual $30 registration fee. Non-resident adults wishing only to gain access to databases or digital collections may apply for an electronic resources card for an annual $10 registration fee.
  12. The library also offers cards to adults, 18 years and older, who are residing within impermanent and/or transient housing situations. Temporary 6 month cards can be given to those who are staying in temporary housing with proof either through rent payments or letter from their host. A temporary card may also be issued to those residing in transient housing such as a shelter, group home, center, institution, or organization with a letter from the administration of the organization.
  13. If an individual's library card is lost or stolen, then the patron must report the loss immediately. The patron is responsible for all activity relating to the lost card until the library has been notified and the card made invalid.
  14. Replacement cards can be issued for old, damaged, unreadable, stolen or lost cards. All items must be returned, holds cancelled, all fines/fees paid, and lost or claimed items must be resolved on the current card before a new card can be issued. A card which has been replaced is no longer valid and should be destroyed if later found.
  15. Stolen cards will be replaced free of charge. If the card is old, damaged or unreadable, then the patron may apply for a new card free of charge if the old card(s) is attached to the application. When an individual's library card is lost, the patron may apply for a new replacement card and pay a nonrefundable fee of $3.
  16. The length of terms for library cards is dependent on the Patron Registration Code. Each can be renewed upon expiration after any charges have been resolved, identification and contact information has been verified, and any registration fees paid.