BORROWING POLICIES

Library Cards

Anyone who is a resident or property owner in Niagara, Orleans or Genesee County (Nioga Library System) is eligible for a free library card. To apply for a card you must present proper identification that includes name and current street address. Children are eligible for their own cards starting at age 13. Younger children may borrow books if a parent or legal guardian is present, and if the child is able to print his/her name legibly.

Special arrangements for short-term borrowers cards may be made for students at Niagara University and selected other non-resident visitors. Inquire at the Circulation Desk.

Library Cards for Non-residents

Individuals who do not reside or own property in Niagara, Orleans or Genesee counties may obtain a library card by paying a fee of $40.00 per year. This card provides for the loan of up to 15 items at one time.

Loan Periods and Limits

• Each borrower is limited to 40 items per card at one time.
• Borrowers are not allowed to check out items if there is a lost item on their record, or if unpaid fines total more than $4.00.
• Books are loaned for 21 days, except for new fiction books which are loaned for 14 days.
• DVDs, CDs, VHS videos and books on tape are loaned for 6 days. 15 items may be borrowed at one time.

Renewals

Most items may be renewed twice if they are not already overdue or have not been requested by another patron. To renew, patrons can:

• bring the items to the Circulation Desk at the libraries
• call 286-2894 at the main library, or 283-8309 for the LaSalle branch (caller must have his/her library card number and the title(s) of material to be renewed)
• renew on the library's online catalog. (click on "My Library Card" at the top of the page; you will need the barcode number from your library card)

Overdue Fines

• Adult items are assessed a fine of $.10 per item, per day up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
• Children's items are assessed a fine of $.02 per item, per day up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
• Books on CD & Books on Tape are assessed a fine of $.10 per item, per day up to a maximum of $5 per item.
• CDs are assessed a fine of $.10 per item, per day up to a $10.00 maximum per item.
• Videos and DVDs are assessed a fine of $1.00 per item per day up to a maximum of $10.00 per item.

Reserving an Item

Materials currently checked out may be reserved by:

• making a request at the circulation desk
• using the "Request Item" function on the online catalog (you will need your library card barcode number)
• calling the Reference Department at 286-4881

Borrowing From Other Libraries

Your Niagara Falls Public Library card will be honored at any library that is a member of the Nioga Library System, that is, public libraries in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties.

Requests for items in these libraries can also be made through the online catalog, in person at the Reference Desk, or by calling the Reference Department at 286-4881