Library Cards and Borrowing Policies

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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. Special arrangements for short-term borrower's cards may be made for students at Niagara University and selected other non-resident visitors. Inquire at the Circulation Desk. Patrons must have their library card with them to borrow items from the library. The replacement cost for a lost card is $1.00.

Please note: Library cards are not issued in the 30 minutes prior to closing.

How to Apply for a Card

Adult Cards (age 13 and over)
To apply for a card you must present two forms of identification that establish your identity and residency.
Examples:
Identity: Photo ID such as a driver's license, government issued ID card, school ID, school lunch card
Residency: An item with your current address printed on it, such as a bill or letter sent to the home (dated within the past two months) or a recent report card.

Children's Cards (age 5 – 12)
Children are eligible for their own cards beginning at age 5. A parent or legal guardian must come into the library with the child and present two forms of identification (see examples above) issued in the adult's name. The child must also be present.

Nonresidents
Individuals who do not reside or own property in Niagara, Orleans or Genesee counties may obtain a library card by paying a fee of $25.00 per year. This card provides for the loan of up to 15 items at one time.
Loan Periods and Limits

How many items may I borrow?
Maximum number of books – 40
Maximum number of magazines - 3
Maximum number of DVDs – 10
Maximum number of CDs – 10
Maximum number of video games - 1
Maximum total amount of both books and audiovisual material – 40 items

• No more than four books can be borrowed from one author, new book selection or category at one time.
• No more than five new DVDs may be borrowed at one time.
• No more than one video game may be borrowed at one time.

How long can I keep the items?
Books and Books on CD – 3 weeks
Magazines - 3 weeks
CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games – 1 week

Renewals
Most items may be renewed if they are not already overdue or have not been requested by another patron.

Number of times items may be renewed:

• Books - 2
• Magazines - 1
• CDs, DVDs, Playaways- 2
• Video games - 0

To renew, patrons can:

• Bring the items to the Circulation Desk at the library
• Call 716-286-4894 for the main library, or 716-283-8309 for the LaSalle branch (caller must have his/her library card number and the title(s) of material to be renewed)
• Renew through the library's online catalog (you will need your library card barcode number and PIN). Don't have a PIN yet? Click here and follow the instructions in the "Getting Started" box on the right. Forgot your PIN? Click here, then click Log In, then click on the Forgot My PIN link.

New Fine Free Policy
We no longer charge late fees for NFL-owned materials.  However, fine free does not mean free of responsibility:

• 2 days before the NFPL-owned item is due, patrons with an email on file will receive a notification to renew or return their items
• 7 days from the printed due date, the 1st overdue notice is generated
• 14 days from the printed due date, the 2nd overdue notice is generated
• 28 days from the printed due date, the 3rd notice is a bill for missing items, and privileges are shut down*
• 32 days from the printed due date, the account is referred to a collection agency, where an additional $10 collection fee (non-waivable) is applied.
• *privileges include borrowing books and physical materials, electronic downloads, and computer access on patron computers throughout the NIOGA Library System

Reserving an Item (Placing a Hold)
You may request to have materials held or sent from another library by:

• Making a request at the reference desk
• Using the "Place Hold" function in the online catalog (you will need your library card barcode number and PIN). Don't have a PIN yet? Click here and follow the instructions in the "Getting Started" box on the right. Forgot your PIN? Click here, then click Log In, then click on the Forgot My PIN link.
• Calling the Reference Department at 286-4881
• Items will be held for one week after they are received and the patron has been called.

Adopted date: 8/27/14

BORROWING POLICIES
Click here for printable (PDF) version of this policy.