WHATCOM COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Approved by: Library Board of Trustees Revised May 24, 2005
Revised July 22, 2004
Revised September 16, 2003
Revised November 21, 2000
Adopted March 18, 1997
Adopted August 16, 1994
Scope: This policy defines who is eligible for a WCLS library card and limitations
to borrowing privileges.
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I. The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is a system of libraries serving the diverse needs of area residents of all ages. All library branches and bookmobile are open to the public. Anyone may browse or use reference materials, attend library programs, and otherwise use services in the library facilities.
II. Eligibility for a Library Card
The following categories of individuals are eligible to register for library
cards, upon proof of identity and current address:
1. All residents of Whatcom County
2. Non-residents of the Library District who pay taxes to support the Library District, such as individuals who work in or own businesses or property located in Whatcom County.
3. Card holders who reside in communities with which WCLS has a reciprocal
borrowing agreement, including but not limited to:
a. Fraser Valley Regional Library (Canada)
b. Sno-Isle Regional Library System
c. Timberland Regional Library System
4. Bellingham Public Library card holders may use their BPL cards to borrow materials at WCLS libraries and bookmobile through a reciprocal agreement.
5. Nonresidents must purchase a library card to borrow materials. The annual non-resident fees are:
a. Family Fee...................................................$35.00 (up
to 8 cards)
b. Adult Fee (18-65)….....................................$25.00
c. Child Fee (under 18)....................................$12.50
d. Senior (65 and older)/disabled Fee..............$12.50
6. Visitors to Whatcom County may purchase temporary library cards to borrow materials for a fee of $3.00 per month. Non-residents and visitors must provide identification showing permanent address.
7. Whatcom County business firms and institutions may be issued agency library cards upon the written approval of the owner and/or official authorized to enter contracts on behalf of the business or institution.
8. Minors under 18 years of age may receive a library card with a parent’s or guardian’s signature. Parent/guardian signatures will not be required for minors who are demonstrably free of parental control, such as through marriage. If the minor is not accompanied by a parent or guardian at the time of registration, a temporary library record will be created, allowing a one time loan of any two items only. A registration form will be sent home for the parent’s or guardian’s signature. When the completed form is returned, a library card will be issued to the minor.
9. If the individual can prove identity, but doesn’t have identification with a current local address, the library card will be mailed to the address given to verify local address. A one time loan of two (2) items may be made, until local address is verified.
III. Limitations on borrowing privileges
1. Borrowing privileges may be denied for:
a. Failure to return overdue library materials, failure to pay for damaged or overdue materials. Money received for lost material will be refunded or credited if the materials are returned within two years of the last transaction.
b. Due cause including failure to comply with library rules, destruction of library property, and disturbance of other library patrons. See WCLS Disruptive Behavior Policy.
2. Lost or stolen cards: Lost or stolen library cards should be reported to the library immediately. A replacement card will be issued at no cost except in the case of internet access cards, for which there is a $2.00 replacement charge.
3. It is not recommended that library cards be loaned as the Borrower is still responsible for all materials borrowed on the card.
4. Borrowers are normally expected to present their library cards each time they wish to borrow materials from the library. If the computer is down borrowers are required to present their cards to borrow materials.
5. The following overdue fees shall apply for the late return of library materials:
a. Following a grace period of 7 days, $.10 per item per day to a maximum of $5.00 per item for items classified as adult items, except videos and DVDs.
b. Late return of short-loan items, including videos and DVDs: Following a grace period of 2 days, $.10 per title per day to a maximum of $5.00 per title for adult videos and DVDs and $.05 per day to a maximum of $2.50 per title for juvenile and young adult videos and DVDs.
c. Items classified for children and young adults will be charged $.05 per item per day to a maximum of $2.50 per item.
6. Other charges:
a. If library materials are not returned after the maximum fine has been
reached, the borrower will be charged for the list price of the item at the
time of purchase.
b. If an item is returned damaged or with missing parts, the borrower will
be charged according to a schedule maintained by the Library.
c. Past due financial accounts may be submitted to a private collection agency
for collection. An additional fee(s) may be charged to any account submitted
to a collection agency.
7. Exceptions:
a. Fines and lost charges may be waived in cases of library error or exceptional
circumstances, according to guidelines established by the library.
b. If a payment plan is developed and followed, collection agency accounts
may be temporarily suspended and limited checkout privileges may be restored..
IV. Privacy: It is the policy of Whatcom County Library System to protect
the privacy of library borrowers. See the WCLS Policy on Confidentiality
of Patron Records.