Possession of a valid library card in good standing, i.e., not in "denial of service" status, is required to borrow materials from the St. Charles City-County Library, unless other policies and/or agreements provide exceptions.

1. permanent address of residency  (P.O. Box only is not proof of residency)
2. birthdate of applicant (used to differentiate between people with same name and for distinction of responsibility for minors)
3. signature of responsible party  (A parent or guardian's signature is required on a Library Card application for a person under the age of 16.)

The signature of an adult constitutes an agreement to abide by rules set forth by the Library District regarding use of the card and signifies responsibility for any fines, fees, damages, or loss of materials which may result from the card's use.  

The Library retains the right to modify the limits (i.e., 100 items or $2500 value)  for certain individuals and organizations when it deems appropriate to reduce potential loss. 

The District shall issue various types of cards to accommodate the public's needs.

INDIVIDUAL (PERSONAL) CARD

An individual card shall be issued without charge to:

1. Any resident of the St. Charles City-County Library District upon request with appropriate identification. A place of residence, as defined in the Revised State of Missouri Statues, means the place where the family of any person permanently resides and the place where any person having no family generally lodges.  
   1. A parent or guardian's signature is required on an application for a library card for a person under the age of 16. Appropriate identification of the    parent or guardian is required when responsibility is assumed by such person.
   2. Persons age 16 and over applying for a library card assume such responsibility on their own signature.>
   3. Acceptable identification may include, but is not limited to, a valid driver's license, utility bill, postmarked mail, etc. along with a picture identification.
2. A non-resident who pays property taxes in the Library District upon request with appropriate identification and proof of tax payment.  Acceptable identification may include, but is not limited to, a valid driver's license, utility bill, postmarked mail, etc. along with a picture identification.
   1. A non-resident taxpayer may designate additional family members living at the owner's primary residence as associated users of the same card for which the card holder will assume responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITY

A parent or guardian's signature is required on an application for a library card for a person under the age of 16. The parent or guardian thereby assumes responsibility for any fines, fees, damages, or loss of materials which may result from the use of the card. Appropriate identification of the parent or guardian is required when the responsibility is assumed by such person.  Persons age 16 and over applying for a library card assume such responsibility on their own signature.  Acceptable identification may include, but is not limited to, a valid driver's license, utility bill, postmarked mail, etc. along with a picture identification. 

Limitations

Each card shall be limited to a maximum of 100 items or materials valued at $2500 borrowed on it at any one time.

ORGANIZATIONAL CARD and/or BUSINESS CARD

A card shall be issued without charge to any organizational entity, profit or non-profit, located within St. Charles County upon request with appropriate documentation and identification. 

RESPONSIBILITY

A card application must be signed by a responsible person within the organization, such as an owner, manager, or fiscal officer; the corporate entity shall assume responsibility for any fines, fees, damages, or loss of materials which may result from the use of the card. Appropriate documentation and identification may include, but shall not be limited to, a business license, incorporation papers, certification by County Clerk , 501 C listing, or other legal documents.

Limitations

Each card shall be limited to a maximum of 100 items or materials valued at $2500 borrowed on it at any one time.

RECIPROCAL CARD

A person living in a library district with which the St. Charles City-County Library has a reciprocity agreement, may apply for a reciprocal card for use at the St. Charles City-County Library. The card will allow the person to obtain materials from the St. Charles City-County Library according to the rules and regulations established. A reciprocal card will be issued if the individual provides identification and the home library does not show a delinquent record for the person. 

RESPONSIBILITY

Same as stated for an individual (personal card).  According to reciprocity agreements, the Library District of the individual's residence shall assume ultimate responsibility for the usage of a reciprocal card.

Limitations

Each card shall be limited to a maximum of 100 items or materials valued at $2500 borrowed on it at any one time.

HUMAN SERVICES CLIENT CARD

A person, residing within the District, without a permanent address, but registered with an approved human services agency may obtain a Human Services Client Card.

1. Materials shall be limited to two items plus in-library Internet access.
   
2. Card shall be issued for a period of up to one year (depending on the procedures of the human services agency).
   
3. The cardholder shall list the human services agency address as the point of primary contact.
   
4. Human Services Client cardholders are not eligible for reciprocal borrowing privileges.

RESPONSIBILITY

Although the District shall rely on certification from an approved human services agency before issuing the card, responsibility shall be the same as for the individual (personal card).

NON-RESIDENT CARD

A person who does not reside in St. Charles County , does not pay taxes in St. Charles County and does not qualify for any of the library cards previously listed, may obtain a non-resident card:

1. Payment of an annual fee of $80 per card per 12 month period.
2. Applicant may designate family members living at the owner's primary residence as associated users for which the card holder will be responsible.  
3. Materials shall be limited the same as an individual card.

RESPONSIBILITY

Same as stated for an individual (personal) card. 

TEMPORARY CARD

A temporary card may be issued to an individual residing temporarily in St. Charles County :

1. Materials shall be limited to two items plus Internet access.
   
2. Card shall be issued for a period of up to 90 days.
   
3. The cardholder shall provide identification and proof of permanent residency as well as proof of temporary residency.
   
4. Acceptable identification may include, but is not limited to, a valid driver's license, rent receipt, postmarked mail, etc. along with a picture identification. 

RESPONSIBILITY

Same as stated for an individual (personal) card

TEMPORARY CARD:  BOARDING STUDENT 

Temporary Library cards may be issued to individuals who reside in local college and/or university housing within St. Charles County

1. Materials shall be limitd to five items or a value of $250.
2. Card shall be issued for a period of up to 90 days (discretion of branch manager).
3. The cardholder shall provide identification and proof of permanent residency as well as proof of temporary residency.
   
4. Acceptable identification may include, but is not limited to, a valid driver’s license, rent receipt, postmarked mail, etc. along with a picture identification.

RESPONSIBILITY

Same as stated for an individual (personal) card.  

 OTHER CARDS

The District may establish other types of library cards with differing limits for the purpose of providing services to other libraries, homebound residents and institutions.  In addition, internal library cards may be established to effect services among and within branches.    

REPLACEMENT CHARGE

There shall be a charge for replacement of a library card, i.e., a duplicate card. This charge may be waived for extenuating circumstances and hardships.

The replacement charge is based on the actual costs incurred by the Library District in supplies, personnel, and other miscellaneous costs. The current replacement cost and the actual costs incurred by the District shall be posted in each branch library.

Notices of any proposed changes in replacement cost shall be posted 30 days in advance.

(Click here for a complete Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.)

(Formerly policies: C032/revised 4/14/86 & 3/12/90; C288/revised 4/10/78 & 3/12/90 ; and C032.1/revised 3/12/90 & 6/13/94 ; C232 Revised 3/14/05 & Effective 5/1/05 )

(Approved 8/13/2007 ) (Revisions proposed for 1/12/09 ; Approved 4/11/09 & Effective 7/1/09 ) (Further revisions effective 8/11/09 )