Possession of a valid library card in good standing is required to borrow materials from the St. Charles City-County Library, unless other policies and/or agreements provide exceptions. Each card application and/or card must be signed, thereby assuming responsibility for use of the card, and constituting an agreement to abide by rules set forth by the Library District regarding use of the card. Each library card will be limited to a maximum of 250 items or materials valued at $5,000 borrowed on it at any one time.

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

An individual card shall be issued without charge to:

A parent or guardian's signature is required on a Library Card and/or 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 applicant's use of the library. Appropriate identification of the parent or guardian is required when the responsibility is assumed by such person.  Library users age 16 and over applying for a library card assume such responsibility on their own signature. According to reciprocity agreements, the Library District of the individual's residence shall assume ultimate responsibility for the usage of a reciprocal card.

An organizational card shall be issued without charge to any organizational entity located within St. Charles County upon request with appropriate documentation and identification.

An application and/or card 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, or other legal documents.

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 for an annual fee of $80 per card per 12 month period.  The non-resident card owner may designate family members living at the owner's primary residence as associated users for which the card holder will be responsible.

Same as stated for an individual (personal) 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.

Same as stated for an individual (personal 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.

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).

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)