Make a difference with... your LIBRARY CARD!

Your Library Card is two cards in one! Use it as a Library Card, just as you always did. AND use it as a Debit Card - to pay for photocopies, printouts from Library computers and microform readers, and to purchase computer disks.

Remember to bring your Library Card EVERY TIME you visit the Library!
You won't be able to check out materials without it.

Fill out an application and see a staff member at the Circulation Desk. Applications can be obtained at any branch of the Library or by printing out an application below.

You must provide I.D. and proof of current address to obtain a library card.
If you are a parent/guardian applying for a card for a minor child, please note that the child must be with you when the application is presented at your library.  The child must also be present when materials are checked out on his or her card.

For more information, pick up a "How to Use the Library" flyer at any public library in Mahoning County. A library card entitles borrowers to check out materials from any public library in Mahoning County. Cards are free of charge to Ohio residents. All library cards are renewable every year. Adults can obtain a library card by filling out an application and showing one form of identification with entire name and current address.

Your library card is also a debit card, used to pay for photocopies, prints from computer printers and microform readers, and to purchase computer disks.

• The Library will assign library card privileges according to the ages specified in these privilege levels, unless the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 18 selects a different borrowing level for their child. A parent or legal guardian must also authorize Internet access for a child under age 18.
• Juvenile applications require the signature of a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult granting permission for a child to have a library card.
• Institutions, businesses and schools are also eligible for cards.
• Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately. Replacement fee is $3. Remember: You are responsible for books checked out on your library card.
• Cards are free of charge to Ohio resident, people who own property in Mahoning County, and people who work or attend school in Mahoning County on a continuing basis. Out-of-state residents who do not qualify for a free card will pay a one-time fee of $30.

• As of May 7, 2001, you MUST present your library card to check out books or use computers in the Library. If you don't have your card with you, your selections can be kept at the Library until the end of the next business day, when you can return with your card to check them out. Or you can opt to replace your card for a $3 fee.

• Borrowers must be at least 18 years of age to check out non-juvenile videos and DVDs.
• SPECIAL OUTGOING SERVICES:
  Materials being circulated to SOS patrons are given extended due dates. For print materials- due dates are changed from 7 days or 21 days to 2 months. For nonprint materials- (DVDs, videos, music CDs and books on cassette)-due dates are changed from 7 days to 21 days.

• Patrons can return materials at any of the 16 public libraries in the Mahoning County system.
• Overdue fines begin the day after the Library materials are due and include the day of return.
• Unpaid fees and fines may cause suspension of borrowing privileges.
• Charges made for damaged, lost or mutilated materials are nonrefundable.

• An overdue notice is sent when an item is 14 days past the due date. A courtesy notice is e-mailed two days before the due date IF you have provided the Library with your e-mail address. To do so, click here and choose “View Your Online Library Account.”
• A second notice citing the replacement cost of the materials is sent when the item is 35 days overdue and borrowing privileges are suspended.
• At 45 days, the account is turned over to a collection agency, Unique National Collections.
• If materials are returned, replacement charges are removed, but overdue fines must be paid.
• Failure to settle the account may cause the patron’s debt to be registered with a national credit bureau. This outstanding debt will affect a person’s ability to obtain credit for up to 7 years.

Blocked patrons may not renew library materials until their records have been cleared of overdue materials, fines and fees.