Library Cards & Services
Overdue Fines Are Gone!
Changes December 1, 2020
The Library has eliminated Overdue Fines, but all borrowed library materials must be returned or customers will be billed for overdue or lost materials.
No Library card? No problem! Sign up for a Digital Library Card and you will be emailed a barcode which can be used immediately. A physical card will later be sent by U.S. Mail.
SIGN UP for a DIGITAL CARD or FULL-SERVICE LIBRARY CARDFull-Service Cards (Ages 4 and Up)
Cardholders may borrow all circulating library materials and have access to computers and digital services at any public Mahoning County library. Cards must be renewed every 2 years. Cards are free of charge to Ohio residents, to people who own property in Mahoning County, and people who work or attend school in Mahoning County on a continuous basis. Out of state residents who do not qualify for a free card will pay an annual fee of $50.
Use of the card is limited to the person to whom the card is issued, and borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out on the card until loss of the card is reported. Replacement cards are $1. Borrowers under the age of 18 require a parental signature for financial responsibility. All cardholders have access to the Internet. Talk to a library staff member to learn more.
The Opportunity Card
This card is issued when the applicant under the age of 18 comes into the library to sign up for a card and a parent or guardian is not present for staff to capture the parental signature. Also issued in the case of a customer over the age of 18 who cannot provide staff proper proof of residence. These cards can be changed to Full-Service Cards with proper signatures and proof of residence. Talk to a library staff member to learn more.
Digital Card
Gives you access to the Library’s digital services and materials, plus in-library computer use and mobile printing. Use the Library’s website, LibraryVisit.org, any time 24/7. Digital services include: databases for research; Overdrive downloadable e-Books and audiobooks; Flipster downloadable magazines, hoopla streaming music, movies, TV shows and audio books; and much more.
SIGN UP for a DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD
Institutional Status
Institutions, businesses, and schools may obtain an Institutional Library Card. Identification such as a business card or letterhead must be provided, along with the signature of the person who can authorize financial responsibility. Talk to a library staff member to learn more.
Paid Out of State Card ($50 fee)
Renewed annually will full borrowing privileges of circulating materials, digital access, and in-library computer use.
School Card
Available to students registered through arrangements made with the school and the Library. Checkouts are limited to 3 print items and students have digital access to Library resources. Does not require a parental signature. Library materials must be returned.
Special Delivery
If you can’t come to the Library, you could qualify for our Special Delivery and Books-By-Mail service. Books are sent to qualifying patrons free of charge through the U.S. Mail. Patrons can mail them back at no charge. For more information or to sign up for Special Delivery, call 330-792-3869
Borrowing Privileges
Customers can return materials at any of the public libraries in Mahoning County.
| ITEMS | LOAN PERIOD | LIMIT | AUTO-RENEWAL POLICY | REPLACE-MENT COST |
| Books | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | Cost |
| Reference Materials | 3 Days | None* | None | Cost |
| DVDs | 7 Days | 20 | 1 Renewal | Cost |
| Hot Pick DVDs | 3 Days | 2 | None | Cost |
| DVD TV Series / GO Chips | 21 Days | 20 | 1 Renewal | Cost |
| Books on CD/ Playaways | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | Cost |
| Music CDs | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | Cost |
| Video Games | 21 Days | 2 | None | Cost |
| Launchpads | 21 Days | 1 | 1 Renewal | Cost |
| Adult Magazines | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | Cost |
| Juvenile Magazines | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | Cost |
| Early Literacy Backpacks | 21 Days | 1 | None | Cost |
| Baby Brilliant Kits | 21 Days | 1 | None | Cost |
| OH WOW Kits | 21 Days | 1 | None | Cost |
| Smart Money Kits | 21 Days | 1 | None | Cost |
| Ukulele Kits | 21 Days | 1 | None | Cost |
| Bike Locks | 1 Day | 1 | None | Cost |
| Phone Battery Kits | In-Library Use Only (2 hours) | 1 | None | Cost |
| Chrome Book | In-Library Use Only (2 hours) | 1 | None | $500 |
| Laptop Computers | In-Library Use Only (2 hours) | 1 | None | $1,000 |
| Mobile WiFi Hotspots | 21 Days | 1 | None | $100 |
| * TOTAL CHECKOUT LIMIT is 50. TOTAL HOLDS LIMIT IS 50. | ||||
| SEARCH OHIO | ||||
| Books | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | $25 |
| DVDs | 7 Days | None* | 1 Renewal | $25 |
| Music CDs/Audio | 21 Days | None* | 1 Renewal | $25 |
| OhioLink | ||||
| Books | 21 Days | None* | 3 Renewals | $125 |
| DVDs | 7 Days | None* | 1 Renewal | $125 |
| Music CDs/Audio | 21 Days | None* | 1 Renewal | $125 |
Renewing Library Materials
Most PLYMC materials that are not on hold for other customers will be renewed automatically for 3 additional loan periods, with the exceptions noted in the above chart. Materials can be returned anytime before the due date.
When Materials Are Overdue
It’s possible to receive a courtesy notice by e-mail or text that materials are due 2 days before the final due date if you have provided us with an e-mail address or cell phone number.
An overdue notice is sent by your choice of email, telephone, text message or U.S. Mail when an item is 7 days past the due date.
A second notice citing the replacement cost of the materials is sent when the item is 21 days overdue and borrowing privileges are suspended.
At 28 days, the account is turned over to a collection agency, Unique National Collections. If materials are returned, replacement charges are removed.