TexShare Library Lending Policies

Austin Public Library
TexShare Library Card Program

LIAISON:

Carolyn Garcia
Administrative Manager
P.O. Box 2287
Austin, TX 78768-2287

PHONE: (512) 974-7427

FAX: (512) 974-7308

E-Mail: carolyn.garcia@ci.austin.tx.us

URL: www.cityofaustin.org/library

LIMITATIONS: Regular Austin Public Library borrowing privileges, with the exception of Interlibrary Loan, will be granted to all TexShare card holders whose TexShare cards have not expired. Privileges do not include remote access to electronic databases under contract or restricted by licensing agreements. Checkout is not allowed if there are any overdue items or fines; privileges are restored upon resolution of all outstanding charges.

ELIGIBILITY: TexShare borrowers may apply by completing an Austin Public Library application form and presenting it in person, at any Austin Public Library location, along with: current valid TexShare card from issuing library, current valid photo ID, proof of current address (see APL Website at http://www.cityofaustin.org/library for acceptable ID/proof of address and listing of Library locations). Parent/guardian signature, photo ID and proof of current address are required for youth under 17. The same application process is followed for renewing an expired card or replacing a lost card. There is a fee to replace a lost Austin Public Library card.

HOURS: See APL Website at http://www.cityofaustin.org/library for complete hours information, including holidays. Checkout desks close 5 minutes before the end of each business day at all locations.

CARD AVAILABILITY : Cards are issued up until the last 30 minutes before closing each day. Cards will expire on the same date as the borrower's TexShare card (up to 1 year from the APL registration date), and must be renewed before privileges are restored.

RENEWAL OF MATERIALS : All items except items on reserve/request, or items on which fines are owed, may be renewed one time, in person at any APL location, or online at http://www.cityofaustin.org/library (requires Library card and PIN; see APL Website for additional information).

RETURNS : Only Austin Public Library materials may be returned to any Austin Public Library location, inside during normal business hours or outside through book return boxes after hours. Items are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the stated due date. Any items placed in the book drop after that time are subject to late charges if the due date has passed. If items cannot be returned in person, they may be returned by U.S. Mail or UPS/Express Mail (see addresses below). Items returned to either address will be checked in as soon as possible upon receipt at a circulation location, and the borrower will be responsible for any fines associated with mail/delivery/distribution delays.

MAIL RETURN:
Austin Public Library
P.O. Box 2287
Austin, TX 78768-2287

EXPRESS MAIL:
Austin Public Library
651 North Pleasant Valley Rd.
Austin, TX 78702

OVERDUES: Courtesy email reminder notices are sent for overdue material. Bills for outstanding items are mailed when items become 28 days overdue. Returning the item(s) and paying late fine(s), or paying the bill for the cost of the item(s) plus a $10.25 service charge per item, will resume borrowing privileges.

RECALLS: Austin Public Library does not recall items. Items that have been requested through the reserves system will not be renewed.

NON-CIRCULATING ITEMS: Reference materials, periodicals, and Austin History Center materials do not circulate.

LOAN POLICIES: The loan period for books, audiocassettes, LPs, CDs, CD-ROMs, maps and pamphlets is 3 weeks. The loan period for videocassettes and DVDs is 1 week. Two items may be checked out upon successful registration for a Library Card. Additional items may be borrowed once the Star Card has been entered online within 48 hours. Only 20 of any one type of audio-visual item (such as audiocassettes, compact discs, CD-ROMs, recordings, and videocassettes) may be charged to a record at any time. Additional location-specific limits may be set at times due to demand for particular materials.

FINES: The fine for any Adult book, audio cassette, compact disc, CD-ROM, recording, map, or pamphlet is 25 cents per item per day. (The maximum fine charge is $18.25 per item for an Adult book, audio cassette, compact disc, CD-ROM, or recording) The fine for any Juvenile book, audio cassette, compact disc, CD-ROM, or recording is 5 cents per item per day. (The maximum fine charge is $10 per item for a Juvenile book, audio cassette, compact disc, CD-ROM, or recording, or all maps or pamphlets.) The fine for any videocassette or DVD is $1 per day with a maximum charge of $10. No Library materials are due on dates the Library is closed for holidays, but overdue fines do accrue during holiday periods.

LOST ITEMS: Overdue items are considered "lost" and bills are mailed when items become 28 days overdue. Returning the item(s) and paying late fine(s), or paying the bill for the cost of the item(s) plus a $10.25 service charge per item, will resume borrowing privileges.

BILLING: Bills are due upon receipt, with possible referral to a collection agency if not paid within two weeks. Borrowing privileges are suspended until all outstanding charges have been resolved.

ADDITIONAL: Complete information about Austin Public Library circulation policies and procedures, as well as other services, is available along with the Library's online catalog at http://www.cityofaustin.org/library/