TexShare Library Lending Policies

Fort Bend County Libraries
TexShare Library Card Program

LIAISON:

Joanne Downing,
Coordinator of Staff Development/Circulation
Fort Bend County Libraries
George Memorial Library
1001 Golfview
Richmond, TX 77469-5199

PHONE: 281-341-2603

FAX: 281-341-2688

E-Mail: jdowning@fortbend.lib.tx.us

LIMITATIONS: Maximum of 10 items on a Fort Bend County Libraries card from the general circulating collection. Check-out of materials is granted to all TexShare cardholders whose Texshare card has not expired. Check-out is not allowed if any items are overdue, or if fines or book fees exceed $5.00. Privileges will be restored upon payment of fees.

ELIGIBILITY: In order to obtain a TexShare card from Fort Bend County Libraries, patrons must be a Fort Bend County resident and be a Fort Bend County Libraries registered cardholder in good standing, without overdue items, fines or fees. TexShare applicants under age 16 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the application, present a Texas Driver\'s License or other photo ID, and provide proof of residence. Visiting TexShare cardholders may apply for borrowing privileges at any Fort Bend County library by presenting a valid TexShare card and a valid picture ID.

CARD AVAILABILITY: TexShare cards are available at all Fort Bend County Libraries locations, except the Law Library, during regular hours of operation. TexShare cards will expire one year from date of issue, and renewal must be made in person. The card will be renewed with proper ID, and if no outstanding charges are accrued on the card. Patrons who have lost a card issued from Fort Bend County Libraries should report this loss immediately. The fee for replacement of a lost card is $2.00.

HOURS: George Memorial Library Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 1:00-5:00 pm Branch hours and locations are available at: http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/lib/html

RENEWAL OF MATERIALS: Check-out is for a three-week period with one renewal of three weeks if the item is not on hold. Renewals can be made with a library card in person or by telephone at any Fort Bend County Library location, by automated telephone service at 281-341-2686, or by using the online catalog at http://ipac.fortbend.lib.tx.us/ipac-cgi/ipac.exe

RETURNS: Materials may be returned at the Circulation Desk of any Fort Bend County library location during normal business hours, at the outside book drops, or by mail. Check-in of any returned items by mail or delivery will be based upon date of receipt of the item, not upon the postmarked date.

MAIL RETURN: Circulation Department TexShare Returns George Memorial Library 1001 Golfview Richmond, TX 77469-5199

EXPRESS MAIL: Circulation Department TexShare Returns George Memorial Library 1001 Golfview Richmond, TX 77469-5199

OVERDUES: As a courtesy, borrowers are reminded about overdues by automated service to a local telephone number. All patrons borrowing from Fort Bend County Libraries can check the due dates of any item checked out on their library card by using the online catalog or by automated telephone service at 281-341-2686.

RECALLS: Fort Bend County Libraries does not recall items.

NON-CIRCULATING ITEMS: Reference, periodicals, microfilm/microfiche, law library, and genealogy materials do not circulate.

LOAN POLICIES: All circulating items are loaned for three weeks. One renewal for three weeks is permitted if there is no hold on that item. Borrowers cannot check out any additional items if there are overdue items on the card or if accrued fines/fees exceed $5.00.

FINES: The fines for all overdue items is 10 cents per day per item. The maximum fine per item is $10.00. If an item is returned damaged, the borrower is responsible for the full cost of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee. The borrower cannot check out any additional items until the fees are paid.

LOST ITEMS: Items are declared lost after being overdue 80 days. If the borrower cannot locate an item, the borrower is responsible for the full cost of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee. The borrower cannot check out any additional items until the fees are paid. Lost books that are returned will be assessed normal late fees.

BILLING: Payment is due upon receipt of notices and must be paid in person at the Circulation Desk of any Fort Bend County library. Failure to pay fines or fees that exceed $5.00 will result in loss of borrowing privileges.