Policies

Circulation Policy

Purpose:

The core service of the Sgt. Fernando de la Rosa Memorial Library is to serve as a learning and educational center for all community residents. By providing borrowing privileges, we promote the use of materials to help patrons obtain information to meet their personal educational and professional needs.

Obtaining a Library Card:

Having a library card is a privilege. It is the patron’s responsibility to report a missing or stolen card immediately.  A patron assumes full responsibility for all items checked out to his or her library card.  It is also the patron’s responsibility to inform the Circulation staff of any changes in personal information, such as address and telephone number.  Finally, the borrower agrees to comply with all library rules and regulations, pay all fines, and be responsible for any loss or damages to material checked out under his or her library card.    

  1. The first library card is free and nontransferable; patrons must use and be present to use their card.
  2. An applicant aged 17 or under is considered a minor and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to obtain a library card.
  3. An applicant who is a minor must be present to have a library card issued.
  4. Proper photo identification with a current address is required when applying for a library card (this does not apply to E-Cards). The following documentation is accepted: Driver’s License, State-Issued ID, or Mexican Consulate ID Card. (A current electric or water bill statement is required for proof of residency if using a Mexican Consulate Card.)
  5. No library card will be issued fifteen minutes before closing.

Checking out Material:

Patron must present his or her library card each time he or she needs to borrow library material.

  1. A library card is good at any of the public libraries in Hidalgo County.
  2. Be aware that each library in Hidalgo County has its own policies; therefore, it is the patrons’ responsibility to become familiar with the libraries’ policies.
  3. Do not be delinquent; this includes overdue books and/or fines at the Sgt. Fernando de la Rosa Memorial Library or any other library in Hidalgo County.

Loan Period and Renewal:

Any materials that are overdue or have a hold status may not be renewed.

Material

Loan Period

Renewals

Number of Items

Books

2 weeks

1 renewal

Limit of 15

DVDs and Blu-ray

7 days

Not renewable

Limit of 3

Hotspot (must be 18 or older and a City of Alamo resident to checkout)

2 weeks

1 renewal

Limit of 1 per house- hold

Surface (must be 18 or older and in-house use only)

4 Hours

1 weeks

Limit of 1 per Adult Library Card

Hidalgo County

E-Books/Audiobooks

2 Weeks

2 Renewal

Limit of 5

 

Date Due and Overdue Material:

The date the material is due is stamped on due date card located inside the book pocket issued to patron at time of checkout.  It is the patron’s responsibility to return the library material on time.

Charges:

All material is inspected before and after each use.  It is the borrower’s responsibility to see that DVDs, Blu-ray, books and all other material is returned in good condition or pay for the cost of repair or total replacement. Fines on overdue material are charged per day per item.

As a courtesy to our patrons we will allow the checkout of material if there is a fine balance of $3.00 dollars or under.  Any fine that is due for over $3.00 must be paid at the lending library before materials can be checked out.  This courtesy may be revoked at any time if outstanding balance is not paid before next checkout.

Material

Fine

Books

$0.05

Books on CD

$0.05

DVD’s, Blu-Ray

$1.00

Software

Hotspots

Tablet (In-house use only)

$1.00

Date Due Card

$0.25

Torn Pocket

$0.50

Missing Barcode

$1.00

Torn Spine Label

$0.50

Missing Security Card

$1.00

Replacement of Library Card

Replacement Card

$2.00

 

Replacement Fee:

Replacement charges consist of the following:

  1. Lost or damaged material must be paid at the cost of the item.
  2. Refunds for lost and paid materials will be issued if returned to the library within 5 days of payment.
  3. Material must be returned in good condition to be eligible for a refund.
  4. No refunds will be given for items paid as lost without the original receipt.
  5. Accrued fine will be charged from the date the material was due to the day the material is returned.
  6. The amount left after the fine is assessed will be the refund.

 

BORROWING LIMITS:

  1. Adults 18 years and older may check out circulating materials this includes Books, DVDs, Blu-ray, 1 hotspot, etc.

 

PRIVACY POLICY:

The Circulation staff will safeguard the confidentiality of patron records, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579). No information will be given to a third party about the name of another patron who has checked out the material.

The only exception to this policy will be in response to a court order.  Requests of this nature will be handled by the Library Director.