Any Ohio resident three (3) years of age and above is eligible to apply for an Avon Lake Public Library account. Minors under eighteen (18) years of age must have a parent/legal guardian sign for the account.
Photo identification and proof of current address are required when registering for a library account. Applicants will also be asked to provide their date of birth. If photo identification and proof of current address are unavailable at registration, a limited access account may be issued.
A limited access account allows a patron to borrow up to five (5) items with restrictions. Patrons are responsible for promptly notifying the Library of changes in account information.
Temporary residents (foreign exchange students, visiting family members, etc.) may be issued a library account if an adult host family member accepts responsibility for the account. If the host family cannot sign the application, a limited access account may be issued.
During the first thirty (30) days, new accounts have a five (5) item borrowing limit. After this period, and with no overdue items, the limit will be increased to fifty (50) items. Information about loan periods, renewals, and material holds is provided during registration. Additional and updated information is available online and upon request. Accounts are valid for two (2) years.
LOAN PERIODS
Bicycles must be returned before Library closing the day they are borrowed; all other materials circulate for 21 days except:
- Board Games: 7 days
- Entertainment DVDs & Blu-Rays: 7 days
- Magazines: 7 days
- Video Games*: 7 days
- Equipment: 14 days
- DW Science-to-Go kits: 14 days
- TV Series DVDs & Blu-Rays: 14 days
- Book Discussion Books: 63 days
*Limit one per card
When borrowing, it is preferred that patrons present their library cards; however, a patron may use their driver’s license or be asked a series of questions to determine their identity in place of their card. Generally, patrons are not permitted to borrow materials on family members’ cards not in their possession at the time of a transaction; however, patrons may inform the Library if they consent to specific family members borrowing items on their account. This consent will be noted on the account.
OVERDUE FINES
If not returned on time, late fees will be charged for equipment, DW Science-to-Go kits, musical instruments, and bicycles. The late fee for these items is $5.00 a day.
Other materials do not incur late fees. We ask that Library materials be returned in a timely manner to allow others to borrow and enjoy. Patrons will be charged for non-returned items and a referral fee to a collection agency, if necessary. As the Library is funded with taxpayer dollars, we view this action as being responsible to our community.
HOLDS
Holds are limited to 10 per card. Patrons will be notified when a hold becomes available. Once available, items are held for 5 days.
____________________________________________________________
Your library card is free and may be used to borrow any of our materials, including books, DVDs, videos, audiobooks on CD, and hotspots, as well as providing access to our free research databases, digital library, and other online resources.