Circulation Policy

Library cards

• Customers who reside in a permanent abode within the Corporate Limits of the City of Springfield receive a free library card for a 2 year period if proper proof of residency is provided.
• Photo identification (IL Driver’s License, IL State ID or passport acceptable) with 2 forms of current address which are machine generated and current within the last 60 days must be presented to apply for a library card.  (P.O. boxes are not accepted as proof of residency.)
• A parent or guardian who does not have a blocked (free of charges) Lincoln Library account must consent and guaranty applications for youth ages 5 to 17. Note that some computer access is unfiltered.
• Non-resident cards are issued for 1 year from the date of application and receipt of the application fee for a resident outside the corporate limits of the city of Springfield.
• Non-resident cards are issued to only one property owner residing outside the corporate limits of the city of Springfield for a single taxable property for a 1 year period with proof of a tax assessment bill or deed.
• Library cards entitle the holder to computer use; however the account must be clear of blocks. Computer use cards may be issued to non-qualifying persons and do not allow for borrowing privileges.
• Library cards are not transferable. No one may use another customer’s card with the exception of picking up library material “On Hold.”
• Photo identification may be used to check out materials in lieu of a valid library card.
• Report and provide proof of any change of residential or email address upon the next library use.
• Customer whose accounts have charges of $5 or less, 5 or fewer items overdue and no more than 1 lost Lincoln Library owned material valued under $50 are held in good standing.
• All library cards must be free of fines/fees and overdue items before the card can be used for computer registration or renewed.
• Materials returned late, in damaged condition or considered lost will be charged to the library card on which the items were checked out.
• Report lost or stolen cards as soon as possible. Customers are responsible for material checked out to the library card.

Loan & Renewal

• 2 weeks on items, except 7 days for video cassettes/DVD’s, CD-Rom’s or MP3’s.
• 2 renewals per item; except for video cassettes/DVD’s, CD-ROMs, MP3’s (1 renewal); RPLS items if new due date is less than 30 days from original checkout date (1 renewal);vertical file, holds or interlibrary loan (0 renewal).
• Renewal is allowed in person, by phone (753-4900 x216), or via the web-page with a PIN.

Limits

• 75 books, 20 periodicals, 10 vertical files, 10 audiobooks, 10 sound cassettes, 10 CDs, 5 kits, 2 CD-ROMs, 5 video cassettes/DVDs.

Fines

• 25 cents per day per item, except for video cassettes/DVDs, computer software, or MP3 equipment ($1.00).
• $5 per item maximum fine; except for video cassettes/DVDs, computer software, or MP3 equipment ($10), vertical files, paperbacks, periodicals, ($3).
• No refunds or credits on fines.

Lost Materials

• List price at the time of purchase.
• Credits may be issued for Lincoln Library owned books if found within 365 days or audiovisual within 90 days and undamaged after payment.
• Non-Lincoln Library items must be paid within 90 days from the due date. Credits or refunds will not be issued for paid and returned items.

Damaged Materials

• Charges vary dependent upon the damage up to the list price of the material.

Collection Agency

• Accounts with balances of $50 or more will be referred to a collection agency.
• $10 additional collection fee.

Lost Library Card

• $2.00 replacement fee

Full Circulation Services Policy (Effective January 1, 2010)