Borrowers Guide - Library Cards and Lending Policies
Who can apply for a library card?
Who can apply for a library card? Library cards are provided to persons residing in Pennington County or to those who pay taxes on property or own a business within the county. A current tax receipt or proof of business address or ownership must be presented to receive a resident card. Persons residing outside the county, who do not meet the above criteria, can get a card by paying a non-resident fee. How do I apply for a card?
To register for a library card, an applicant must have verification of his or her current residential address. Utility bills, bank statements, lease/rental/property documents, or letters from other government agencies can be used to verify a current residential address.
Applicants can apply for a library card in person at the library or by using the Online Registration Form. Applicants who need immediate access to online services may apply through the Ask A Librarian chat service or by telephone (394-6139 ext 7500) during the library’s open hours. (After hours registrations cannot be processed.) Remote registered card holders, those who apply by chat or phone, must update their account within two weeks of issue by providing the library card and ID in person at one of the library’s service desks. How does my library card work?
To borrow books or other library materials, present your library card to the circulation staff or the self-checkout system. You will need your card to place Holds and to request materials from other libraries. You may also use your card to view information concerning materials you have checked out or on reserve, fines, or overdues by using any of the public access computers. Please ask the staff for assistance if you need it. We encourage all patrons to view their records periodically by using this service. The Library also provides online services for patrons who have access to the Internet. Online services include patron account information, Interlibrary Loan requests, catalog searches and magazine article searches. Your library card and password are required to access these services. From your account, you can renew items, place holds on items, view your current list of loans and much more! 1. Click “My Account” in upper left hand corner. 2. Type in your library card number. Leave the second box (PIN/Password) blank. 3. Hit Enter How long is my library card valid?
Your library card is good indefinitely provided you use it, are in good standing and continue to update your record. We update cards periodically to verify address, phone number and any other pertinent information. If for any reason your record does not appear in our file, you will need to reactivate your card by filling out an application. |
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What if I lose or damage my library cards? |
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What if I forget to bring my card? Interlibrary loans and holds can only be checked out to the person that requested the service. If you forget your card, someone else will not be able to check out interlibrary loans or holds for you. |
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| Can someone else use my card? |
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Can library items be placed on hold? Courtesy notices for holds, overdues and fines may be sent to you by e-mail or mail. Please let the Circulation Staff know your preference by calling 394-4171 extension 2210. You can use our drive-up windows to pick up holds and pay fines. Be sure to have your library card ready when you pull up to the West side of the building.
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What are the loan periods, borrowing limits and late fines for library materials?
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Where do I return library materials?
Return your materials to the library lobby using our Self Check-In stations or use our driveup located on the west side of the library, just past the service windows. There are also remote drop locations at Mr. Movies, 3609 Sturgis Road (west side) and Don's Valley Market, 747 Timmons Rd.(Rapid Vallely) for your convenience. (Please note: Due to the nature of Storybags, Teenbags, Parentbags and Interlibrary Loan materials we ask that they be returned inside the library.) Visit our About Us page for a map of book drop locations
What if an item is lost?
Charges for lost items are based on replacement cost of item. Refunds are issued within 90 days with receipt when the item is returned in usable condition.
Can materials be renewed?
All items, except some interlibrary loans, may be renewed up to three times unless there is a hold list for the item. Items may be renewed anytime on our website at ww.rapidcitylibrary.org, then click on My Account or, during business hours, by Telephone - 394-4171 ext. 2210
Please have your library card ready when you call. If you are in the library at the public access terminals or at the Circulation desk, you do not need to bring your materials with you to renew. You may renew using the same link as above.
NOTE: Renewals are not automatic. Watch the screen for new due dates and any message concerning unsuccessful renewals. Items which cannot be renewed due to a Circulation conflict, like a hold by another patron, may not display in the renewal pane even when they appear on you list of items.