A primary function of any public library is to allow library users to check out library materials for a defined period of time.  Policies surrounding the circulation process should be flexible enough to accommodate special needs and unusual circumstances, yet firm enough to ensure access to and the integrity of the collection.  These policies should also attempt to fairly balance the needs of the user with the needs of the library staff.  They should be as "user-friendly" as possible, without sacrificing library organization and efficiency.

NOTE:  All circulation policies are subject to the judgment of the Library Director under special circumstances.  Any decision made by the Library Director that is disputed may be taken to the Library Board.  Decisions made by the Library Board are final.

The La Crosse Public Library Board of Trustees has established an open access policy for the circulation of all library materials. Anyone with a valid library card may check out whatever he/she wants, regardless of his/her age, or the format and/or level of materials selected.

REGISTRATION

1.      Individuals wishing to check out materials from the La Crosse Public Library must have a valid public library card.  A free card is issued to any resident of the state of Wisconsin who presents identification and proof of current address.  Examples of such identification include:

Library cards will NOT be issued to anyone who cannot present proper identification and proof of current address.

Students at UW-LaCrosse, Viterbo and WWTC are eligible for library cards upon presentation of a student ID card plus one other form of identification showing a current local address.  The student card is valid for one year.

Individuals currently residing in identified temporary housing situations, such as the Salvation Army, will now be issued a Short-term library card that allows them to check out five items at a time and use the Internet.  Once the person brings in identification with a permanent address their library card status is changed and there will be no limit on the amount of materials they wish to check out.

Out-of-state residents wishing to obtain a library card may apply for one of the following options:

• 1-month non-resident card for $7
• 6-month non-resident card for $40
• 1-year non-resident card for $75
• 1-year non-resident student card for $35.00

Note:  Out-of-state residents who own property in Wisconsin may obtain a library card without charge by showing a copy of the property tax bill.

Library users may hold only one valid La Crosse Public Library card. 

2.      Children of any age are eligible for a library card.  The custodial parent or legal guardian is required to sign his/her child's library card application for anyone under the age of 16, and provide identification for the address.  Alternative methods of consent, such as separate notes, phone calls, neighbor's, relative's or baby-sitter/au pair's signature will not be accepted.  Foster children may receive library cards if the foster parents have guardianship.

3.      Parents of children under the age of 16 may ask staff to block their children's library cards from Internet access.

4.      Caregiver cards are available for residential or day care facilities (including schools) as a way for them to obtain library materials used by their employees in the course of their work duties.

5.      Any La Crosse city resident that due to temporary or permanent disability finds it difficult or impossible to visit the library in person is eligible for Home Delivery service for the duration of the disability.  A card can be issued to the disabled individual for use by a home delivery volunteer.  Such cards are issued by the Home Delivery Coordinator.

6.      In the event that a library card is lost, it will be replaced free of charge.

Individual library card registration records will be deleted upon receipt of a signed, written request from the library card holder.  In the case of a children's card, both parents' or legal guardians' signatures must appear on the request. 

All materials must be returned and all fines and fees paid before the registration record will be deleted. 

CHECK OUT, RESERVES AND RENEWALS

1.     It is greatly preferred that cardholders present their library cards when checking out materials but another form of identification will be accepted if the information it contains matches that in the library's patron file.

2.     Anyone presenting a valid library card will be considered entitled to the information associated with that card.

3.     Any cardholder may request (be put on hold for) any library item that is checked out (excluding magazines).  No item may be held by or for a specific date.  Holds may be placed either in person, over the telephone or online.  Placing holds requires a library card number.

4.     Once a cardholder has been contacted regarding the availability of an item on hold, the item may be picked up at the place and by the time indicated on the notice.  Cardholders have the choice of being contacted by mail, Telecirc, or e-mail.

5.     If no holds have been placed on them, most library materials may be renewed for an additional time period according to the established loan period table.  Renewals may be made in person, over the telephone, online, or via TeleCirc.  Online and/or Telecirc renewals will be accepted only if the cardholder has less than $10 in charges, 10 or fewer overdue items, or items 10 days overdue or less. 

6. Overdue items may be renewed if requested in person or over the telephone.  Cardholders will be advised of the overdue charge at the time of the renewal.

LATE CHARGES, FEES, & OVERDUES

1.     Late charges are charged on materials that are not returned on time.  Most rates are as follows: