How to Get a Card

In order to receive a library card that permits the holder access to the free services of the Ruth Enlow Library System, the applicant must:

1. Show his/her driver's license or other proof of address as listed below.
2. Complete and sign the application/borrower's Agreement.

If the patron cannot provide a driver's license, other forms of identification may be accepted. Other acceptable forms of identification include a state issued identification card with a picture or a utility bill mailed to the patron with his or her name and address printed on the bill. If the patron is unable to provide any of these acceptable forms of identification, a post card will be mailed to the patron's home address. The patron must return to the library with the post card to pick up his or her card. A patron without acceptable identification may not check out books until he or she receives a library card.

Applicants under the age of eighteen without a driver's license must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Borrower's Agreement for them.

Applicants sixteen years or older with a driver's license should sign a Borrower's Agreement for themselves.

Library cards are valid for three years after which time they must be renewed.

Checkout / Loan Periods

Except for a limit of five (5) new books, thirty (30) children's books, twenty (20) videos, five (5) DVD's, and two (2) Reading Express books, a patron may borrow unlimited items at one time. 

Return of Library Material:

Public library materials may be returned to any public library in the county or the state, with the exception of videos and DVDs.  All locations of the Ruth Enlow Library, excluding the Kitzmiller Branch, have outside bookdrops. 

Fines and Fees

Overdue Items

Children's & YA Material	$0.05/day	$2.00 max
Adult's Material	$0.10/day	$4.00 max
Videos	$0.50/day	$5.00 max

Library Card Fees

Replace lost card
$0.50

Reserve Fee

If notice is mailed
$0.50
Holds will expire after 6 months. A report of cancelled holds will alert us to potential problems with a book or an unacceptably long hold line. 

Once material is returned and/or payments made, most borrowing privileges are reinstated. Fines must be paid in full to check out interlibrary loan items.

Computer Use Policy

All branch locations of the Ruth Enlow Library have computers with internet access for public use and Wireless Internet Access (WiFi) for your laptop PC. If you need help please refer to these "PC Tips." Also, parents may wish to refer to these "Internet Safety Tips for Families." 

1. There is a thirty-minute time limit if others are waiting to use an internet computer. If no one is waiting the patron may stay on for up to 1 hour. If someone is waiting to use a computer and the patron's time is up, he or she is expected to relinquish the computer to the next person on the sign-in sheet. Patrons using Internet computers are expected to police themselves concerning the 30-minute time limit and the relinquishment of computers to other patrons.
   
2. If a patron is bumped he or she must wait 15 minutes before signing up for another 30-minute session.
   
3. There is a limit of 2 Internet computer sessions per day per person (for a limit of 2 hours per day per person.)
   Note: The staff may make exceptions to rules 1 - 3 if they feel more time is needed for homework assignments or word processing.
   
4. All computers will be turned off 10 minutes prior to library closing time.
   
5. The use of chat and social networking sites is limited to patrons aged 16 and over. Patrons under the age of 16 may use chat software to access approved information sources. We reserve the right to limit gaming or chatting.
   
6. Only one person at a time may use a workstation.
   Note: The staff may make exceptions to rule 6 for instructional purposes.
7. Patrons may not download or install software to the hard drive of the library's computers. Disks may be used as long as no software is installed. (CD-ROMs often require the installation of software in order to "run.")
   Warning: Although we use software to prevent viruses, this will not completely protect you from getting a virus. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and you may need to have virus-checking software on your computer. The Ruth Enlow Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computers.
   
8. There is a charge of $ 0.20 per page for black and white printing and $.50 per page for color printing.
   
9. We reserve the right to ask for a library card or other ID before sign-up.

Reminder: Individuals are expected to use the library workstations in a courteous, reasonable and responsible manner. Please be mindful that the library is a public place; use discretion in displaying text or graphics that may be offensive to others.  Adults viewing obscenity within the view of children or accessing child pornography will be asked to leave the library and may lose their computer privileges. It is illegal for minors to access or view obscenity or child pornography in the library. Anyone accessing obscenity or child pornography will be subject to prosecution.

Donation Policy

Ruth Enlow Library accepts donations of materials with the understanding that the library's staff will evaluate the suitability of the materials for inclusion in the library's collection.

Donations that do not meet the system's objectives and policies will be sold or returned to the donor, if the donor wishes them to be returned.