Policies

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 state ID or other proof of address (military addresses are acceptable) listed below.
2. Complete and sign the application/borrower's agreement.

3. If the patron cannot provide a state ID, other forms of identification may be accepted.
   Acceptable forms of identification include:

   • Military ID
   • Consular ID
   • Passport
   • Employer ID with photograph

   Acceptable proofs of address include:

   • Utility bill
   • Bank-issued checks
   • Mortgage or lease
   • Other mail processed through USPS with the patron’s name and current address
   • 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.
4. Applicants under the age of eighteen must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Borrower's Agreement for them.
5. Library cards are valid for three years, after which they must be renewed.

Patrons can renew a card in person at the library or by phone. Library staff will verify that the patron's address and phone are correct and then update the record. A new card is not issued at this time unless the original card is lost or damaged. Note: The patron must be in good standing to renew a library card.

A patron may check out up to 100 items at one time, with the following exceptions:

1. Two (2) Lucky Day Books or video games may be checked out simultaneously.
2. Ten (10) DVD/Blu-Ray movies may be checked out simultaneously.
3. Three (3) toys or backpacks may be checked out simultaneously.
4. One (1) Wifi hotspot may be checked out at a time per household.
5. One (1) Chromebook may be checked out at a time per household.

Time Limits on Borrowing

All materials may be checked out for three weeks, with the following exceptions:

• DVDs, Blu-Rays, magazines for adults, and equipment may be checked out for a period of one week.

Materials eligible for renewal will be renewed automatically three days before their due date.  All materials may be renewed up to three times with the following exceptions:

• Lucky Day Books, Wifi hotspots, Chromebooks and magazines may not be renewed.
• The ability to renew interlibrary loan materials is determined by the policies of the lending library.
• An item is not renewable if there is another patron's request pending.
• Overdue items can be renewed online or by calling any library branch.

Borrowing privileges may be suspended for the following reasons:

• A lost item (items overdue 30 days or more)
• An excess of $6.00 due on your library account.
• Misconduct/refusal to follow Library policies

Once material is returned and/or payments made, most borrowing privileges are reinstated. 

Juvenile users are excluded from checking out toys, literacy kits, equipment, Wifi hotspots, Chromebooks, video games, DVD or Blu-Ray movies to their accounts.

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

Overdue Items

While overdue notices will be provided as a courtesy, patrons are responsible for monitoring due dates and ensuring that their materials are returned on time.

Items more than 30 days late will be considered lost, and the patron will be billed for their replacement. 

Library Card Fees

Each side counts as a page.

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 state ID or other proof of address (military addresses are acceptable) listed below.
2. Complete and sign the application/borrower's agreement.

3. If the patron cannot provide a state ID, other forms of identification may be accepted.
   Acceptable forms of identification include:

   • Military ID
   • Consular ID
   • Passport
   • Employer ID with photograph

   Acceptable proofs of address include:

   • Utility bill
   • Bank-issued checks
   • Mortgage or lease
   • Other mail processed through USPS with the patron’s name and current address
   • 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.
4. Applicants under the age of eighteen must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Borrower's Agreement for them.
5. Library cards are valid for three years, after which they must be renewed.

If you sign up for text messages from the library:

• You will receive account notifications and messages relating to customer service.
• The frequency of messages will vary.
• Message and data rates apply.
• You can get help by replying to a text with the word HELP, or by contacting your local branch.
• You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying to a text with the word STOP, by updating your account online, or by contacting your local branch.