- The East Cleveland Public Library issues library cards which allow cardholders to borrow material from participating CLEVNET member libraries, subject to individual library policies. Only one CLEVNET card is permitted per individual, with the exception of Educator and Three for Me cards.
- To prevent loss of library material and to protect cardholders from fraudulent use of library cards, the library requires customers to present a library card or a valid form of government-issued photo ID for each transaction.
- Cardholders are responsible for all material checked out on their cards, and if such material is returned late, damaged, or lost, are responsible for paying fines or replacement fees.
- Cardholders are responsible for ensuring that their library records, and those of any minor children, include current contact information. Borrowing privileges must be renewed every two years to ensure that contact information is updated.
- When presented with a valid library card for a transaction, library staff will generally not ask for additional identification.
- If fines and fees total $15 or more, the cardholder will not be allowed to borrow or renew material, including eMedia.
- Golden Buckeye cardholders and senior citizens with proof of age are exempt from fines for overdue material.
- Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards
- Cardholders are responsible for reporting lost or stolen library cards immediately.
- The owner of a lost or stolen library card is responsible for all material checked out on that card up to the time that he or she reported to the library that it was lost or stolen.
- The cardholder may request a replacement for a lost or stolen card in person at the library.
- Badly damaged or worn cards will be replaced, free of charge, upon request.
- IV. Thresholds / Loan Limitations
- 50items*
- $1,000value*
The thresholds for educator cards are 100 items or $2,000 value.*
* These policies work in tandem; if the dollar amount threshold is met before the item count threshold, loans will not be allowed.
4. To ensure a wide selection of material for all, customers may only checkout three no-hold movies at a time.
- V. Renewals
- Cardholders may renew eligible items in person, by phone, or online via the CLEVNET catalog.
- Online renewals require the library card number or customer’s username, and PIN. Telephone renewals require a library card number or an item number.
- Under no circumstances will library card numbers be released via telephone.
VI. Placing Holds or Requesting Materials from other Libraries
A. Placing Holds
Customers may place holds on most materials found in the library catalog. The library belongs to the CLEVNET consortium and thereby shares a catalog and materials with member libraries. There is no charge for borrowing materials from other member libraries, and customers may initiate their own requests through the library catalog or website or ask for staff to help request materials from CLEVNET libraries.
B. Interlibrary Loan
Material may also be requested from libraries outside of CLEVNET via interlibrary
loan. The library attempts to obtain material from other libraries for free whenever possible. However, some libraries charge a small fee for their material. Interlibrary loan fees over $15 must be paid by the customer. Additionally, customers may be charged a small handling fee if they request interlibrary loan material but do not pick it up from the library once it has arrived.
VII. Returns
The East Cleveland Public Library material may be returned to any Ohio library. Material that is returned to a CLEVNET member library will be discharged from the customer’s library card upon receipt by that library. Material that is returned to non-CLEVNET libraries, including the East Cleveland Public Library, will be discharged from the customer’s card when it is received by the East Cleveland Public Library.
Item | Loan Period | Renewals | Holds Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
Newly released feature films | 7 days | 0 | Yes |
Other movies | 7 days | 2 | Yes |
DVD sets of 3 discs or more | 14 days | 1 | Yes |
Magazines | 7 days | 2 | No |
Bestsellers | 14 days | 0 | No |
| New books | 14 days | 5 | Yes |
| Wireless Hotspots | 7 days | 0 | Yes |
| All other material | 21 days | 5 | Yes |
Note: Eligible items may not be renewed if there are outstanding holds. Some popular material may not be eligible for holds to ensure a wide selection of new material is available to customers. Extended loans may be made available to customers upon request and are subject to approval of staff in Adult or Youth Services.
X. Fines and Fees*
| Item Type | Daily Fine / Fee |
|---|---|
Adult or teen book, magazine, or audio recording. | 15¢ per day |
Juvenile book, magazine, or audio recording | Fine-exempt |
Movies | 50¢ per day |
Wireless hotspots | $5.00 per day |
Lost or damaged item | List replacement cost |
Replacement of lost library card | $0.50 |
The maximum overdue fine per item shall be $5.00, with the exception of the Hotspots, which is $15.00. Overdue fines shall not exceed the cost to the library of the item.
*These policies apply to material owned by the East Cleveland Public Library. The library lends material from other CLEVNET member libraries, and the policies of the owning library apply in those transactions.
XI. Lost or Damaged Items
- An item more than 28 days overdue is considered lost, and the cardholder must either return the item and pay the overdue fine or pay to replace the item.
- The library cannot issue refunds for lost and paid items.
- Damage to material beyond normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the cardholder. Replacement charges are assessed for damaged items.
- Replacement copies of material purchased by the customer will not be accepted for lost or damaged items.
- All cardholders must pay for lost or damaged material regardless of the fine exempt status of the item or the borrower.
- Customers seeking a reduction in fees for material lost due to theft must provide a copy of an official police report filed at the time of the theft and containing an itemized list of library property. All decisions in such circumstances are subject to Administrative approval.
XII. Payment
The East Cleveland Public Library accepts payment of overdue fines and replacement fees for all CLEVNET libraries by cash, check, or credit card. Payment may be made in person, online, or by mail.
XV. Authority
The Director or designee has the authority to waive or modify any part of this policy at his/her discretion if warranted by extenuating circumstances.