Use of Library
GENERAL
The library buildings and bookmobiles are public facilities to be used by all people for the purposes for which they were established. Any activity which does not meet the criteria of these purposes is prohibited.
Smoking is not permitted in the library buildings and food and drink are permitted only in the community rooms, staff break rooms, and other designated areas.
While absolute silence in the library is rarely necessary, we ask our patrons and staff members to be conscious of others using the library, and avoid interfering with their study or recreation.
PATRONS
Anyone living at a specified address or owning real estate within Bell County may obtain a library card without charge. Out-of-county residents are charged $20.00 per year for a library card which may be used at both libraries and on the bookmobile. Adult cards are issued to patrons over the age of fourteen. Children's cards are issued to patrons between the ages of five and fourteen, provided a parent or guardian signs the card application and assumes responsibility for the return of the child's library materials. Overdue materials are treated the same throughout the Bell County Public Library System. Overdue fines are charged on total number of materials regardless of where the materials were obtained. Fines paid at one library result in the removal of charges at all other locations.
CIRCULATION
The basic circulation period for most materials is three weeks. Most materials may be renewed for one additional three week period, unless there is a waiting list for the item. The library will accept telephoned requests for renewals, provided that material has not been previously requested by another patron. Renewals may also be requested online via the libraries’ PAC. Library cards must be presented at the circulation desk when checking out materials.
Loan Periods:
New books may be checked out for 14 days only and may not be renewed.
Older books (after books have been in circulation for 4 months) may be checked out for 21 days and may be renewed one time.
Videotapes and DVDs may be checked out for 7 days and may not be renewed.
Talking books may be checked out for 14 days and may be renewed one time.
Magazines (other than the newest issue of any title) may be checked out for 7 days and may be renewed one time. Reference and Historical Room materials, specific magazines, oral history tapes, and microfilm must be used only in the library.
The library buildings and bookmobiles are public facilities to be used by all people for the purposes for which they were established. Any activity which does not meet the criteria of these purposes is prohibited.
Smoking is not permitted in the library buildings and food and drink are permitted only in the community rooms, staff break rooms, and other designated areas.
While absolute silence in the library is rarely necessary, we ask our patrons and staff members to be conscious of others using the library, and avoid interfering with their study or recreation.
PATRONS
Anyone living at a specified address or owning real estate within Bell County may obtain a library card without charge. Out-of-county residents are charged $20.00 per year for a library card which may be used at both libraries and on the bookmobile. Adult cards are issued to patrons over the age of fourteen. Children's cards are issued to patrons between the ages of five and fourteen, provided a parent or guardian signs the card application and assumes responsibility for the return of the child's library materials. Overdue materials are treated the same throughout the Bell County Public Library System. Overdue fines are charged on total number of materials regardless of where the materials were obtained. Fines paid at one library result in the removal of charges at all other locations.
CIRCULATION
The basic circulation period for most materials is three weeks. Most materials may be renewed for one additional three week period, unless there is a waiting list for the item. The library will accept telephoned requests for renewals, provided that material has not been previously requested by another patron. Renewals may also be requested online via the libraries’ PAC. Library cards must be presented at the circulation desk when checking out materials.
Loan Periods:
New books may be checked out for 14 days only and may not be renewed.
Older books (after books have been in circulation for 4 months) may be checked out for 21 days and may be renewed one time.
Videotapes and DVDs may be checked out for 7 days and may not be renewed.
Talking books may be checked out for 14 days and may be renewed one time.
Magazines (other than the newest issue of any title) may be checked out for 7 days and may be renewed one time. Reference and Historical Room materials, specific magazines, oral history tapes, and microfilm must be used only in the library.