Circulation and Library Card Policy :: Elkader Public Library

Circulation and Library Card Policy

Effective 06/09/2026

1. LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION

Any person who resides in the United States and agrees to be responsible for materials loaned to them may obtain a card to use the collections and services of the library to the fullest capacity allowed in section 1.1 Library Patron Definitions. Cardholders will be responsible for any fees charged to their cards as a result of use of library materials. Cardholders who have overdue, lost, or damaged materials will have their borrowing privileges suspended until the items are returned and/or charges are paid in full.

1.1 Library Patron Definitions

1.1.1 - Resident

The Elkader Public Library provides full circulation privileges as well as access to all library services and online content at no cost to the patron to those who meet one of the one of the following parameters:

(a) a person residing within Elkader city limits

(b) a person residing within the city limits of a city or town that contracts with the Elkader Public Library

1.1.2 – Rural Resident

(a) a rural resident of Clayton County

1.1.3 – Open Access (Iowa)

For those who do not meet the parameters listed in sections 1.1.1 or 1.1.2, but reside in the state of Iowa, the Elkader Public Library provides full circulation privileges, access to some library services, and no access to online content such as BRIDGES (purchased through the State Library of Iowa from Overdrive) at no cost through the Open Access Program.

1.1.4 – Non-Iowa Resident

For those who do not reside in the state of Iowa, the Elkader Public Library provides full circulation privileges and access to some library services (excluding Interlibrary Loan) at no cost. The card renewal period is one (1) year, unlike Iowa residents.

2. LIBRARY CARD

2.1 Issuing Library Cards

Library cards may be issued to anyone who resides in the United States. In order to receive a library card with borrowing privileges immediately, the individual must meet the following parameters:

(a) be eighteen (18) or older

(b) have a state issued identification with current address

alternatively, if state issued identification does not include current address

(d) current or previous month utility bill

(e) lease documentation

A PO Box alone is not considered an acceptable form of address and will not be allowed to substitute as an address.

2.1.1 Issuing Cards to Minors

Anyone under eighteen (18) interested in obtaining a library card must meet the following parameters:

(a) have completed the 2nd grade or turned seven (7) years old, whichever having occurred first

(b) is able to write their own name

(c) has a parent/guardian who already possess a library card at the Elkader Public Library that is in good standing as laid out in section 2.1.2 Good Standing.

The parent/guardian must be present at the time that the minor is receiving their library card. The parent/guardian must also be someone who resides in the same household as the minor as they assume responsibility for all materials checked out on the minor’s card.

Responsibility for the selection of a minor’s materials is assumed to be that of the parent/guardian. The primary parent/guardian also has the option of managing the minor’s account as the feature is laid out in Biblionix Apollo in so long as they are responsible for paying for the associated fees assessed due to damage or loss of materials.

2.1.2 Good Standing

A library account is determined as being in Good Standing when it has less than $10.00 in fines or replacement costs (defined in Biblionix Apollo as “Problems”) and no overdue items.

2.2 Special Card Types

2.2.1 – Teacher

Clayton County teachers may apply for a teacher card that is tied to their school. They may use the school’s address and their school email for their contact information. This card is only valid so long as the individual teaches at a Clayton County school and renews on a yearly basis at the beginning of the school year.

2.2.2 – Organization

Clayton County organizations wishing to utilize the Elkader Public Library’s collection may apply for a card that is tied to their organization rather than a single individual. The organization agrees to reimburse the Elkader Public Library for any lost or damaged materials and may have one or two designated individuals serve as pick-up people for materials. This card renews on a yearly basis and has the same account privileges as laid out in Section 1.1.3 Open Access (Iowa).

2.3 Renewing Library Cards

A standard library card renewal period is three (3) years. Other card types will have exceptions to this rule.

2.4 Replacement Cards

Library card replacements cost $1.00.

If a card is lost or stolen, it is the patron’s responsibility to notify the library. Upon such notification, no materials will be loaned to the card number and a new number will be issued to the patron. The patron will be required to present identification when receiving their new card to confirm their identity.

3. CIRCULATION

3.1 Circulation of Materials

Some materials are designated by the library as non-circulating. For all others, the circulation periods are laid out in Appendix A: Circulation of Materials.

The maximum number of items that a single patron may have checked out at one time is fifty (50).

A valid card in good standing is required to check out any library material.

3.2 Fines

The assessment rate of fines is laid out in the Fines and Fees Policy.

3.3 Special Card Privileges

3.3.1 Children’s Privileges

Minor patrons, defined as those under the age of eighteen (18), who have obtained a library card and are a resident of Clayton County are eligible for Children’s Privileges.

Children’s Privileges are defined as the waiving of the assessment of fines on materials cataloged for minor patrons. These items are not removed of the assessment of fees for lost or damaged materials. Items checked out on minor patrons’ cards that are not subject to Children’s Privileges (see Fines and Fees Policy for applicable materials) will be subject to the assessment of fines as laid out in the Fines and Fees Policy.

3.3.2 Outreach Privileges

Patrons determined to be in special or unique circumstances with regards to how they travel to the library (i.e., limited mobility, reliance upon others for travel, etc.) and are otherwise unable to routinely utilize library services to their fullest may be assigned an outreach card type at the Library Director’s discretion with discussion with the patron and/or the patron’s caregiver.

Only Residents and Rural Residents as defined in sections 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 are eligible for Outreach Privileges. Refer to the Fines and Fees Policy for which items are applicable to receiving Outreach Privileges and Appendix B: Outreach Privileges – Circulation of Materials for the adjusted circulation periods.

3.4 Reserves

Patrons may request items in the Elkader Public Library’s collection be placed on reserve for them at any time. They may do so in Biblionix Apollo themselves or by contacting the library. When the item becomes available for pick-up, the patron will be notified via their preferred method that they selected. If the item remains on the shelf for twenty-one (21) days or three (3) weeks, it will be pulled to be re-shelved or passed on to the next individual on the reserve list.

3.5 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Materials

The replacement charge assessed for materials is that of the list price upon purchase as per records.

3.5.1 – Lost Materials

Any item that has not been returned after fourteen (14) days is considered lost and the patron account will have a replacement charge and processing fee assessed to the account. Return of the item will waive the replacement charge and processing fee, but, where applicable, not the accrued late fines.

If the patron is unable to return the item, they may not provide a “like item” as the item that they provide cannot be guaranteed to have been the same as that which the Elkader Public Library originally possessed.

3.5.2 – Stolen Materials

If a patron indicates that they have had library materials stolen, the patron must provide a police report in order to have replacement charges and processing fees waived.

3.5.3 Damaged Materials

Patrons will not be charged for damage resulting from normal wear and tear, but will be charged for accidental damage and that due to malicious intent.

3.5.4 Delinquent Accounts

A delinquent account is one that has at least one (1) item overdue that has been assessed as lost, the amount owed on the account totals $50 or greater, and has had no patron contact in one (1) month. In the case of delinquent accounts, the Elkader Public Library may take more extensive measures such as involving local law enforcement or a collection agency and/or prosecution in a municipal court.

4. UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES

4.1 Patron Pause

The Patron Pause account status places a patron’s account into a hold state wherein they do not receive fines, notifications for fines, access to online services (if eligible), or are eligible to checkout materials. This status is for patrons who have entered into highly unique circumstances that make them unable to return to the library in a timely manner to return their materials that they would otherwise such as a hospitalization and is only to be utilized at the Library Director’s discretion with communication from the patron or patron’s family/caregiver.

4.2 Patron Death

In the event of a patron’s death, if there are no materials attached to the account (checked out, overdue, lost, missing, etc.), the account is deleted with any and all debts forgiven. If there are materials still attached to the account, the account is to remain open for one (1) year following the patron’s passing to allow any materials to return and to aid any individuals managing the estate in locating materials belonging to the library. After the year has passed, the account will close with any and all debts forgiven and any remaining materials still out considered “a lost cause” that will not be pursued.