What is your check-out policy? First time patrons may check out 2 items; items must be returned before full library privileges begin. A registered library card holder who does not have his/her card in hand can check out 3 items with ID and a payment of $1.00. Minors can use their parents ID.
How do I get a library card? You need to show identification with your name and current address. A parent or legal guardian must present his/her identification and sign the registration card for children 15 and under.
What if I lose my library card? There is a $1.00 fee for a replacement card that is lost or damaged. If your card is lost or stolen you need to report it to us immediately so no one can use it.
Can someone else use my library card? The library assumes, unless notified that your card is missing, that the person who presents the card for checkouts has been given permission to use it. All items checked on your card are your responsibility. Parents assume responsibility for items checked out on a minor’s card.
What if my items are overdue? A modest fine is charged for each day the item is overdue; however, no fines occur on days the library is closed. $5.00 is the maximum fine charged for any one overdue item. All fines must be paid-in-full and overdue/lost materials must be returned or paid for before you can have any additional checkouts or be able to use the public access computers. Please refer to the fines table. Any item that has reached its renewal max or that is unable to be renewed must remain in the library for a minimum of 24 hours before being checked out to the same person.
Do you notify me if my items are overdue? Yes; generally a user receives 2 overdue notices and 1 final billing notice between 10-45 days after the items are late. Approximately 45 days after normal procedures to secure overdue items have failed, a record of notice may be sent to a contracted materials recovery agency or to the City Attorney for legal action as authorized in the Derby City Ordinance #1687. When the overdue account is forwarded to a collection agency a $10 non-refundable service fee is added to the user’s library record.
What if I lose an item? If an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, it must be paid for at the retail cost plus a $5.00 processing fee to help offset the materials that are used to make the item ready for use by the library. No additional fine is accessed. Should you find the item later, it is yours as no refunds are given on lost materials.
At what age can my child come to the library without me? Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible caregiver who is at least 13 years of age. The library does not assume responsibility for unattended children. You know your child and can best determine when he/she is mature enough to come to the library alone. However, because the library is a public place for people of all ages, we encourage you to accompany your child during all library visits. For complete policy click here
What is the sign-up policy for the Internet and word processors? Sign-ups are on a first come, first served basis. You need to present your Derby Public Library card or a photo ID. In order to use the computers your patron record must be cleared – you cannot owe any fines nor have any overdue materials. A sign-up is limited to one hour per day. Color printing is available at a cost of $0.25 per page. Our public PCs have Office 2003 (Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
What is an interlibrary loan (ILL) and its policies? An interlibrary loan is the borrowing or lending of an item from one library to another. If we do not have the item you need, we can request to borrow it from another library. There is no charge for this service. You are limited to 3 ILL checkouts at any one time. A request can take 2 to 3 weeks to fill. You will be called when the item is available or if we are unable to fill the request. Items owned by the Derby Public Library and newly published materials cannot be borrowed from another library.
Can I return my materials after hours? All items can be returned after hours by using the outside book drop.
Can I return my items to another library? All Derby Public Library materials must be returned to our library. If you accidentally return an item to another public or school library, you still remain responsible for it until you can locate it or pay for a replacement copy.