Library Policies and Procedures

Library Cards | Checking Out Materials| Renewing items | Fines | Internet Use | Privacy Policy | Other services |
Frequently Asked Questions

The Madison County Public Library has locations in Berea and Richmond, KY to serve the needs of our community.  The Bookmobile is also available traveling throughout the county all year long. 

Library Cards

Library cards are free to residents of Madison County (and users of other Bluegrass regional libraries)

  A picture I.D. with proof of current address is required when applying for a library card
(If address is different from I.D., you may use a utility bill or similar item to establish residency.  Remember to notify us of any changes in contact information as they occur).

You must have your library card with you to access your account.

Lost cards are replaced once free of charge;  there will be a $1.00 charge for additional lost cards.

Please Do Not allow anyone else to use your card.  You are responsible for everything checked out on your card!

Checking Out Materials

You may check out materials at any library location.

Adult users may check out up to 30 items at a time.
College students, juveniles, and young adults may have up to 20 items.
Temporary residents may have up to 5 items.

You must be 17 or older to check out CDs or videos with an explicit or "R" rating.

Check-out limits

Length of Loan:
Books: 4 weeks
New or reserve books: 2 weeks
Magazines/Music CDs: 2 weeks
Audiobooks: 4 weeks
Videos/DVDs: 1 week

Item Limits:

Magazines: 8
Audiobooks: 8
Music CDs: 8
Videos: 8

If any materials are kept overdue more than 6 weeks, you will not be allowed to check out anything else until the items are returned or paid for.  You are also responsible for paying for lost or damaged items.

Renewing and Returning Materials

Materials may be renewed up to 2 times in person, by phone (986-7112 or 623-6704), or by visiting the *My Account link in the right hand column (unless the items are on hold for another patron).  If you call after hours, please include you name, card number, and the items that you would like renewed in your message.
*Online renewals will require both your library card number and pin.  If you do  not have a pin for your account, please come in or call.

Interlibrary loan items may be renewed 1 time, with the permission of the lending library.

Materials may be returned to any of the three locations regardless of where the item was checked out.

Both buildings have an outside book drop for after-hours returns.  Please DO NOT return CDs, DVDs, or audiobooks in the outside drop  (You will be responsible for any damages to these media.)

Please rewind VHS videos and Audiobooks.

Fines

Books:  10 cents per day
Magazines: 10 cents per day
Audiobooks: 50 cents per day
Music CDs: 50 cents per day
Videos: 50 cents per day

If fines &/or other charges of $10.00 or more are accrued, you will not be allowed to check out anything else until your balance due is paid under $10.00.  Accounts with fines exceeding $25.00 may be turned over for collection.

Internet Use

Internet use is free.

Printouts cost 10 cents per page.

Users under 18 must have a signed permission slip on file to use the internet.

Privacy/Confidentiality

We will not disclose what you have checked out or on hold to anyone, not even a family member, without your permission or by legal court order.