Patron Tools

Obtaining a Library Card

Library cards are valid for three years and are issued to residents of the Middle Country School District. Expired cards may be renewed for an additional three years and at that time, required ID must be shown again.

A parent (or legal guardian) must show their ID to obtain a card for their children. It is the parent’s decision whether their child will have a children’s card or an adult card.

Two proofs of residence (ID) are required to obtain a library card. Valid forms are:

• driver’s license
• bill in the person’s name
• credit card bills
• school correspondence

Apartments/Renters: A notarized letter from your landlord and a picture ID are required.

PO Boxes: Picture ID and a utility bill which will have “service at….” (the street address) on it, are required.

Loan Periods

• All materials, except as otherwise noted are 21 days.
• Fiction Video & DVDs are 7 days.
• Items from the Special Collections may be checked out at the discretion of the librarian.
• Interloaned materials are as assigned by the lending agency.

Borrowing Limitations

• The library reserves the right to limit the number of items borrowed
• The library reserves the right to change the standard loan period at any time

Special Service Fees

• Extended Use Fees : All materials, except otherwise noted – $.05 per day.
• Special Collections : $.50 per day.
• Maximum overdue charge : $1.00 per item, unless otherwise noted.
• Interloaned Materials : Fees assigned by the lending agency.
• Damaged and Lost Materials : Replacement costs will be charged to the patron for any item that is lost or returned damaged and beyond repair. These charges will be recorded on the patron record.
• Returned Check Fee : If a check has been made out to Middle Country Public Library and is returned for insufficient funds, the amount of the check and any bank fees incurred by the library will be charged to the patron and recorded on the patron record.

Suspended Privileges

The library reserves the right to temporarily suspend library privileges when an item is overdue in excess of 20 days, or the extended use fees exceed $7.50, or charge for lost or damaged materials are not paid. When an item is overdue in excess of 50 days the delinquent account will be sent to a collection agency and library privileges will be suspended throughout Suffolk County. Library privileges will be reinstated when resolution of the problem occurs.

In the event that a patron disagrees with the decision of the circulation supervisor, a request for reconsideration may be submitted to the Library Director. If the patron disagrees with this determination, an appeal may be directed to the Library Board of Trustees.