Registration:
The Ashtabula County District Library (ACDL) receives approximately 50% of its budget from the state of Ohio's Public Library Fund. Approximately 44% of ACDL's budget is provided via a local property tax levy that was passed by residents in our service area in 2013. This means that all people residing in the State of Ohio and property owners in ACDL's service area in Ashtabula County support the library through their taxes. Community members pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their first library card. Library cards are renewed every three (3) years without additional fees provided the library card holder continues to live, work or own property in the State of Ohio and is a patron in good standing. There is a fee of $1.00 to replace damaged, destroyed, lost or stolen library cards.
As a resident card holder, the borrower identified on the valid borrower's card may physically take his or her library card to any Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) affiliate library including ACDL's library facilities to borrow materials. Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them, and are subject to all rules and regulations of the lending library. A valid library card also provides access to a multitude of electronic resources including ebooks and magazines, streaming videos, electronic databases, etc.
Individuals who reside beyond the State of Ohio, own no property, and do not work within the State of Ohio may purchase a non-resident fee one-year card for the price of $40.00. This fee entitles the entire family to use the Ashtabula County District Library This fee is non-refundable.
Special cards are available for specific situations and include Student, Institution, and Teacher. More information regarding these cards may be obtained at the Customer Service Desks at the Library.
Adults wishing to register for a library card, renew an expired library card, or replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed library card at the Ashtabula County District Library must provide verification of identity and proof of current address. These forms of identification include but are not limited to driver's license, school, work, or armed forces ID card or any other photo ID that states the person's name and address such as passport, out of state driver's license, etc. Children under the age of 18 years must have a signature of a parent or legal guardian on the application for a library card as well as address verification. Children 15–17 years may be issued an Adult library card with parental/guardian permission and signature.
Limited Access Student Cards: Student Cards may be issued to minors (age 17 and under) at any ACDL location. A signature from a parent or guardian is not required to receive a Student Card. Each child is able to have up to three items checked out at one time, and Student Cards provide up to three lost/damaged items waived per year. Student Cards can only be used at ACDL locations. They cannot be used at other SEO member libraries.
Teacher Cards: Teacher Cards are issued to anyone who formally teaches from age 0 to 18 years. Teacher cards require the same identity and current address verification as Adult Cards. Financial responsibility for lost or damaged items remains with the card holder.
Institution Cards: Institution Cards are typically given to nonprofit organizations which care for people on a temporary or permanent basis such as a YMCA or nursing home. Financial responsibility for lost or damaged items remains with the institution.
All patrons new to the system will be issued a 30-day temporary status with their card which will allow them to check out three (3) items. After verification of address, patron cards will be amended to include full borrowing privileges.
Eligibility:
Individuals in good standing presenting valid library cards issued by the Ashtabula County District Library are eligible to borrow materials from the Ashtabula County District Library as long as there are no outstanding lost materials associated with the library card.
The Library staff may not waive this regulation without the specific permission of the Library Director, however the patron may request and receive a 24 hour hold on the item(s) he or she wishes to check out to allow the patron to correct the situation which has resulted in loss of eligibility to borrow.
Blocked cards retain access to online resources and public computers.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards:
A patron should report a lost or stolen library card to the library as soon as possible. The owner of a lost or stolen library card is responsible for all material checked out on that card up to the time that he or she reported to the library that it was lost or stolen. The patron may request a replacement for a lost or stolen card in person at the library.
Patrons may receive a replacement library card without charge once every three years. Otherwise a replacement fee of $1.00 will be assessed. Badly damaged cards will be replaced upon request.
