1. Library Card

All patrons must possess a library card in order to check out materials. A patron may present either their library card or their driver's license as valid identification to inquire and utilize their library account. However, due to the Michigan Library Privacy Act (Public Act 455 of 1982) requirements, patrons need their library card number to make inquiries about their account over the telephone.

2. Loan Periods and Fee Schedules

Checkout periods, restrictions on quantities, and limits on renewals will be determined by collection size, patron demand, and equity of sharing resources. The library endeavors to loan all material freely, however, some collections may require a rental fee. The fee will not exceed $1.00 per loan period per item. All other fines and charges still apply. A schedule of loan periods and fees will be available to patrons when they receive their library card and be posted to the library's website.

3. Renewals

Materials may be renewed at the library, over the telephone, or on the library's website. The patron renewing items over the telephone must give her/his library card barcode number in order for library staff to access the patron's account.

4. Overdues

All patrons are urged to return library materials by the date they are due or to ask to renew items. By returning items on time, patrons make it possible for other patrons to use them.

a. Fine Schedule: .05 per day per item.  The maximum fine is $5.00 per item.

b. Notices:  Reminder notices will be sent to patrons when items are overdue. When an item is 90 days overdue it will be considered lost and the patron will be charged the price of the item. However, if the patron returns the item they will only be charged the maximum fine for the item.

5. Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

Patrons may not borrow library materials if privileges have been suspended. Privileges may be suspended for the following reasons:

1. When the patron has more than six items overdue, or
2. When the patron has $5.00 or more in outstanding fines or fees for materials that have been returned, or
3. When the patron owes for lost or damaged materials.
4. Chippewa River District Library participates in a shared automation system with its CCoMPASS partner libraries.  A patron who is not in good standing at a CCoMPASS partner library will not be allowed to check out library materials from Chippewa River District Library until good standing is restored.

Exceptions to suspending privileges due to reasons B or C above can be made when the patron shows good faith by making payment on an existing fine or bill. Suspension will remain in effect until paid or resolved.

6. Vacation Loans

Vacation loans are available year-round to all library card holders. A REASONABLE amount of books may be checked out for up to six weeks with NO renewal option. Except for videos and high demand books, the type and amount of material are left to the discretion of the librarian.

7. Teacher Loans

A separate borrower's card may be issued to teachers upon proof of employment. Teachers may borrow up to 30 books for up to six weeks for use in the classroom with NO renewal option.

Approved: September 7, 1993
Amended: March 1, 1994
Amended: August 14, 2000
Amended: February 12, 2001
Amended: October 14, 2002
Amended: March 10, 2003
Amended: September 16, 2005
Amended: May 12, 2008
Amended: September 14, 2009

All circulating items may be placed on hold either in person at the library, over the telephone or on the library's website. A limit of 4 hold requests may be placed at a time. Patrons will be notified by letter when requested items become available. Items will be held for pickup for 7 days.

Getting a Library Card

Library Card Application

Loan of Library Materials

Interlibrary Loan Service

Loan Periods and Fee Schedules

Online Renewal

Placing Holds

Damage and Replacement Fees