Circulation
LIBRARY CARDS
Your library card is valid at every public library in Delaware. The card offers Delaware residents free and equal access to information services and resources.
ADULT CARDS
A library card will be issued to adults ages 18 and older after completing an application and presenting suitable identification that shows their current address. Such identification may be:
* A valid driver’s license
* A utility or credit card bill with the person’s name
The borrower is responsible for:
Materials charged to the card.
Presenting a library card each time materials are borrowed.
Reporting a lost card or change of address immediately.
Paying all charges for overdue, lost or damaged materials.
Observing all library policies.
Parents or guardians are responsible for the materials, fines and fees charged to their child’s library card.
Each borrower needs a PIN to:
Place holds (i.e., reserves) on items.
Access records about outstanding fines and items checked out .
Have access to the Internet and resources for online research.
Your PIN ensures privacy so that your record cannot be accessed by any other user.
LOAN PERIOD
The loan period for most library materials is three weeks. Please note that libraries may set loan periods based on availability or type of materials, e.g., Bear Library may have one policy on current “Bestsellers”, while Corbit-Calloway has another.
Receipts
A receipt is printed each time materials are loaned. It is important that users check their receipt since loans may expire on different dates. Please keep your receipts to verify due dates and fines paid.
Renewals
Most library materials may be renewed with your card in person, online via e-library or by telephone (378-8838), if they are not reserved for another user. The maximum number of renewals for most items is three. Renewals may be made at any public library in New Castle County.
Returns
Returning materials on time makes them available to more people. Library materials, with the exception of interlibrary loans, may be returned to any New Castle County Library. Book drops are available for after-hour returns. Any overdue fines can be settled at your next library visit.
Overdue Notices
The first notice will be sent 8 days after an item is due. The second and third overdue notices will be sent at subsequent two-week intervals. If materials are not returned by the third notice, the items then become “unresolved,” and you will be blocked from borrowing any new items until the problem is resolved.
Lost Materials
The borrower is responsible for the cost of a lost item. If a lost item is found and returned to the Library, you will be refunded the replacement cost, but will be responsible for all fines owed.
Claimed Return
If you receive an overdue notice for an item which you think you have returned, please notify library staff.
Reserves
E-library allows users to place a reserve on most items. Once an item becomes available, the borrower will be notified by telephone or e-mail. The borrower must pick up the item by the specified date.
| Type of Item | Charge per Item | Max. Fine per Item |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Hardback | $.25 per day | $10.00 |
| Adult Non-Fiction Paperback | $.25 per day | $10.00 |
| Adult Fiction Paperback | $.10 per day | $5.00 |
| Children’s Hardback | $.10 per day | $5.00 |
| Children’s Paperback | $.10 per day | $3.00 |
| Adult Audio, CD, Video, DVD, Software |
$.25 per day | $10.00 |
| Children’s Audio, CD, Video, DVD, Software |
$.10 per day | $5.00 |
| Magazines | $.10 per day | $3.00 |
| Vertical File | $.10 per envelope per day | $3.00 |
| Lost Item | Cost of Replacement | Cost of Replacement |
