Membership and Circulation Policy
The Sidney Public Library will make its resources available to all people in the area it serves, regardless of age, background or views.
Membership/Library Card
Residents of Sidney, Iowa and the surrounding Fremont County rural areas not serviced by other public libraries are eligible for a free library card at the Sidney Public Library. In addition, through the library's Open Access program, individuals that live in Iowa in areas serviced by other libraries may be eligible to borrow from the Sidney Public Library if their own library is a participating member of the Open Access program.
Prior to borrowing items, new members will be required to complete a new member application form, providing personal information so that the library can provide ongoing service to the member. If a member moves, changes email address or gets a new phone number, it is the responsibility of that member to inform the library.
Additionally, the library will collect information needed to determine eligibility. Valid proof of residency is a bank statement, utility statement or driver's license. If the new member is a minor, the parent or guardian that they live with must show proof.
All information provided will be kept confidential.
New member applicants under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian sign the registration form for them. Such accounts will be associated with the parent or guardian's account.
Parents or guardians may check out books for younger children on their own card up to the age of 5. Children 5 or older need to have their own card.
Library cards are valid for two years and may be renewed upon patron request.
Circulation Rules
Members in good standing (no overdue books or unpaid charges) may borrow:
DVD's 7 days
Games and Activities for 7 days
Books for 14 days
All other items for 14 days
The library may place restrictions on the number of items an individual may borrow. Generally, an individual may borrow up to three items. There is a limit on DVD’s and Games and Activities of 5 per family. There is a limit on books of 15 per family. New members under the age of 12 are limited to 1 book and 1 DVD. New members 12 and older are limited to 2 books and 1 DVD. After returning their first borrowed items on time, new members are subject to the same limits as all members.
Books and audiobooks may be renewed twice. Other items may be renewed once. Items may be renewed in person, over the phone or online.
Items may be returned to the circulation desk during library hours or to the drop box when the library is closed.
In the event a desired item is checked out, it may be reserved in person, over the phone or online. Reserved items will be held for 3 days after the member is contacted about its availability.
The library does not collect overdue fines. Items overdue for 10 days (DVD, Games) or 30 days (books) or 10 days are subject to the replacement cost plus a $3.00 processing fee. In the event that any Sidney Library material is lost, destroyed, or damaged before returning, the borrower or parent/guardian of the borrower will be required to pay the replacement cost plus the processing fee.
Further borrowing use will not be allowed if the total amount owed for replacement costs exceeds $10.00.
The Sidney Public Library does not restrict access to any materials based on age. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for overseeing the use of the library and its materials by their children.
The Sidney Public Library participates in the state library Interlibrary Loan (ILL) program. If a member seeks an item that is not available in our library collection, that item may be borrowed from another library. Interlibrary loan service is available to members in good standing with an established 3-month or more record of borrowing items and returning them on a timely basis. A member with outstanding overdue materials or fines will not be allowed to request an ILL until that member is in good standing. The length of time the item can be borrowed depends upon the lending library. The book will be checked out for two weeks and if the lending library allows it, can be renewed for two more weeks. If a requested book is not available within our Iowa library system, a $3.00 fee per item is charged to offset administrative costs to go outside the state.
The Sidney Public Library will also lend books at no charge to members of other libraries through the Interlibrary Loan program. Some of the cost of postage is offset by reimbursement from the State Library.
The Sidney Public Library will provide, upon request, delivery of materials to homebound patrons. Patrons may request delivery as often as once a week.
Adopted: 10/28/1999
Revised: December 2012
Revised: February 2013
Revised: August 2018
Revised: August 2019
Revised: February 2021
Revised: September 2021