Washington Public Library prides itself in providing the community with access to books, media, databases, services, and more. In order for the library to continue to offer these services, there are rules that need to be adhered to by all members and guests of Washington Public Library.
Updates effective July 1, 2016
Audiobooks (CD)
Who May Borrow
- Any person eighteen (18) years or older who is a registered borrower in good standing at the Washington Public Library may borrow Audio Book CDs.
- This service is provided free of charge
Loan Period & Regulations for Borrowing
- NEW Audio CDs may only be borrowed for a one-week loan period.
- Audio CDs in the collection may be borrowed for a two-week loan period. Book CDs must be returned directly to the circulation desk.They may not be placed in the book drop.
- The fine for overdue Book CDs is $2.00 per day (up to the price of the item).
Responsibility for Damage or Loss
- It is the borrower’s responsibility to return the CD(s) in good condition.
- If the borrower loses or damages a CD, that borrower must pay the replacement cost.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for damage caused to a borrower’s playing device by a library audiobook CD.
Suspension Privileges
In cases of continued abuse, such as repeatedly losing or damaging CDs, disregarding due dates or putting CDs in the book drop, borrowing privileges may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the library director.
Books
Who May Borrow
- Any patron who is a registered borrower in good standing at the Washington Public Library may borrow books.
- This service is provided free of charge.
Loan Period & Regulations for Borrowing
- NEW Books may only be borrowed for a one-week loan period.
- Books in the collection may be borrowed for a 2-week loan period.
- The fine for overdue books is now $ .20 per day (up to the price of the item).
Responsibility for Damage or Loss
- It is the borrower’s responsibility to return the book(s) in good condition.
- If the borrower loses or damages a book, that borrower must pay the replacement cost.
Suspension Privileges
In cases of continued abuse, such as repeatedly losing or damaging books, or disregarding due dates, borrowing privileges may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the library director.
EBooks and EAudiobooks
Who May Borrow
- Anyone who is a registered borrower in good standing at the Wahington Public Library may borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks on the 3M Cloud Library.
- This service is provided free of charge.
- Application to download to utilize 3M Cloud free of charge.
Loan Period & Regulations for Borrowing
- Both eBooks and eAudiobooks may be borrowed for a two-week loan period.
- Patrons may only check out 4 books on their account at a time.
- Patrons may place a maximum of 6 holds from their account at a time.
- Because 3M Cloud Library is digital, all transactions are digital, therefore no late fees acrue.
DVD & Blu-Rays
Who May Borrow
- Any person eighteen (18) years or older who is a registered borrower in good standing at the Washington Public Library may borrow DVDs.
- This service is provided free of charge.
Loan Period & Regulations for Borrowing
- Only two (2) titles may be borrowed at one time.
- All DVDs/BluRays may only be borrowed for a 1-week loan period.
- DVDs may be renewed up to 2 times, either in person or over the telephone if current fines do not exceed $5.00.
- DVDs must be returned directly to the circulation desk. They may NOT be placed in the book drop.
- The fine for overdue DVD is $2.00 per day per item (up to the price of the item).
- Some DVD titles contain multiple DVDs that can be checked out as one item.
Responsibility for Damage or Loss
- It is the borrower’s responsibility to return the DVD in good condition.
- If the borrower loses or damages a DVD, that borrower must pay the replacement cost.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for damage caused to a borrower’s equipment by a library DVD.
Suspension Privileges
In cases of continued abuse, such as repeatedly losing or damaging DVDs, disregarding due dates or putting DVDs in the book drop, borrowing privileges may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the library director.
Music CDs
Who May Borrow
- Any person eighteen (18) years or older who is a registered borrower in good standing at the Washington Public Library may borrow Music CDs.
- This service is provided free of charge.
Loan Period & Regulations for Borrowing
- Only three (3) titles may be borrowed at one time.
- Music CDs may be borrowed for a 1-week loan period.
- Music CDs must be returned directly to the circulation desk. They may not be placed in the book drop.
- The fine for overdue Music CDs is $2.00 per day (up to the price of the item).
Responsibility for Damage or Loss
- It is the borrower’s responsibility to return the CD(s) in good condition.
- If the borrower loses or damages a CD, that borrower must pay the replacement cost.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for damage caused to a borrower’s playing device by a library audiobook CD.
Suspension Privileges
In cases of continued abuse, such as repeatedly losing or damaging CDs, disregarding due dates or putting CDs in the book drop, borrowing privileges may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the library director.
Video Games
Who May Borrow
- Any person eighteen (18) years or older who is a registered borrower in good standing at the Washington Public Library may borrow Music CDs.
- This service is provided free of charge.
Loan Period & Regulations for Borrowing
- Only two (2) titles may be borrowed at one time.
- All Video Games may only be borrowed for a 1-week loan period.
- Video Games may be renewed up to 2 times, either in person or over the telephone if current fines do not exceed $5.00.
- Video Games must be returned directly to the circulation desk. They may NOT be placed in the book drop.
- The fine for overdue Video Games is $2.00 per day per item (up to the price of the item).
Responsibility for Damage or Loss
- It is the borrower’s responsibility to return the Video Game in good condition.
- If the borrower loses or damages a Video Game, that borrower must pay the replacement cost.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for damage caused to a borrower’s equipment by a library Video Game.
Suspension Privileges
In cases of continued abuse, such as repeatedly losing or damaging Video Games, disregarding due dates or putting Video Games in the book drop, borrowing privileges may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the library director.
Books must be returned by close of business in order to be “on time” for the due date.
Books placed in the book return after hours cannot be checked in until the following day and will be considered “late.”
Joining the Library
The Washington Public Library encourages all individuals who are residents of the Borough, who work, or own property in Washington to apply for a “free” library card.
Note: The “first” library card is free.
Please stop by the Circulation Desk at the Library to apply for a library card. If you are age 18 or older, you will be asked to present both 1 current proof of identity such as a valid driver’s license or an on-driver’s license and 1 current proof of address to obtain and renew a card.
Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and follow the registration guidelines.
Acceptable proofs (CURRENT) of identity include:
- Valid driver’slicense
- Passport
- US Military ID
- Valid state-issued non-driver ID
- Permanent resident card
Acceptable proofs (CURRENT) of residence include:
- Utility Bill: JCP&L, telephone, water
- Lease agreement
- Cable television bill
- Borough tax bill (required for non-resident property owners)
- Current bank statement
- Car insurance
- Pay roll stub
All items presented should be CURRENT from within the last 30 days.
People employed in the Borough of Washington may receive a FREE library card by presenting one of the following items together with a proof of their identity and proofoftheir home address:
- Dated letter from employer on company letterhead
- Most recent paystub
Individuals not entitled to a free card may join the library with full privileges for an annual fee of $50.00, family, $60, and the seniors, $40.00.
Lost or stolen, or damaged cards can be replaced for $5.00. It is important to notify the Library if a card is lost to avoid misuse if found by someone else. The fee to replace a library card due to damage (wear, tear, etc., is $5.00)
Updated 8/29/17; Amended 3/22/21 by the Board of Trustees
