Cardholder Policies

Guiding Principles:

1. The patron experience should be the same at all 20 member libraries.
2. Provide an excellent level of customer service.
3. Adherence to the ethics and standards of professional librarianship at all staff levels. Protecting patron confidentiality, privacy and their freedom to read.

Network Resource Sharing Goals:
(Adapted from the ALA/RUSA “Manifesto for Rethinking Resource Sharing, 2007).

1. Restrictions should present the lowest-possible-barriers to the library users.
2. Users should be provided options for delivery format; method of delivery; and, fulfillment type (loans, copies, or digital/electronic).
3. Network access to sharable resources should be encouraged through formal and informal agreements with the goal of lowest-barrier-to-fulfillment.
4. Reference services (whether formal or informal) are a vital component of resource sharing and delivery. No member library staff member should send a patron away “empty-handed”: provide assistance in the form of direction to another resource or referral to another agency.
5. Library registration policies should provide the lowest-possible-barriers. All members are encouraged to revise policies and workflow to meet the information needs of our users.

POLICIES for WAGGIN cardholders:

It does not cost anything to use the WAGGIN Network if you remember 3 simple rules:
1. Return borrowed materials on time.
2. Return borrowed materials in good condition.
3. Keep track of your library card.

Cardholders:
• A WAGGIN library card is free to all residents of Washington, Greene, and Fayette Counties.
• Persons who attend school, own property, or are employed in Washington, Greene, or Fayette County are also eligible for a free library card.
• Non-resident students attending a Washington, Greene, or Fayette County post-secondary institution may register for a 1-year library card with proper student I.D.
• Non-residents with a library card from another PA Public Library may register for a free WAGGIN library card.
• Library cards expire every three years; however, registration information is updated yearly. Please provide the library with any changes in address, telephone number or email.
• Proper I.D. is required: photo I.D. showing current local address; valid Driver’s License, Voter Registration card; Check with preprinted address; utility bill; tax receipt; student I.D (middle & high school students); lease or rental agreement.
• Please present your library card or I.D. to borrow library materials. It speeds up the transaction and protects your account.
• Individual libraries set policy guidelines with regards to library cards for minors. Contact your local library for questions.
• Library cards are not transferable or meant to be shared and should only be made out to one individual.
• Parents/Caregivers can utilize a child’s library card when the child is present.
• You can; however, authorize pick-up of your materials by a pre-designated representative. (Please call the pick-up library to provide authorization.)
• By accepting a library card for you or a dependent child, you agree to be responsible for the materials as well as all extended use fees and fees for lost or damaged materials.
• All fees must be below $10 to renew a library card.

Circulation:
• Books may be borrowed for 14 days; other loan periods are set by the lending library.
• Most materials may be renewed up to 2 times (at the library, by telephone or online). Beginning in May 2021, eligible items will renew automatically two days before the due date.  Please check your library account to confirm.  See the announcement about Automatic Renewal HERE!
• Items showing existing holds may not be renewed.
• Due to limited collection sizes, DVD borrowing limits are set by the individual member libraries.

Extended Use and other Fees:
• Extended use fees for books are .20 cents per day. Lending libraries may set their own extended use fees for other items.
• Maximum fee per returned book: $5.00.
• Lost or damaged library card: $2.00.
• A patron can pay a fee at any member library.
• Partial payments are accepted. Payments plans can be arranged.
• There is a one-day grace period for all items.
• Individual member libraries set their policies with regards to the replacement of library materials

Confidentiality Law:

We respect your right to privacy. By law, we cannot discuss details of a library account with any individual other than the cardholder. Parents must bring their minor child with them to use or discuss the child’s account. If you need to discuss your account by phone, please have your library card number ready.

The Pennsylvania Confidentiality Law (P.S. §4428): the disclosure of any records related to the circulation of library materials which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the user shall be confidential and shall not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding.

Public Libraries are impartial resources providing information on all points of view, available to all persons regardless of origin, age, background or views. (ALA Policy on Confidentiality)

Approved: May, 2018

​102 E. George Street
Carmichaels, PA 15320
call us:    724-966-5263
Need help now? chat with a librarian 24/7

Flenniken Public Library

We offer our usual services such as book check outs, research, and computer services as well as other services and activities like classes, seminars, and entertainment.