Circulation

The public library model is based upon a trusting relationship between borrowers and the library. Materials purchased with taxpayer funds are meant to be used carefully and returned on time so that others may use them. The Twinsburg Library is a CLEVNET© Library.

For an account to be considered in “good standing,” borrowing privileges should not be suspended or sanctioned at Twinsburg or other CLEVNET libraries.

Getting a Library Card - General Borrowing Registration

1. Persons residing, owning property, working, or attending school in Ohio are eligible, with proper identification, to register for a Twinsburg Public Library card.

2. Adults and patrons 16 years of age must present valid photo ID with the current, correct mailing address.

• a. If the photo ID does not have the current mailing address, the patron may present utility bill, bank mailing, or other business mail as proof of address. Applicant may present this electronically.
• b. Patrons who lack proof of address can be issued a card limited to three physical items. Once address is verified by US Mail, the account can be updated to one with full borrowing privileges.
• c. Patrons who do not have proof of address and live outside the service area will be issued a temporary card which limits borrowing to three physical items and is valid for six months. Once address is verified, the account can be updated to full borrowing privileges.

3. Children under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present to apply and co-sign for a library card. The parent or guardian must present the required identification as outlined above. Parents are required to have their own library card for the minor to have full borrowing privileges.

4. Cards are free for first-time applicants.

5. Cards issued at the Twinsburg Public Library are recognized at any CLEVNET library.

6. Applications can be found online and at the circulation desk.

7. Temporary residents must provide both permanent and temporary or school address.

8. Out-of-state students attending an institution of higher learning in Ohio must provide their permanent and their college address as well as student ID.

9. As TPL is a member of the CLEVNET consortium, any CLEVNET library card is honored at TPL, and TPL will not issue cards to those patrons who already have cards at other CLEVNET libraries. If the patron has relocated to the area and would like a TPL card, that patron needs to switch.

General Statement of Responsibility

1. A library patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his or her library card, and if such materials are returned late, damaged, or lost, the patron is responsible for paying fines or replacement fees.

2. The parent or legal guardian of a minor patron is responsible for all materials checked out on the minor patron's card.

3. Generally, a patron must present a library card or photo identification in order to check out materials. Through the CLEVNET app, patrons can store their library card on their phone and present it for checking out materials.

4. Because minors do not usually have access to photo identification, library staff will provide services to a minor for that minor patron's account, provided the minor patron can verify their name, address, and birth date. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the Library unattended.

Types of Cards

1. Twinsburg Juvenile AV material allowed: Applied for by a legal guardian whose card is in good standing.*

2. TW/Juvenile No AV material allowed: Legal guardians can choose to restrict their child’s card so they can only check out print materials.*

3. Three For Me: A Three for Me card is available for children 11 and younger who do not have a legal guardian present; if the legal guardian doesn’t have proper identification; or their regular juvenile card is blocked. The child must know full name, birthdate, and address, and be able to write first name. The card can only be used at TPL for print juvenile materials only.* / **

4. Teen Triad: A Teen Triad card is available for teens 12-17 years of age when material or internet use is required for school projects; when a legal guardian is not present or does not have a CLEVNET card of their own; the legal guardian does not have proper identification; or the teen’s CLEVNET card is blocked in the system. The card can only be used at TPL for three print materials and internet/database access. The teen must know their full name, birthdate, address, and phone number.* / **

5. Homebound/Home Delivery Service: Homebound cards are regular library cards for patrons unable to get to the library who do not have someone else to collect and return the materials. Patrons using home delivery service are given extended loan periods to account for drop-off and pickup of materials.

6. Teacher/Educator Cards: Can check out TPL educational related DVDs and print materials for a 30-day loan period. Must have a regular card in the CLEVNET system. The educator, not the school district, is responsible for the non-return or damage of items.

7. Temporary Card: Given to those applicants out of the immediate service area (Twinsburg, Solon, Hudson, Streetsboro, Aurora, Oakwood Bedford, Bedford Heights, Macedonia, Northfield) who do not have current identification. May be updated when patron brings in necessary credentials.

8. Organizational Card: Available to day care and assisted living facilities with a responsible contact person. Twinsburg items only. Agency responsible for lost or damaged materials.

9. E-cards: Available for Ohio residents, students currently studying in Ohio, and those who own property in Ohio. 

*A juvenile must be present if their card is being used to check out materials.

**A letter will be sent to the legal guardian advising them that a card has been issued in a child's or teen's name.

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards

1. A patron should report a lost or stolen library card to the Library as soon as possible. The owner of a lost or stolen library card is responsible for all material checked out on that card up to the time they report to the Library that it was lost or stolen. Patrons may be required to show a police report for a stolen card.

2. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost or stolen cards. If a card is worn out (no longer functional due to normal wear) cards will be replaced upon request for no charge.

Restrictions of Borrowing Privileges

1. A patron's borrowing privileges will be suspended when their account balance reaches $15.00 or more in fees or they have more than 10 overdue items.

2. Borrowing privileges will be restored after fees fall below these numbers.

3. For an account to be considered in "good standing," borrowing privileges should not be suspended or sanctioned at other CLEVNET libraries.

Fines and Fees

Patrons can renew most books and movies five times (see exceptions below). However, if a patron has 10 more items overdue, their account will be blocked until they return the items. If an item is not returned within 30 days of check out or renewal, their account will be blocked. 

Item loan periods, fines, and number of renewals: With the exception of new video games and items from the Library of Things, the Twinsburg Public Library is overdue fine free. There will be fees for lost and damaged materials.

Lost or Damaged Materials

1. When items checked out on a patron's account become lost (30 days after last due date), the patron will be charged a fee to replace the item which will reflect the list price of the item.

2. Prior to accepting payment for a lost item, the Library will make every effort to assist the patron in locating it using shelf checks and item renewals.

3. Replacements for lost materials are acceptable so long as they are exact replacements (e.g. hardcover as opposed to paperback, Blu-ray as opposed to DVD).

4. If a lost item is found after payment, there will be no refund for the patron, and the patron may keep the item.

5. When an item is returned in damaged condition, library staff will evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if the item can be mended.

6. Costs for items damaged beyond repair will be charged to the last patron who had checked out the item unless it has been noted that the damage occurred prior to checkout.

7. The patron will be notified of the condition and replacement cost as soon as possible. The replacement cost will reflect the list price of the item. The patron can keep the damaged item if a replacement is accepted or if the replacement cost is received within four months of returning the item. After four months, the item will be discarded.

8. Items in a condition that present a safety hazard or health threat to patrons, staff, or the library building will not be retained for the patron. Damage to such items will be documented as the situation allows, and the item will be discarded.

Interlibrary Loan

Using standard American Library Association loan forms, items that are over a year old and not owned by TPL can be requested from libraries outside of the CLEVNET consortium. There may be fees based on the lending library's policies. Patrons will be contacted to see if they are willing to pay for the loan. The loan period is based on the lending library's.

KentLINK

The Twinsburg Public Library is a pickup and drop-off location for KentLINK items. This service is only available for Kent State University students, professors, and alumni. For those not in that category who wish to use this service, please contact Kent State University to apply for a community borrowing card.