CIRCULATION DESK:
As you enter the library, the first desk you come to is the Circulation Desk. This is where you return and check out materials, apply for a library card, pick up books reserved for you, find information about coming events and ask general information questions.

GETTING A CARD:
All Kansas residents, preschool and up, may obtain a free Emporia Public Library card with printed proof of current residence. Children may obtain a card with the approval of a parent or legal guardian.

LIBRARY CARDS:
A library card will be issued at the time of application. Patrons may check out a limited number of materials the same day they apply for a card. The library requires a card holder to present their card to check out materials.

Emporia Public Library cards are also issued and used at the following Lyon County Libraries:
Americus Township Library Americus, Kansas 620-443-5503
Elmendaro Township Library Hartford, Kansas 620-392-5518
North Lyon County Library Allen, Kansas 620-528-3451

LOST CARDS:
Inform the library immediately if a card is lost or stolen. Library card holders are responsible for materials checked out on their library card unless the library has been notified the card is missing. There is a charge of $1.00 for replacing a lost card.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
An Emporia Public Library card holder is responsible for making sure that materials borrowed on his or her card are returned on time and in good condition. Borrowing privileges may be suspended for failure to return materials or pay fines. Library card holders will be charged for damaged materials.

LIMITS:
There is no limit on how many items a patron checks out; however, there are limitations for new patron cards and how many items may be checked out in some of the library special collections, including graphic novels and nonprint items. The Library encourages patrons to check out only the number of items they feel they can financially afford, in case of loss or damage to the materials. Library card holders must decide how much they want to be financially responsible for.

LOAN PERIODS AND RENEWALS:
Bring your card and the material you have selected to the Circulation Desk. Most materials may be checked out for three weeks. Videocassettes and DVDs may be checked out for one week only. Loan periods are restricted on interlibrary loan items. Most materials may be renewed for an additional three weeks by calling or bringing the items into the library, or through the library's website, http://www.emporialibrary.org. Videocassettes, DVDs and books that are on hold for other patrons cannot be renewed.

To renew materials by phone, call (620) 340-6462. Please have the items in hand to renew in person or by phone. The library reserves the right to restrict renewals to one renewal per item.

SPECIAL LOAN PERIODS:
Extended loan periods are available upon request.

BOOK RETURNS:
For your convenience, the library provides 24-hour book return bins located in the east and north parking lots.

MATERIALS NOT AVAILABLE / ON HOLD:
If a book you want has been checked out, it may be placed on hold for you. The library card holder will be notified by phone or mail when the item is available to check out. If Emporia Public Library does not own the item you want, it may be borrowed from another library through interlibrary loan.

OVERDUE SERVICE CHARGES:
Adult Printed Material $0.10/day per item
Children's Printed Material $0.10/day per item
Nonprint Items $0.25/day per item
Videocassettes & DVDs $1.00/day per video

LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS:
Patrons will be charged a standard replacement price for any item which is lost. Materials that are damaged will be charged an appropriate fee for repairs. If the material is damaged beyond use, the library will charge the patron the cost of replacing the item. The Library will not accept replacement items purchased by the patron. Instead, the patron must pay the replacement fees charged by the library.

Back To Services