Library Card

Library Card Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get a Library Card?

Those who meet one of the following requirements may receive a free Library Card:

• Resides in one of the four service counties - Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion or Stewart County.
• Owns property and pays property taxes in one of the four counties.
• Owns a business with a physical address in one of the four counties.
• Is a student at a college or university in one of the four counties.

Those who live outside of the four county service area may purchase an annual Non-Resident Library Card for $35.00.

What identification do I need to present to get a Library Card?

Customers need to provide a valid photo ID and verification of residency within our four county service area to receive a Library Card. Proper forms of ID include: Driver's License, State Identification card, Military ID or Passport. Items for verification of residency include checkbook, rental agreement (in your name), business mail (addressed to you) or utility bill (addressed to you).

Property and business owners may present the most recent tax bill or business license as their proof of residency.

College and university students should present a current and valid ID from their school.

Personal letters are not accepted as proper verification of address.

I'm under eighteen; can I get a Library Card?

If you are under the age of eighteen you are required to have the signature of your parent, guarantor or legal guardian before you can have a Library Card.

Where can I use my Library Card?

Your Library Card can be used throughout the four county system. All Library Cards are renewed every two years.

Can I loan my card to friends or family?

You must control the use of your card. You are responsible for all items charged to the card, even if the card was used by someone else.

What makes this card special?

Your Library Card contains an electronic chip or "brain" that remembers your Library Card number.

This Library Card is like a bank debit card. You can add "value" to it, like putting money into a checking account, and use it to pay for copies printed from copiers, computer printers, and microfilm readers or to pay Library fines. The money stays in your account until you need it. Once your money is placed on the card it cannot be refunded, it must be used within the Library system.

Can I use my Library Card to access a computer?

Library Cards are required for computer use. You must use your own Library Card to access Library computers.

What if my Library Card is lost or stolen?

If your Library Card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. You are responsible for all materials checked out on your Library Card until it is reported lost or stolen. A replacement fee of $3.00 is charged for a lost or stolen card. Identification is required to obtain a replacement card.

I'm visiting the area, can I use the Library?

Library visitors who do not live in our service area may purchase a visitor card for $35.00. The card allows full access to Library materials and services for a period of one year.

I'm visiting the area, can I use a computer?

Visitor Computer Passes may be purchased at any Library. They are intended for use by visitors who need short-term access to computers. Visitor Computer Passes are valid for the day of purchase only and cost $1.00.

Children under the age of eighteen may not purchase a Visitor Computer Pass unless their parent, guardian or guarantor is present to give consent.

How are overdue materials handled?

The Library keeps a record of overdue materials for fines and materials not returned. You will be notified of overdue materials via mail or telephone after 7days.

• Overdue fines for all materials is 25¢ per day, per item.
• The maximum fine levied for any one item is $5.00.
• Overdue fines for laptops are $5.00 per hour.
• The maximum total fines allowed to accrue to any one customer’s account are $50.00.
• Fines are calculated from the date due to the date the item is returned.
• Fines are not charged on materials checked out from bookmobiles or through InterLibrary Loan.

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries employ a collection agency, Unique Management, to handle all collection of unpaid fines, lost materials, and damaged materials. Unique Management assesses a $10.00 fee to any account sent to collections. Collections may be reported to the Credit Bureau.

What if I lose or damage an item?

Customers are required to pay for lost or damaged materials checked out on their Library Card. Customers are charged the retail price of a lost or damaged item plus a $10 replacement and processing fee.

Is there a limit to the number of items I can have checked out?

A total of 40 items may be out on your card at any given time, in any combination as noted below:

4 Adult and/or Teen videos/DVDs
4 Children's videos/DVDs
20 music CDs
20 audiobooks
20 magazines
20 adult books
20 children's books

The loan period for all items is 14 days, with the exception of movies and music (CDs/DVDs/videos) which is 7 days. An item may be renewed, if there is no one else waiting on that item.

What do the different borrower types mean?

• Adult - Users ages 18 and older with full access to print and non-print collections.
• Youth 1 - Users under the age of 18 with full access to print and non-print collections. Parent, legal guardian or guarantor permits access.
• Youth 2 - Users under the age of 18 with access to only Children's and Young Adult material. Parent, legal guardian or guarantor permits access.

• Visitor - Non-residents may purchase a visitor card for $35.00 per year. The visitor card allows full access to Library materials and services.

Library Card Applications

Library Card applications may be downloaded and printed. To register for a Library Card, you must bring the application, a photo ID and proof of residency to the Library.

Library Card Application - (PDF)

Inscripcion para Tarieta de Biblioteca - (PDF)

Adobe Reader is required to view and print applications. Applications can be obtained at all locations of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.