DCLS Web Catalog -- Policies

Welcome to the Delaware County Library System

Library Polices

LIBRARY CARDS
You may register for and use your library card for free at any Delaware County Library System (DCLS) member library. To register, you will need identification that includes a current street address. Each borrower (or guardian) is responsible for all materials checked out on the card. For borrowers under age 18, a parent or guardian's signature is required.

Your card's blue Access PA sticker allows you to register and use most public libraries in Pennsylvania. Books borrowed at any participating Access PA library can be returned to any DCLS member library.

NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES
Please report a change of name, address or phone number to the library immediately. You will be asked to update this information every three years.

NON-RESIDENT CARDS
People living outside of Delaware County who do not have an AccessPA library card may purchase a nonresident card. This card may only be used at the library at which it was purchased. Prices vary, and some libraries do not offer this option.

(People who work in Delaware County and do not have an Access PA library card can use their work address to apply for a regular card.)

RETURNS
You may return most items to any DCLS member library or any Access PA public library. DCLS libraries also accept returns from Access PA participating libraries. Most libraries have an after-hours return bin for books. Some items, such as videos or CD-ROMs, may not be returned through the bins or a fee will be charged. Ask library staff for more information.

LOST LIBRARY CARDS
A replacement library card costs $3.*

SUSPENDED LIBRARY CARDS
You may not borrow any more items from the Delaware County Library System if you owe more than $10 in fees or if you have a book more than two weeks overdue.

LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS
If an item is not returned, you will be billed for its replacement cost plus any processing fees. Charges for damaged library materials are determined on a case-by-case basis. The library is not responsible for personal equipment damaged by library materials.

*All policies and costs subject to change

LOAN PERIODS

Standard Circulation 21 days
New items 14 days (some libraries)
Renewals (two only) 21 days (standard), 14 days (new items)
Video/DVD 3 days (feature films)**, 7 days (other)
Periodicals and other (music, CD-ROM, art prints, vertical file) 21 days

**no renewal

RENEWALS
Most items may be renewed two times. You may not renew an item if others are waiting to borrow it (if there is a "hold" on it), if it is overdue or if you owe fines. Many media items are not renewable.

You may renew items by phone at 610-892-DCLS or online at http://charlotte.delco.lib.pa.us/patroninfo. Have your library card ready when you call or go online, as your card number is necessary to retrieve your record.

LATE FEES *
Juvenile Materials $0.10 per day
Adult Materials $0.20 per day
Videos/DVDs $1.00 per day
Items borrowed from Non-DCLS Libraries $0.50 per day
Print charge $0.50 per notice

HOLDS
If you want an item that is checked out or is from another DCLS member library, you may place a hold on that item at any DCLS library's circulation desk, or online (see Request an Item below). When the item is returned, it will be held for you at your local library. You will be notified when the item arrives. Held items must be picked up within three days. Policies vary for some libraries, and some restrictions apply.

REQUEST AN ITEM ONLINE
From the DCLS catalog you can place a request for an item to be held for you from any library in the county. You get to choose the pickup location.

Search the catalog to find the item.
Click on the Request button.
Enter your name and library card number.
Select a pickup location from the drop down list.
You will be contacted by the library when the item arrives.
If all copies of the item are checked out you will be place on a waiting list.
Not all materials may be requested

INTERLIBRARY LOAN
If you need an item not held by a DCLS member library, you may ask the library staff to try to find it in another library via a national network or through Access PA. You will be notified when the item arrives. Items must be picked up within three days. Policies vary for some libraries, and some restrictions apply.