Using the Library

Getting a Library Card:

Library cards are available for free to any resident of Allegheny County or any resident of Pennsylvania with a home library that participates in the ACCESS PA program. With a library card, you can:

• check out books, magazines, DVDs and CDs
• place holds and access your account online
• access library databases from home
• download audiobooks, eBooks, and music
• use the Library’s public computers and Internet
• connect to wireless Internet at all county libraries

Only one library card is needed for use in any of the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) member libraries.

Registration:

Photo identification is required at the time of registration. Acceptable forms of ID are a PA Driver’s license, PA State ID card, school ID, military card or passport. Residents who have recently moved to Allegheny County must present a photo ID and proof of Allegheny County residency with their current address (i.e., utility bill, lease, etc.) .

There are no age restrictions on cards, although individuals under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the application. Parents or legal guardians who endorse a child’s Library card application accept responsibility for all materials charged out to that card.

1. Adult must present a photo I.D. with a current mailing address or a photo I.D. with a utility bill that shows a current mailing address to apply for a library card.
2. Children may also apply for a library card. A parent or guardian must present proper I.D., as outlined above, and provide a signature taking responsibility for items borrowed on the child’s card. The child must be present at the time or registration.
3. Library cards are free and may be used immediately upon registration.

BORROWER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. All library materials borrowed on their library card (regardless if materials were borrowed by the card holder or others)
2. The replacement cost of lost or damaged library materials
3. Reporting name and/or address changes to the library
4. Reporting lost or stolen library cards

BORROWING LIMITS:

1. None

LOAN PERIODS:

1. Everything = 3 weeks

RENEWALS:

1. Any item may be renewed unlimited times unless there is an outstanding request for the title.
2. Materials may be renewed in person at any ACLA member library, by telephone, or online.

RESERVES

1. Any circulating material in any ACLA member library may be placed on reserve.
2. Requests can be made at the circulation desk, by telephone, or online.
3. The patron will be contacted by telephone or e-mail when the item is available for pick up.
4. Items will be held for seven (7) days.

RETURNS: Library materials may be returned to any ACLA area library, or 24/7 using the outdoor bookdrop.

FINES : Baldwin Library is a Fine Free library.

LATE NOTICES/BILLING

1. An email or phone notice is sent to the patron the day after an item is overdue. If this notification is not successful an e-mail notice is sent to the director of the owning Library who then sees that the patron is notified.
2. 28 days from the overdue date second notices are sent to the patron.
3. 42 days from the overdue date, final notice (bill) will be sent to patron.
4. Library privileges including computer use are suspended at all ACLA member libraries until the account is clear.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS

In accordance with Pennsylvania Act 1984-90, Section 428, records related to the circulation of library materials and other records identifying individual patrons or library usage will be considered confidential in nature and made available only by a court order in a criminal proceeding.