Circulation Policy
General Information
A library card is a valuable asset. It can give you access to millions of dollars worth of books, magazines, and other library materials. You are financially responsible for the items checked out on your card. Our circulation policy is very important. Do not let others use your card, and report a loss or theft of your card to the library immediately.
All patrons wishing to borrow materials from the library must register with the library, providing a current address in Washington Township. An appropriate application form must be completed, and proper identification must be shown in order to receive a library card. Appropriate identification includes a driver’s license, automobile registration, property tax statement, fishing license, voter’s registration card, or a piece of delivered mail.
The Library reserves the right to withdraw borrowing privileges from any patron providing the Library with false information, displaying unruly conduct, or failing to return borrowed materials.
Resident Adult
Adult residents (16 and older) or real property owners of Washington Township may apply for a free library card for the Bristol Public Library. An application form must be completed and proper identification shown.
Resident minor
The parent or guardian of a minor child must apply in person for a card for a minor child (under the age of 16). The adult must also present appropriate identification and sign the registration form, agreeing to be responsible for materials borrowed by the child as per our circulation policy. The library will not restrict a patron’s access to library materials due to age, and request that parents who are concerned about their children’s access to materials accompany them to the library and assist them in making selections.
Business
The owner or manager of a business in Washington Township may request a business library card. Up to two employees may be designated in writing as having borrowing privileges.
Staff
Members of the Library Staff are eligible for full borrowing privileges, regardless of residency. These cards will not accrue fines; however, members of the staff are expected to return all materials on time. These cards expire upon termination as per our circulation policy.
Reciprocal Borrowing
The Bristol Public Library participates in SRCS (Statewide Remote Circulation System.) Borrowers in good standing may borrow materials without charge from other libraries in the state participating in this program.
PLAC Cards
The State of Indiana has established a program to provide Indiana residents with the opportunity to purchase a Public Library Access Card for an annual fee. The fee is set annually by the state. The card will be honored by any public library in the state.
Lost Cards
If your library card is lost or stolen, please notify us to prevent others from charging items to your account. There is a replacement charge of $0.50 for a new card.
Borrowing
There is no limit to the amount of books a patron may borrow from the library. Books have a loan period of three weeks with three renewals. Periodicals may be borrowed for one week, with three renewals. A total of five DVDs may be borrowed for one week, with one renewal. A total of five CDs may be borrowed for three weeks, with three renewals. Items on reserve for another person may not be renewed. A fine of $0.10 per day per item on overdue materials will be charged to patrons. Patrons will not be charged more than the replacement cost of the item in overdue fines.
Lost or damaged materials
Library patrons are expected to return library materials in as good of condition as when borrowed, excluding wear from normal use. Patrons will be charged the replacement cost of lost or damaged materials.
Revised by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on August 23, 2018.
Check out our reciprocal borrowers down below!
| Elkhart Public Library | https://www.myepl.org/ | (574) 522-5669 |
| Middlebury Public Library | https://www.mdy.lib.in.us/ | (574) 825-5601 |
| Goshen Public Library | goshenpl.lib.in.us | (574) 533-9531 |