It is the policy of the Allen County Public Library to promote the free and convenient use of library books and materials and to assure that materials will be available for public use.

Library cards from the Allen County Public Library provide access to a wide variety of information and services at the Library. Library cards remain the property of the Library and usage may be suspended if Library policies or Code of Conduct are violated.

The Library has numerous card types with varying borrowing privileges as established in the Library’s Circulation Schedule. These cards are free to applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

• Is a resident of Allen County, Indiana with a permanent street address.

• Owns property in Allen County, Indiana.

• Has a Public Library Access Card (PLAC) from a participating Indiana public library.

• Is a staff member of the Allen County Public Library.

• Are a temporary/transitional resident of Allen County.

• Is enrolled in a school (K-Graduate) located within Allen County.

• Is a teacher at a school (K-12) located within Allen County.

Individuals who do not meet the criteria outlined above may purchase a Library card at the price established in the Schedule of Fines and Fees.

All individuals must present approved proof of identification at the time of registration.

Cardholder Responsibilities

Library cardholders are responsible for all activities surrounding the use of their cards, including:

• Materials checked out on library cards, including those checked out up to the point a card is reported lost or stolen. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for guiding the selection of materials by their children under the age of 18 and assume responsibility for use of cards for children under the age of 18.

• Payment of replacement cost fees. ACPL charges replacement cost fees for lost or damaged materials. These fees are waived when the patron returns the item(s) in good condition. With the exception of emancipated minors who are responsible for their own accounts, parents or legal guardians assume responsibility for replacement fees that accumulate on the cards of children age 17 and under. Parents and legal guardians may have access to the information associated with materials that have accrued fees. See the Schedule of Fines and Fees.

• Returning materials in good condition. A charge will be assessed for lost or damaged materials up to the cost of the item plus a processing fee. Failure to pay for lost or damaged items will result in restricted borrowing privileges.

Loan periods and limits vary according to material type as established in the Library’s Circulation Schedule.

Materials Recovery

Accounts of patrons with replacement cost fees may be referred to a materials recovery service to help with communication efforts. A processing fee is applied to any account turned over to the material recovery service. Accounts of patrons age 17 and under are not sent to material recovery service. This service is not reported to credit agencies and does not adversely affect credit scores. See Schedule of Fees.

Confidentiality of Patron

Information Library card information and patron circulation records are confidential as outlined in the Library Records policy, (i).