POLICIES

Borrower's Guide

These are the general guidelines for checking out books and obtaining library cards.  Please contact the circulation desk (334-5279) for further information.

Circulation Policy

Most materials circulate for 21 days.  Exceptions include:

• 3 days--audio/visual equipment
• 7 days—videos and DVD's
• 7 days—current holiday books, books with more than 3 holds  per copy, St. Louis Art  museum touch kits and magazines.

Renewals

Most materials may be renewed twice; either in person or by phone.  Videos, DVD's and A/V equipment may be renewed once.  Materials with hold requests, educational software and holiday books may not be renewed.  Please have your library card number ready when renewing or placing holds by phone. 

Fines

Fines are calculated per day/per item.  The itemization is as follows:

• Most materials--$.10
• Videos and DVD's--$1.00
• Audio/Visual Equipment--$5.00
• Replacement library cards--$1.00
• There is a $2.00 fine for audio cassettes and compact discs recordings returned in the book drop.

Patron Responsibilities

Each library patron has the responsibility to know the library policies and abide by them.  Fines are charged to encourage prompt and safe return of materials.  We appreciate your cooperation. 

Library Cards

Anyone may use resources in the library.  A library card is needed to check out materials.  Anyone in one of the following categories may have a library card at no additional charge:

• Residents or owners of real estate or personal property in the Cape Girardeau Municipal Library District
• Full time employees of the City of Cape Girardeau
• Faculty and students of Southeast Missouri State University
• Teachers employed in any school (public, private or parochial), located in Cape Girardeau County who teaches grades kindergarten through 12.

Library cards are available for a fee to those not in one of the above categories.  The fee is $15.00 for 90 days or $60.00 for 1 year per household (gift certificates are available).  A photo ID and proof of address are required when applying for a card.  Proof of address can be:  your driver's license with your current address listed; a piece of mail addressed to you and postmarked within the last 10 days; or a lease agreement listing your name and address and dated within the last month.  Please present your library card to check out items.  You are responsible for all items checked out on your card.  Please notify us if your card is lost or stolen, or if there are changes in your information we have on file.