Circulation Policies
Obtaining a Library Card
ELIGIBILITY: Persons who live or own property in Oldham County qualify for a free library card. This library card is good at all Oldham County Public Library locations. By filling out an application and presenting it, along with valid photo identification, at any OCPL location, a person receives a card that is good for one year and can be renewed annually.
ADULTS LIVING IN OLDHAM COUNTY: A valid photo identification is required. The identification must be issued by a legitimate agency or organization, include a recognizable photograph, and be current. If you do not possess a photo ID, you may obtain one by presenting your birth certificate and social security card at the circuit court clerk’s office in your home county; the ID costs $4.00 and is valid for four years. You must have written proof of your current address.
VERIFICATION OF ADDRESS: Patrons may have their library card at the time of application if they present verification of address. Verification may be in the form of a valid photo ID or recent (no older than three months) piece of mail (i.e. utility bill) that includes the patron’s address. Patrons cannot receive a card until verification of address is presented.
JUVENILE (under age 18) RESIDENTS OF OLDHAM COUNTY: (Note: Parental signature required.) A parent or legal guardian of a juvenile applying for a library card must present valid photo identification, address and sign the application.
PERSONS LIVING OUTSIDE OLDHAM COUNTY: Non-residents who own property in Oldham County are eligible for free library cards for themselves and for immediate family members. Non-residents who attend school or teach in Oldham County are eligible for free library cards for themselves only. Non-residents from Henry, Trimble, Carroll, Spencer, Bullitt or Shelby counties may apply for an Oldham County Card after presenting a valid photo identification and verification of address. All other non-residents who do not qualify for a free library card may receive a library card by paying a $24.00 non-refundable fee for their family per year.
TEMPORARY CARDS: Temporary cards can be given for a period of not more than three months. Persons seeking temporary library cards must provide photo identification and verification of their home address and temporary local address and/or local contact. Temporary cards will be given to persons visiting Oldham County or working in Oldham County on a temporary basis. Temporary cards can be renewed if needed beyond a 90 day period.
RESPONSIBILITY: You are responsible for the use of your card. You are responsible for any damage done to library materials and agree to pay the cost of replacement of lost or damaged materials checked out to you. Costs will be assessed for the same format and binding of the materials lost or damaged. You also agree to pay a fine of ten (10c) cents per day for printed materials that are not returned on time up to a $5.00 maximum for items returned at one time. You also agree to pay a fine of $1.00 per day for AV materials (audios, videos, CDs and DVDs) that are not returned on time up to a $10.00 maximum for items returned at one time. Costs of any attempts to secure the return of overdue materials will be charged to the patron. By signing the application the parent or legal guardian agrees to accept full responsibility for materials borrowed, lost, or damaged and any fines incurred by the juvenile when they sign the application for a juvenile. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately to the Library. The cost to replace lost cards is $1.50. Parents and/or guardians who have overdue items and charges on their cards equaling $25.00 or have been sent to collections, may not check out items on their children’s cards until fines are paid and/or items returned. Although the library does not ever wish to prohibit a child from borrowing materials; if the parent is delinquent, the child will also be denied borrowing privileges.
CIRCULATION: There is a 28 day checkout for most materials. Reserved materials are checked out for 14 days only. There is a 3-day checkout for entertainment videos and DVDs. Educational and documentary videos and DVDs circulate for 14 days. The library reserves the right to limit circulation during periods of demand. (i.e. Christmas items may be limited to 14 days during peak demand for such materials.) Most items may be renewed as long as there are not holds pending on such items. 28-day items may be renewed for 14 days, videos and DVDs are renewed for 3 days. Renewals are available by phone or on line on our library web page.