Lending Guidelines Policy

PURPOSE

The Meridian Library District collects and makes available a variety of materials for the community pursuant to Idaho Code §33-2701 “to promote the establishment and development of public library service for all the people of Idaho.”

This policy establishes lending periods and limits in order to maximize access for all patrons. Responsibility for all borrowed items, as well as the use of in-branch internet service rests with the library card holder and/or the parent or legal guardian. Meridian Library District staff are available to assist patrons in finding material that best fits their needs.

OBTAINING A LIBRARY CARD

• Meridian Library District residents may obtain a free library card by providing photo ID and proof of address. Parents or legal guardians may create accounts using their address for minors of any age. The parent or legal guardian is financially responsible for fines and charges on the account of the minor.
• Non-resident City of Meridian employees and teachers who teach within Meridian Library District boundaries may obtain a free Meridian Library District card, which requires annual renewal; if the individual is eligible for a card from another Lynx library they must choose to have a card from their home library or from Meridian Library District. This card is for the individual only and does not apply to the entire household.
• Organizations, such as assisted living facilities or childcare facilities within District boundaries, may obtain  organization cards. Each organization will be required to fill out an agreement with the library defining borrowing parameters and organizational responsibility.
• Those who live within the boundaries of the Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna or Ada Community libraries may obtain their home library cards at Meridian Library District locations.
• Non-residents may obtain a library card for $150 a year, per household. Non-residents 55 and older and active duty military and veterans with proof of service* may obtain a library card for $60 a year. See Service Charges and Fees schedule for details.

The Meridian Library District does not limit or restrict access to any library materials based on age or content, unless expressly required by law. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to actively participate in their children’s library lending activity and have the ability to view the current checkout activity of any minor account linked to the parent or legal guardian’s account.

Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the library immediately.

LOAN PERIODS AND RENEWALS

Materials owned by the Meridian Library District automatically renew based on the schedule below unless there’s a hold on the item. Materials checked out by Meridian residents that are owned by other Lynx Libraries may not renew automatically, please check the lending guidelines of the owning library for their policies.

RETURNS

Items may be returned to any library participating in the Open Access Membership through the Lynx Library Consortium except when noted.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• Meridian Library District is not responsible for any damage done to personal equipment while using library-owned devices.
• Electronic Devices owned by the Meridian Library District must be returned to the public service desks at the Cherry Lane branch, Silverstone branch, or Orchard Park branch. Items specifically checked out at the unBound branch can only be returned to the unBound front desk unless otherwise noted.
• Only current Lynx Library Consortium cardholders in good standing (i.e. library record is not blocked due to unpaid fees or lost materials $10 or greater) and 18 years of age or older can check out Electronic Devices.

FINES AND CHARGES

Overdue fines are not assessed on items from Meridian Library District’s collections. However, charges will be applied for lost or damaged materials from all collections. The Meridian Library District may employ a collection agency to recover materials deemed lost or missing. Patrons will be responsible for the cost for initiation of recovery services. See Service Charges and Fees schedule for details. Materials borrowed from Lynx Library Consortium member libraries are subject to the permissions and fees set by the owning library. The Meridian Library District may temporarily suspend a patron’s library card due to excessive fees or abuse of borrowing privileges.

*Proof of military service may include active military ID or veteran ID cards issued by the DOD.

Adopted by Meridian Library District Board of Trustees March 18, 2015

Revised November 15, 2023