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Circulation Policy

Patron Responsibility:

Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their library cards and for any charges incurred. Temporary or permanent suspension of library privileges pursuant to 182.670(2) of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri will be determined by the Library Director in consultation with the Library’s Board of Trustees.

  1. A valid photo ID is required to register for a library card.
  2. Patrons must complete a 60-day probationary period before receiving a full-privilege card.
  3. Probationary periods may be extended if patrons accumulate fines over $5.00 during the probationary period.
  4. Patrons should notify the library of lost or stolen cards. Items checked out on a card that is not reported lost or stolen are the responsibility of the patron.
  5. Patrons should notify the library of changes to their contact information. The library is not responsible for undelivered notices.
  6. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if an individual has outstanding fees over $5.00.
  7. A library card should be presented to check out items.
  8. Patrons must adhere to the Patron Policy Manual available on the Library website or by request at the Library.

Loan Periods and Fines:

Note: Temporary limits on the number of items, loan periods, and renewals may be set at the library’s discretion.

  1. Most print and audio materials are checked out for a 3-week period.
  2. DVDs, Blu-rays, and equipment such as games, fishing poles, cake pans, activity backpacks, and microscope sets have a 1-week check out period.
  3. Courtesy text and/or email overdue notices may be sent out in the following sequence: a. 3-day courtesy notice b. 7-day overdue notice c. 30-day overdue notice d. 42-day overdue notice, after which the item is marked LOST
  4. Overdue fees are $0.20/item/day for all materials except for and children’s books which are $0.10/item/day.
  5. There is a one-day grace period for overdue materials.
  6. Overdue fines are not charged for days on which the library is closed, including holidays and snow days.
  7. Overdue fines shall not exceed the replacement cost of the item.
  8. Overdue fines stop when the bill for replacement is charged or the item is returned.
  9. Bill for replacement and a processing fee will be charged for items marked lost or damaged.

Fees:

  1. Non-Resident library cards are available for $30/year to individuals residing in surrounding counties.
  2. Patrons will be charged for lost or damaged items.
  3. Refunds will be given for lost items that were paid for and then returned in good condition within thirty days of payment. A receipt is required for refund.
  4. Replacement cards are free.

Suspension of Account:

  1. Borrowers with more than $5.00 in fines will have borrowing privileges suspended until all materials are returned and/or paid in full.
  2. Payment plans are available upon request.

Holds:

  1. Probationary patrons may not request materials outside of the system.
  2. Items will be kept on hold for 14 days.
  3. Items cannot be reserved for a specific date.
  4. Materials not owned by Ozark Regional Library may not be available for holds within six months of publication date.
  5. Some items may not be available to borrow from outside of the system (STEM Kits, DVDs, etc.)

Renewals:

  1. One renewal is allowed on items unless the item is new or a hold has been placed on the item.
  2. Overdue fines should be paid at the time of renewal.
  3. Renewals extend the loan period for an additional amount of time equal to the original loan period.
  4. Renewal dates are based on the date renewed, not on the original due date.
  5. Patrons may renew items online, in person, or over the phone.

Copies:

  1. Copier—$0.25/black and white copy —$1/color copy: Limit of 50 copies/day
  2. Two-sided— $0.50/black and white—$2/color
  3. Public computer printer—$0.15/black and white copy—$1/color copy: Limit of 100 copies/day
  4. Two-sided printer copies are $0.30
  5. Fax—$1.00/page
  6. Self-serve scanning stations are provided at no cost to the user

MMS 09/08/2026



Printable copy of Circulation Policy



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