CIRCULATION POLICY (Revised 2.9.26)

All patrons are required to have their own Hawkins County Library System (CHU, HBS & SUR) card to check out material. (A valid card is defined as one that has no delinquent materials checked out and is under the fine limit of $5.00.

Identification: All applicants must provide verification of name and address. Acceptable verification may include current state or federally issued photo ID, (ex: driver’s license, State issued photo ID, US passport or US Visa). Proof of address can also be used. (ex: utility bill).

Juveniles: Any person younger than 16 must have a parent, grandparent, or guardian sign the application form signifying that the parent/grandparent/guardian will be financially responsible for the juvenile’s transactions with the Library.

Change of Address: Patrons are required to inform the Library immediately of all address changes.

Lost/Stolen Library Cards: It is the patron’s responsibility to report a stolen library card as soon as possible and to then obtain a replacement card for a pre-determined fee. Materials checked out prior to the date of reporting the lost card are still the patron’s responsibility.

Circulation of Materials

• Books, audiobooks, magazines and unique materials (board games, kits, etc.) are loaned for a period of fourteen (14) days. DVD’s, Video Games, and Chrome Books are loaned for seven (7) days.
• Renewals: Books, audiobooks, DVD’s and magazines may be renewed two (2) times. Chrome Books and unique materials (kits, board games, etc.) may be renewed one (1) time. Video games are not renewable. Any item that has a reserve for another person can be renewed.

Reserves Services
A patron may reserve any circulating material on a first come, first-service basis. Material on reserve may not be renewed. Items are reserved on the patron’s library record. Patrons will have one (1) week from being notified to check out the material. Items not picked up in one (1) week will be given to the next patron requesting the item.
 
 
Material Access
Patron’s may check out a total of fifteen (15) items on their library card. Of the fifteen (15) items, a maximum of six (6) DVD’s may be checked out at one time. Reference and Genealogy materials may be checked out with special permission from the Branch Director. Video games are available for adult Hawkins County Library System patrons. The patron’s library account must be in good standing for at least a month. Video games must be returned in person to the branch it was checked out from and handed to a staff member. Video games cannot be returned in the book drop.


Inter-Library Loans
Hawkins County Library System participates in the statewide Inter-Library Loan service provided through TennShare. Regular library patrons are eligible to borrow books from hundreds of libraries across the state free of charge. Patrons are limited to three (3) ILL items at a time and must pay for any ILL items they lose or damage based on the lending libraries’ policies. Hawkins County Library System materials may be loaned to other libraries at the discretion of the Branch Manager. Some materials may be photocopied or scanned. Any fees associated with copies or scans will be provided and agreed to before the items are copied/scanned. 


FINES AND CHARGES FOR LIBRARY SERVICES

Computer Printing/ Copies

• Black/White - $ .25 per page
• Color - $1.00 per page

Fax (to send or receive)
$1.00 per page.

Scan to Email/ Drive 
$ .25 per page

Laminating

• 2” by 3.5” (Business Card) - $ .50 each
• Full page - $1.00 each

Notary Service
$5.00 per stamp

Replacement Library Card
$2.00 per card

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Materials
The Branch Director determines the condition of all materials. If library material is lost, stolen or damaged to the point it is unusable, the patron will be expected to pay the full price for the item. The library will not accept partial payments for each item and all items must be paid before continuing to check out materials.


Download our Circulation Policy here.

OTHER POLICIES

Material Selection and Collection Management
Art in the Library 
Patron Conduct
Notary Policy
Computer and Internet Use
Citizen Request for Reconsideration of Library Material
Safe Child and Vulnerable Adults Policy

Click here to view the By-Laws of Hawkins County Library System.