Have a library card that’s expired? You can temporarily renew here: https://forms.clevnet.org/renew/

General Statement of Patron Responsibility

A library card is a valuable resource. A library patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his or her library card, and if such materials are returned late, damaged, or lost, the patron is responsible for paying fines and/or replacement fees. The parent or legal guardian of a minor patron is responsible for all materials checked out on the minor patron’s card.

Possession of a library card by an individual implies permission and authority to use the card.

Library card applications are available at all Mentor Public Library locations.

All Ohio residents are eligible to get a library card with proper identification.

  • There is no age requirement to become a Mentor Public Library cardholder.
  • Before you can borrow items from the Library you must provide a valid form of identification with your current address.
  • Individuals under 18 years old may apply for a library card in person with a parent or legal guardian.
  • The parent/guardian will need to present picture ID.
  • A parent/guardian accepts responsibility for all borrowed materials on the minor’s card.
  • A parent/guardian is responsible for the appropriateness of materials used by individuals under 18 years old, including electronic information and for payment of charges incurred with the card.
  • On the day of issue of a new library card patrons will be limited to 10 items with a max of 5 audiovisual items.

If your card is lost or stolen, please notify library staff immediately and a block will be placed on your card.  There is a replacement card fee for lost cards.

If you had a library card with us in the past and it is no longer active, you will need to go to any Mentor Public Library location to reactivate or replace your card.

How to get a Library Card

Apply for a library card at the circulation desk – you must present identification showing your current address. You must have a current photo ID, such as an Ohio Driver’s License or State of Ohio ID card. If your photo ID does not have your current address, a personal check, utility bill, envelope or post card with a recent postmark showing your current address is required.

Library cards in good standing must be presented in order to check out library materials, use the public computers, and reserve a meeting room. Electronic devices are checked out with a library card in good standing and proper ID.

Veterans

Those who have served in the United States military are eligible for this card which offers a one-week extension on Mentor Public Library materials.  A military/veteran ID must be presented to have this card. Patrons are still responsible for fines that accrue, and lost or damaged items will be billed accordingly.

Special Benefit Cards follow the following lending rules:

  • Print items are due in 4 weeks.
  • Non-fiction DVDs, sets of 3 or more DVDS, CDs and audiobooks are due in 4 weeks.
  • Regular DVDs are due in 2 weeks.
  • There is no grace period or renewals on Hotspots or Hot items.
  • Other items may be renewed.  See the library’s loan rules for details.

Senior Benefits

Mentor Public Library offers a one-week extension period for materials owned by our library for adults who are age 60 or older. This senior status is determined by the birth date that is on the patron’s library account or state photo ID.  Patrons are still responsible for fines that accrue, and lost or damaged items will be billed accordingly.

Special Benefit Cards follow the following lending rules:

  • Print items are due in 4 weeks.
  • Non-fiction DVDs, sets of 3 or more DVDS, CDs and audiobooks are due in 4 weeks.
  • Regular DVDs are due in 2 weeks.
  • There is no grace period or renewals on Hotspots or Hot items.
  • Other items may be renewed.  See the library’s loan rules for details.

Educator Cards:

The Mentor Public Library’s Educator Card Program allows educators and institutions the opportunity to borrow materials for extended time periods to accommodate their teaching needs.

Proof of educator status (i.e., employer paystub, school badge, student teacher letter) must be presented when applying.

Loan Period: Items may be checked out for 6 weeks. Items may be renewed once for an additional 6 weeks, unless the items have been requested by another person. Some exclusions may apply.

Available items: You may borrow up to 250 items on an educator card. Items that can be circulated are:

  • Print materials except NEW or HOT items
  • DVDs and CD books except NEW or HOT items
  • Audiobooks except NEW
  • Children’s sets of books with CDs and audiocassettes
  • Holiday books are available for the full 6-week period, but library managers may limit the quantity due to seasonal demand.

Restrictions: Educator cards cannot be used for personal items, video games, electronic devices, early literacy backpacks, Library of Things items, CLEVNET or ILL materials. Your personal card may be used to check out these items.

Having 5 overdue items or $10 in fines will block this card from use. Unreturned items will be billed at replacement costs and may accrue an additional $15 fee for collections service.

Institution Cards:

The institution card gives facilities the opportunity to check out library items for their clients’ use and for programming.

Each institution may apply for a maximum of 2 cards. Each application requires a company letter of acknowledgement with an administrator’s signature and verification of the user’s employment (employee ID/badge and/or institution pay stub). The card is only valid while the employee works for the institution. The cardholder is responsible for materials checked out.

Loan Period: Items may be checked out for 6 weeks. Items may be renewed once for an additional 6 weeks, unless the items have been requested by another person. Some exclusions may apply.

Available items: Items that can be circulated on this card are:

  • Print materials except NEW or HOT items
  • DVDs and CD books except NEW or HOT items
  • Audiobooks except NEW
  • Children’s sets of books with CDs and audiocassettes
  • Holiday books are available for the full 6-week period, but library managers may limit the quantity due to seasonal demand.

Restrictions: Institution cards cannot be used for personal items, video games, electronic devices, early literacy backpacks, Library of Things items, CLEVNET or ILL materials. Your personal card may be used to check out these items.

The cardholder, not institution, is responsible for materials. Having 5 overdue items or $10 in fines will block this card from use. Unreturned items will be billed at replacement costs and may accrue an additional $15 fee for collections service.

Homebound Cards

Our Words on Wheels is a free service offered to Mentor residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound.  The service is available to all age groups from children through senior citizens.  Materials will be delivered to your individual residence and/or group home every four weeks.

Opportunity Card

Mentor Public Library wants to encourage patrons of all ages to read.  An Opportunity Card is available to children and adults who previously could not obtain a library card because they lacked photo ID, proof of residency, or a parent/guardian signature (if a minor).  An Opportunity card allows patrons to check out up to 3 print materials.  Holds are not permitted nor can AV or materials owned by other libraries be checked out on this card.  If a patron produces proof of residency, picture ID, and/or a parent/guardian signature his/her account will be converted to regular cardholder status.  Those over 18 years of age will be granted computer use access.

E-Cards

To allow Ohio residents age 18 and over to access our databases and e-media online, an e-library card will be available through our website. This e-card will allow access to our digital collection only. A user must appear in person and show picture ID at the library to be able to check out physical materials.

Borrowing Policy & Material Loan Periods

The above supersedes and replaces all previous policies.  The Director or designee has the authority to waive or modify any part of this policy at his/her discretion if warranted by extenuating circumstances.

MPL Board of Trustees approved:  August 16, 2017