Circulation
Institution Circulation Checkout Limits
Blocked Patron Status
Interlibrary Loan Procedure
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials
Unique Management Services
Overdue Procedure

Circulation Checkout Limits:

Most patrons may check out up to 50 items per card. Pre-K cards (ages 0-4) have a limit of 10 juvenile print items per cards. Student cards are limited to 5 print items per card. School cards are limited to electronic resources. Video games and DVDs are restricted to adult cards. The following restrictions apply with regard to the 50 item-per-card limit:

Graphic Novels: 15 per card.

Regular DVDs: 10 per card.

Television DVDs: 6 per card

Audiobooks: 10 per card

Music CDs: 10 per card

Juvenile Kit Books: 10 per card

Magazines: 10 per card

Video Games: 10 per card

Baby Booster Boxes/Literacy Bags: 2 per card

Renewals: All renewals are for a two week period.  Items with holds or recalls may not be renewed.  Renewals can be placed in person, by phone or online as long as the items are not overdue. Most items may be renewed two times.

Card Limits: Patrons are limited to 50 items on a library card.  Other limits apply. Additional books for underage children may be checked out on a parent’s card if the 50 items total is not exceeded.

Requests: Patrons are expected to limit the number of Holds they place (6 is reasonable), and are restricted to three Holds for "ON-ORDER" or New titles. Holds that are not picked up in a timely manner may be canceled after 7 days if there are other waiting and after 10 days if no one else is waiting. Holds cancellations are done at the discretion of the Circulation Supervisor and Community Library Managers.

Fines: All materials checked out by cardholders have a twenty-cents/day fine. Overdue fines are capped at $20 per account.

Additional Fees:  39 days after an item is due and has not been returned, the Library considers the item LOST.  If LOST items are not returned the borrower is responsible for the replacement cost, a $2.50 processing fee, and any cost incurred related to collection efforts. Overdue fines will not be collected if the item replacement cost is paid.  If item is returned 90 days after replacement charges have been applied, those charges will remain on the patron account.  Patrons also will be assessed fees for replacing damaged materials, including cases for DVDs, Wii games and/or Books-on-CD.      

Pre-Kindergarten: Pre-Kindergarten patrons (ages 0-4) are limited to 10 Juvenile print items on their library card.

Student Patrons:  Patrons assigned a "Student" card are limited to 5 items, per the restrictions outlined above.

PIN #: PIN numbers are assigned with each new account. Patrons will be given the PIN number on registration and may change it by logging into their online account, or by request at any library location. 

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Institution Circulation Checkout Limits

With the exception of loan periods and the number of total items that may be checked out, institutional library cards are subject to the same policies and restrictions as those for individual patrons.  Exceptions:  A total of 50 items may be checked out on institutional cards for a period of 28 days, with no renewals.

Blocked Patron Status

If a patron's library account reflects overdue items or charges of more than $2.00, that account automatically is assigned a BLOCKED status.  This status will prevent a patron from renewing or checking out items as well as from accessing online services.  To remove a BLOCKED status, patrons may contact any Shenandoah County Library location.

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Interlibrary Loan Procedure

In initiating an interlibrary loan request, patrons are advised to consider the following:

1. If you are a student of a post-secondary school--i.e. Lord Fairfax Community College--please contact that school's library to initiate an interlibrary loan request.
2. Libraries often do not loan new items. Therefore, there is no guarantee that items published within the previous two years will be available for interlibrary loan.
3. The County Library accepts requests for up to two items per patron and will attempt to borrow the title or titles from other participating libraries.
4. Patrons are responsible for any special costs involved.
5. To initiate an interlibrary loan request, please contact the Circulation Manager at the County Library by calling 540-984-8200.

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Request for Reconsideration of Materials

Our library’s mission is to select and acquire a wide variety of materials for access by all library patrons. The library seeks to provide information on all sides of every issue, even if that issue is controversial. Librarians do not serve as censors for any material or for any age group, since we believe that everyone, regardless of age, should be free to form their own opinion. Therefore we support equal access to all materials in our library collections. The Library values your opinion. If you do have an objection to any library materials, please complete our Request for Reconsideration of Materials form, outlining your concerns as concisely as possible. A librarian will respond to you within 5-7 business days of receiving the request.

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Unique Management Services

Effective April 18, 2005 Unique Management Services, a collection agency that specializes in libraries, assumed responsibility for both outstanding fines over $30 and Lost materials (45 days overdue).  All accounts reported to the agency will be charged a $10 service fee. While UMS will communicate directly with patrons, all payments will be made to the County Library.  

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Overdue Procedure

Individual library locations are responsible for contacting patrons about their overdue materials.  However, when materials become Long Overdue/LOST at 39 days, the County Library assumes responsibility for recovering these materials. Final Notice letters will be sent to all patrons with Long Overdue/LOST items. Items in LOST status for 90 days will be removed from the collection.  Should patrons return materials in good condition before they are removed from the collection the cost of each item will be waived but overdue fines will remain.

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Patron Types

• AD - Adult (18 and over.)
• EC - Elementary child (ages 6 to 11)
• BB - Pre-Kindergarten (ages 0 to 4)
• IN - Institutional Day Care Centers and Adult Living Facilities
• MC - Middle child (ages 12 to 14)  
• NR - Non-resident.
• YA - Young adult (ages 15 to 17)

Eligibility

Residents

Anyone who lives in Shenandoah County is eligible for a free library card. Library cards are issued for a three-year period and may be renewed at that time. Individuals must present a valid photo ID and proof of address to register for a library card.

Non-Residents

There are several categories of individuals who are afforded full borrowing privileges without maintaining residence in Shenandoah County. Individuals meeting any of the following eligibility categories may register for a library card with valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

1. Those who are employed in Shenandoah County.
2. Those who own property in Shenandoah County.
3. Those who are residents of Virginia counties geographically contiguous with Shenandoah County (Frederick, Rockingham, Page, Warren).
4. Those Virginia residents who pay the $10 non-resident fee for a card that is good for one year from date of issue.
5. Out-of-State residents who pay the $10 non-resident fee for a card that is good for six months from the date of issue.

Minors

 Anyone under the age of 18, with eligibility in any of the above categories, may be issued a library card. Accounts for minors require a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult to register for a library card and link to the minor’s account as a responsible party. This person agrees to be financially responsible for any late, lost, or damage fees applies to items checked out by the minor.

 Students

 Children aged 5-17 may be issued one of two types of student access cards that do not require a responsible party to register and link accounts:

1. Student Card with parental signature. These cards are limited to five items for checkout from any location and provide full access to our online resources. Registration forms for Student Cards are available at all locations. A parental signature is considered an agreement to be financially responsible for any late, lost, or damage fees applied to the account.
   
   
2. Digital Access Student Card. This is an opt-in program through the Shenandoah County School System. Card numbers are issued through this program to students that provide access to digital content. Some digital collections may be restricted due to licensing agreements and/or cost-per-use.

 Institutional Day Care Centers and Adult Living Facilities

There is a special procedure for obtaining an Institutional Card. Institutional Day Care Centers and Adult Living Facilities may submit a completed Application for Institution Membership form. These are the only groups eligible for this type of card. An institutional card requires an individual with a registered library card in good standing to register as the responsible party and accept financial responsibility for any late, lost, or damage fees applied to items checked out on the institutional card.

Expiration and Renewal

Library cards are issued for a three-year period. Cards may be renewed for additional periods of three years as long as the individual is able to provide valid proof of identification and eligibility at the time of renewal

Cards for minors will expire upon the individual’s eighteenth birthday and can be renewed with the removal of responsible party under the eligibility rules above for non-minor accounts.                                                                                                                     

Replacement

Individuals may replace lost cards for a fee, as set forth in our schedule of fines and fees. The card being replaced is deactivated at time of replacement to prevent its use by non-authorized parties.

Revised and Adopted 11/04/2021
Shenandoah County Library Board of Trustees
Next Scheduled Review, November 2024

Library Code of Conduct

The Library is a place to be shared with other patrons, visitors, and staff. It is a place to study, read, and reflect. We ask your voluntary compliance with the following behaviors we believe govern all public libraries.

• Maintain conversation at an acceptable level and refrain from offensive and abusive language to staff and patrons.
• Be respectful of furniture, equipment and materials.
• No food, or tobacco products are permitted in the Library. (See Activity Room Policy for exceptions.). Drinks are allowed in containers with sealable lids.
• Children must be supervised in accordance with our Unattended Children Policy. Parents and caregivers are asked to monitor their children's behavior to ensure they are not disturbing patrons or abusing or misusing library materials or equipment. 
• No pets other than "assistance" animals are permitted in the Library. Exceptions may be made for special library programs.
• Shoes and shirts are required at all times.
• The Library reserves the right to restrict rearranging furniture and the number of individuals who may work in a group.
• Please use trashcans for litter.

Patrons who refuse to comply with the above will be asked to leave the premises. Although it is not our intent to restrict library use, repeat offenders of the Code of Conduct will lose library privileges until they agree to comply.

Acceptable Use Policy
Policy for Monitoring & Voluntary Disclosure
Electronic Monitoring & Disclosure Policy

Acceptable Use Policy

It is the policy of the Shenandoah County Library System to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. The Library System cannot guarantee protection of its patrons from materials they may find offensive. In accordance with the Commonwealth’s laws, all public access computers are filtered in an effort to block access to and display of sexually explicit material. The Code of Virginia, as well as CIPA, bans the display of child pornography, obscene materials, and material harmful to children. To further protect children, other categories are filtered on computers designated for use by patrons under age 17.

Requesting Internet access by presenting a library card is acknowledgement that one will abide by the Library‘s Acceptable Use Policy.   This document is available at each location’s Circulation Desk and is presented as part of the patron registration process.

The Library System filters computers on three tiers: Adult, Young Adult and Juvenile. Young Adult and Juvenile Computers are filtered for the same content with the exception that Young Adult Computers allow access to Social Networking websites such as Facebook. Access to the computers is age-dependent as follows:

• Adult Computers – Age 17 and up
• Young Adult Computers* – Age 13-16
• Juvenile Computers – Age 0-12

* Where Young Adult Computers are not available, children age 13-16 will use Juvenile Computers

Other conditions of use include:

• The Shenandoah County Library System provides WiFi access at all of its locations. The Library System filters content according to CIPA regulations and intends that all WiFi access will come through its filter.
• Individuals are prohibited from accessing computers using another individual’s library card.
• Should one using an Adult public access computer for bona fide research or other lawful purposes find access to a legal site blocked, he/she can submit a written request for access to the Library Director, or other authorized individual, who shall be responsible for disabling the technology protection measure in order to allow access to the requested information. ?
• Using library equipment to violate copyright law both subjects one to civil remedies and criminal penalties under federal law and to loss of library privileges.
• Alteration of software or hardware is not permitted. ?
• Printing off the Internet costs fifteen cents per page. Where available, color prints are fifty cents. Please ask for staff assistance before printing.
• Patrons with blocked status, an outstanding recall item or fines $2 or more are denied use of library computers.
• Internet access time is limited to sixty minutes per day per patron.  Locations with PC Reservation allow an additional hour.
• Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy subjects one to a ban from all future use of the system's public access computers.
• Internet access on all library staff and volunteer work sessions are filtered in accordance with this policy.

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Policy for Monitoring & Voluntary Disclosure

While it is the policy of our library to respect the privacy of patrons pursuant to this state’s library confidentiality statute, it is also the responsibility of the library to protect its electronic systems from unauthorized or criminal use and to make appropriate referrals to federal and state law enforcement authorities. In general, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act permits an “electronic communication service” provider to the public and a “remote computer service” provider to the public to monitor their system for management purposes and to make voluntary disclosures of content and other information in the following very limited circumstances: As necessary to protect the property of the provider; if related to the commission of a crime; or if related to an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury.

Accordingly, it is the policy of this library that we do not monitor on a routine basis the use by patrons or staff of our electronic systems. The library, however, does reserve the right (1) to monitor as necessary to manage and protect its systems from unauthorized or criminal use, and (2) to make voluntary disclosure to federal and state law enforcement and national security authorities as deemed appropriate by library management and counsel.

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Electronic Monitoring & Disclosure Policy

The Shenandoah County Library System’s computer workstations and network system is for authorized members of the public and is subject to the rules on our Acceptable Use Policy. This Library system does not routinely inspect, monitor or disclose content but may do so in the course of system management and maintenance. Accordingly, your use of this system constitutes consent to monitoring and you are advised that any evidence of criminal activity identified by the monitoring process, including communications content and transmission details, will be disclosed to law enforcement and national defense agencies as appropriate. In addition, any individuals found to be using the network in excess of their authority or contrary to the library’s Acceptable Use Policy are subject to the penalties stated in the Acceptable Use Policy and to having all of their activities on the system monitored and recorded to ensure subsequent compliance with policy.

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* Due to space and staffing constraints the County Library is not currently accepting any donations of general print material. To donate documents of historical importance to the Shenandoah Room or Truban Archives, please call 540-984-8200 to make an appointment with our Archivist *

The County Library System welcomes donations of print and non-print materials that are in good condition and meet its selection criteria for the collection.   All gift materials are accepted with the donor’s understanding that, if the items are not added to the collection, they will either be given to the Friends of the County Library for sale or be recycled.  Proceeds from the Friends’ sales support Library collections and programs.  Gifts to the member libraries that are not added to their collections are subject to be sold at their own book sales, for they have tax-exempt status.

The County Library counts on donations of popular current titles in hardback to meet demand.   Hard-to-find and rare books, particularly those with regional or local subject matter, are most welcome.  The Library does not accept textbooks, abridged titles or Reader’s Digest books and has limited use for most periodicals.  Upon request the Library provides donors with a gift receipt.   Library staff will not appraise donations nor indicate a value in the acknowledgment.  Those making a substantial donation receive a thank you letter.

The County Library offers a variety of options for monetary gifts to the collection.  At the Circulation Desk, there is a folder containing suggested titles that patrons can buy for the library at the library’s discount.  Donations can be made directly to the County Library with the designation of materials budget, but those who want to take a tax deduction should make their donations to the Library Foundation.  Patrons who express interest in making donations are provided information about the Book Endowment Fund.

Book Endowment Fund:  The Shenandoah County Library Foundation established a Book Endowment fund in 1998.   The value of the fund is over $300,000.  Income from the endowment supplements the County Library’s material budget.    Donations of $500 or more result in the purchase of a book every year with a memorial bookplate.   The Foundation’s vision was to establish donations to the BEF as the preferred County-wide manner of memorializing individuals. 

Activity Room Policy

The County Library in Edinburg, Virginia makes its Activity Room available for use by community groups and organizations. Those seeking to use the Library’s meeting facilities must submit a formal application to do so, which may be downloaded here and returned to the County Library or completed online by clicking here. The Activity Room is considered ‘reserved’ once program details are entered into the library’s calendar and a confirmation email has been sent to the applicant.

Applicants also must agree to the following stipulations and regulations:

• Room reservations are contingent upon there being no conflicts with Library programs, which take first priority at all times. Requested dates and times also must fall within the Library’s normal hours of operation. The Library further reserves the right to limit the length of meetings and to cancel or reschedule reservations without liability.

• The Activity Room may be reserved on a standing basis, provided that meetings occur no more frequently than twice a month and that new applications are submitted every 12 visits. The Library Director (or his/her representative) reserves the right to prevent any one group from monopolizing meeting space.

• Groups using the Activity Room must be nonprofit in nature and meeting only for cultural, educational, or civic purposes. The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the County Library does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs.

• A group may use the name and address of the County Library only as a designation of the meeting’s location and not as its official address or headquarters. Requests for information about the meeting will be referred to the contact person listed on the group’s application form.

• Advertisements for meetings held in the Library must not be created or displayed in such a manner as to suggest Library sponsorship.

• Meetings held in the Activity Room must remain open to both the public and staff. Fees may not be charged by organizers for admission, nor may money be exchanged in the course of meetings. Also not permitted are events involving financial, political, or religious solicitation.

• Refreshments may be served during meetings, provided that organizers clear debris prior to leaving.

• The Activity Room must be vacated at least 15 minutes before the Library closes for the day. 

In all cases, the Library retains the right to establish parameters for how the Activity Room is used, to assess fees for its use if necessary, and to monitor all meetings conducted on the premises to ensure compliance with the Activity Room policy. Noncompliance may result in a suspension or revocation of meeting room privileges.

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Posting and Distribution of Materials Policy

The Shenandoah County Library has community resources display space for the posting of public notices. All public notices are confined to this area; notices posted elsewhere will be removed. All materials should be submitted to a staff member for approval and posting. Notices are limited to those of an educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable nature by groups in Shenandoah County and surrounding communities. The Library Director reserves the right to decline posting of materials deemed inappropriate under these guidelines, reduce material size, or remove unapproved postings. Postings are limited to 90 days or expiration of advertised services.

Revised and Adopted 02-03-2022
Shenandoah County Library Board of Trustees
Next Scheduled Review, February 2025

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Unattended Children Policy

The Shenandoah County Library welcomes children and families to benefit from the resources, materials, and programs that the library offers. To provide for the general welfare of all persons using the Shenandoah County Library and to provide for the general safety of children using the library, the Library Board has established the following policies: 

Parents or Caregivers may not leave children ages twelve or younger alone in the library unattended. If a parent or caregiver of an unattended child cannot be located within one-half hour of the discovery that the child is unattended, the library will involve appropriate law enforcement to contact the child's family.

1. Children ages six and younger must be directly supervised at all times by a parent or caregiver ages sixteen or older. That means the parent/caregiver is with the child at all times and is supervising their behavior in the library. Children six and under will be considered unattended if the parent/caregiver is elsewhere in the building.
2. Children ages seven through twelve do not have to be directly supervised providing that they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. An adult caregiver sixteen or over must remain in the building at all times and is responsible for the children's behavior at all times while in the library. Such children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and the same consequences.
3. Children ages thirteen through sixteen are permitted to use the library without an adult caregiver. These children are subject to the same rules of conduct as adult patrons and the same consequences will occur if the child is considered by a staff member to be disruptive to other library patrons. This possibility should be taken into account when deciding whether to leave a child unattended in the library.
4. Volunteers ages sixteen and under are supervised by the staff and are not considered to be unattended during their scheduled volunteering time. Parents need to be aware that prior arrangements need to be made with the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule volunteer duty. As soon as the scheduled volunteer time is over, the volunteer is subject to the same rules as any other young patron visiting the library.
5. Staff is not permitted to remain after hours with an unattended child, or to provide transport to another location. For the safety of the child, the staff will not leave a child outside to wait for a ride. If a parent cannot be reached by the time the library is to close, appropriate law enforcement will be called to escort the child home or to keep the child until the family can be reached.

Revised and Adopted 11-03-2022
Shenandoah County Library Board of Trustees
Next Scheduled Review, November 2025

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Privacy

Shenandoah County Library System  respects the privacy rights of all its patrons. Library staff and/or volunteers will not reveal to anyone other than the cardholder any patron account information with the following exceptions: 

• A responsible party is entitled to access items, due dates, and fines on accounts for which they are responsible.
• A responsible party is authorized to access and update contact or other personal information on accounts for which they are responsible.
• Accounts with unpaid fines or lost/damaged items may be reported to a collection agency to recover costs and/or materials associated with the account.
• The Shenandoah County Library System may use a third-party service to send email communication regarding account status, library programs and activities, or fundraising opportunities. Patrons may opt-out of these communications at any time.

Revised and Adopted 11-03-2022
Shenandoah County Library Board of Trustees
Next Scheduled Review, November 2025

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County Library Website Policy Regarding Links

The content of the Shenandoah County Library System’s website falls under the purview of the professional staff of the County Library. Determining which links that are posted on the library’s website is their responsibility.

The Library strives to provide ready access to information that might prove helpful to the County residents and visitors by meeting their informational, educational or recreational needs. While the Library does not intend to promote specific for-profit organizations, it does include authoritative links whose content might appeal to a wide segment of library patrons because of the historic, recreational or educational nature of a link.

County Library Conduct Policy

The following items/activities are prohibited:

• Sleeping or loitering
• Monopolizing any library space or obstructing the aisles
• Entering any areas or occupying any spaces that are limited to Staff
• Bodily hygiene or condition of personal effects that is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to patrons or staff
• Using Library restroom facilities for inappropriate purposes (including bathing or washing clothes)
• Use of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages
• Verbally or physically harassing patrons, volunteers, or staff
• Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, State, local or other applicable law, or library policy
• Pets (service animals are permitted)
• Inadequate attire (shoes and shirts required)

Social Media Policy

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Proctoring

The Shenandoah County Library does not proctor tests.

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