Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. How can I get a library card?
  2. I want to obtain a library card for my children. Is there an age requirement? What kind of identification is needed?
  3. My teen needs a card. Do I need to be present?
  4. At what other libraries may I use my card?
  5. If I do not reside in the State of Ohio, can I get a library card?
  6. I am attending college in the State of Ohio. How do I borrow materials?
  7. I am in town for a short time but reside in another state. Can I get a card to use while I am visiting?
  8. How do I inform the library if I change my address?
  9. What do I do if my library card is lost or stolen?
  10. How many items may I borrow?
  11. How long may I keep an item?
  12. If I forget to bring my library card, may I still check items out?
  13. Can I access my library account online?
  14. How do I request items from other libraries?
  15. How can I renew items?
  16. When I access “My Account” through the online catalog to renew items, they will not renew. What is the problem?
  17. I have a very overdue item. How high will my late fee be?
  18. Do I have to pay all my late fees at once?
  19. What do I do if I have lost or damaged library materials?
  20. I recently paid for a lost book that I just found. Can I get my money back?
  21. What is your Privacy Policy?
  22. How can I suggest that the library buy a book that they do not have?
  23. How do I donate materials to the library?
  24. Does the library provide wireless access?
  25. Can I print from my laptop?
  26. Does the library offer any special services for teachers?
  27. Can I register to vote at the library and how can I find out where to vote?
  28. Does the library have book sales for the general public?
  29. How can I become a Friend of the Library?

 

How can I get a library card?

A St. Clairsville Public Library card may be obtained at by stopping in the library. To get a card, you must fill out an application and present current photo identification and a recent piece of mail (such as a utility bill) to verify your current address.

I want to obtain a library card for my children. Is there an age requirement? What kind of identification is needed?

Children must be at least 5 years old to obtain a St. Clairsville Public Library card.  Any child between 5-17 years old must have the signature of his or her parent or guardian on the registration form, and the parent or guardian must present the required identification; the signature will satisfy the requirement for identification for the patron under age 18.  Restricted services may be requested by the parent or guardian on the juvenile’s card application. The parent or guardian is responsible for any charges incurred on this card.

At what other libraries may I use my card?

The St. Clairsville Public Library is part of the SEO (Serving Every Ohioan) Consortium, a group of over 81 Ohio libraries systems which share materials.  Patrons are able to request items from other libraries and have them delivered to the St. Clairsville Public Library.  Or you can use your card at other SEO library locations. A list of the participating libraries may be found at the SEO’s Website.

If I do not reside in the State of Ohio, can I get a library card?

Yes. Out of State residents, not working or attending school in St. Clairsville, will be charged a fee of $4.00 for a library card. This fee is not refundable and is charged upon renewal.

I am attending college in the State of Ohio. How do I borrow materials?

Out-of-state students attending an institution of higher learning in Ohio must provide their permanent and their college addresses, as well as a student ID and recent piece of mail.

I am in town for a short time but reside in another state. Can I get a card to use while I am visiting?

Temporary residents must provide both permanent and temporary or school addresses, supplying the same documentation needed to obtain a library card.

How do I inform the library if I change my address?

You may change request to change your address in person or by calling the library at 740-695-2062.  You may be asked to verify detailed account information.

What do I do if my library card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, call the library as soon as you can at 740-695-2062 so that we may suspend access to that account.  You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card, so please make your report as soon as possible.

How many items may I borrow?

There is no limit for most library materials that a patron may have out or check out on their record, as long as they are not over the $5.00 fine limit, though the system places a limit of 999 items that can be checked out on a patron’s card at one time. Only 50 items may be requested (“placed on hold”) on a patron’s card at any given time.

A patron may check out 5 DVDs or Blu-Ray and 10 music CD’s in a single day. A patron may have no more than 10 DVDs or Blu-Ray and 20 music CD’s on their borrower’s record at any one time.

How long may I keep an item?

Most books check out for 21 days, but new fiction books, movies, and magazines can only be checked out for 7 days.  Check out the list of borrowing periods for more detailed information.

If I forget to bring my library card, may I still check items out?

You may check out materials if you present a valid photo ID.  Materials cannot be checked out without a library card or valid photo ID.

Can I access my library account online?

Yes.  You can access your account through the online catalog.  See Logging into My Account Online for more information.

How do I request items from other libraries?

You can request items in person, over the phone by calling the library at 740-695-2062, or by accessing your account online and selecting “Place Hold” from the item record page.

How can I renew items?

You can renew items in person, over the phone by calling the library at 740-695-2062, or by accessing your account online. Items that are on request for another patron cannot be renewed.  There is a limit to four (4) renewals per item.

When I access “My Account” through the online catalog to renew items, they will not renew. What is the problem?

If the item you are trying to renew is on reserve for another patron, or if you have reached your maximum renewals, you will not be able to renew it.  There is a limit of 2 online renewals per item.

Do I have to pay all my late fees at once?

No, you do not have to pay all of the late fees at once, but your account balance must be under $5.00 to check out materials.

What do I do if I have lost or damaged library materials?

There will be a $2.00 charge for each item that is returned damaged, or with missing parts, that are able to be repaired.  Damaged books that must go to the bindery will be charged $10.00 each.  If an item is damaged beyond normal wear and tear and cannot be repaired, the cost of the item as it appears in the item record will be charged to the patron.

If one or more discs are missing from audiobooks, it may be possible to replace the missing discs.  Patrons will be charged the actual cost of disc replacement.  If it is not possible to replace the individual disc, patrons may be charged the full replacement amount for that item.

If an item is reported as lost, no overdue fines will be charged for that item, only the replacement cost of the item. The charge for a lost item will be the cost of the item as it appears in the item record.  The only acceptable replacement will be the cost of the item.  Any items that the patrons purchase on their own from a retailer will not be accepted.  All items will be paid for at the circulation desk and a receipt will be given.

I recently paid for a lost book that I just found. Can I get my money back?

If the item is found and returned within 6 months of the date printed on the receipt of payment, the patron can be reimbursed for the replacement cost of the item.  The patron will be charged overdue fines from the date that the item was reported lost until the time the item is returned, up to the maximum fine allotment.

In order to receive a refund for an item, the patron must bring back the receipt of payment for the item, along with the item itself.  A reimbursement check for that item will be issued by the Library’s Fiscal Officer.

What is your Privacy Policy?

Please see our Privacy section.

How can I suggest that the library buy a book that they do not have?

Patrons can suggest items for the library in person or by filling out the Item Suggestion Form online.

How do I donate materials to the library?

Please see our Donations Policy.

Does the library provide wireless access?

Yes, patrons may bring in their laptop or other electronic device to access the library’s wireless network.  All users must agree to our Internet Use Policy before they are allowed access to the internet.

Can I print from my laptop?

Yes, the library offers wireless printing in the lobby.  Although most computer models are compatible, we cannot accommodate all models, so please contact a library staff member for additional information in regards to your particular equipment.

Does the library offer any special services for teachers and educators?

The library offers a Teacher Card which may be used by any teacher or educator within the St. Clairsville-Richland Township school district.  The card offers extended checkout times and waives overdue fines.  Please contact the library for additional information.

Can I register to vote at the library and how can I find out where to vote?

Yes, the library offers Voter Registration Forms in the Information Services department on the second floor.  Staff can aid you in filling out your registration form and will submit the form to the Belmont County Board of Elections for you.  For more information about registering to vote or the voting process, you can visit the Belmont County Board of Elections Website.

Does the library have book sales for the general public?

The Friends of the Library is a volunteer organization which is active in promoting development of the library. Part of this development is funded through the annual book sales.  The library will post the dates and times of book sales at the library and on the website with as much advanced notice as possible.

How can I become a Friend of the Library?

Pick up an application at the St. Clairsville Public Library or download it from our Friends of the Library page and return the completed application and the dues to the front desk at the library, or mail it to:

Friends of the Library
St. Clairsville Public Library
108 W. Main Street
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
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