Borrowing Privileges
Use of our library services within our buildings, including reference books and services and use of electronic materials, is free and available to all; however, non-Ohio residents must pay $5.00 a year for use of their library card. Use of the Internet, through the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) requires signed agreement with our Internet Use Policy ; for those under the age of 18 it also requires the signed agreement of a parent or guardian.
A patron may check out unlimited library materials except Videos and DVDs. You may borrow up to 12 videos and/or DVD's. Video tapes and DVD's may be borrowed for a one week period, with no renewals. Children under the age of 18 must have signed parental permission to borrow video tapes and DVD's.
Books, Magazines and CD's are loaned for a three week period, and may be renewed for an additional three weeks, as long as there are no holds on the item. Renewals may be made on the website, in person or by telephone.
Loan Periods and Fines
Patrons may not check out items if there is a balance of $1.00 or more on their account or a household member's account.
| Material |
Loan
Period |
Overdue Fine
Per Day |
Maximum Fine |
| Books |
3 weeks |
.10 |
5.00 |
| Magazines |
1 week |
.10 |
5.00 |
| Audio Books & Books on CD |
3 weeks |
.10 |
5.00 |
| Compact Discs |
3 weeks |
.10 |
5.00 |
| Videos |
1 week |
.10 |
5.00 |
| DVDs |
1 week |
.10 |
5.00 |
Overdue Information
Patrons are encouraged to return library materials on or before their due date to avoid fines and to make the items available to other patrons.
Lost/Damaged Material
Patrons are responsible for all library materials that they check out. If a patron loses a library item, they will be required to pay the replacement cost of the item. If the library staff determines that an item has been damaged beyond repair, the patron will be charged the replacement cost.
Collection Agency
The Martins Ferry Public Library has contracted with a collection agency to assist in recovering non-returned library materials and unpaid fines. All unresolved accounts over $25.00 will be turned over to Unique Management Services, Inc. and an additional charge of $10.00 will be added to the balance.
Renewing Material
Most items can be renewed twice, with the exception of videos and DVDs, unless holds have been placed on them . Videos and DVDs are not renewable. Renewals can be done in person with your card or the item, over the phone with your card number or online. Most new items, such as bestsellers, are often not available for renewal.
Returning Material
You may return items to any of the Martins Ferry Public Library branch locations. The Bridgeport, Shadyside and Powhatan Point branches have bookdrops available outside the library for after hours returns. You may also return items to any cooperating library.
Placing Holds
The hold procedure is a way to reserve a particular item for yourself. This item may be checked-out or may belong to another cooperating library. By placing a hold, you ensure that you will receive a copy of the item.
You can place a hold on most items that you find in the online catalog. You may do this from your home computer, at the library's online catalog or over the telephone. To do this yourself, you need your library card number. If you call the library, you must have your card number available and library staff will be happy to place a hold for you. When the library receives the item, you will be notified by telephone, mail or email. You have a one-week period to pick up the item. |
