Using the Library
Using the library

Borrowing Information

Borrowers are permitted to check out a total of 5 items on the first checkout and 15 thereafter as limits. Bookmobile items are checked out for 30 days with a 30 item limit. All patrons must present their own library card to check out items and use public computers.

Books

No limit within the 15 items total per card.
Checkout time = 2 weeks. 

DVDs

Limit of 5 per household. Checkout time = 7 days. 
Checkout is restricted to adult card holders (18 or older)

Audiobooks

Limit of 5 audiobooks per card. Checkout time = 1 week.

Magazines

Limit of 10 per card. Checkout time = 1 week. 

Library of Things

A range of materials and tools for borrowing.

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Renewals

Material may be renewed twice at the library, by phone, or online. If the material is needed for a longer period of time, the borrower must return the items to the library to request additional time. Items that cannot be renewed include material for which there is an active reserve or special loan materials. Long overdue items cannot be renewed by phone or online.

Borrowers with a blocked status will be unable to renew by phone or online.

Reserves or Holds

Reserves or holds for material may be placed by borrowers either in person, online, or over the phone. Borrowers will be notified by phone when materials are available. The reserve item will not be held more than 1 week after notification. Requests will be honored in the order of date received. 

Overdue Fees

Overdues are handled by means of telephone reminders and written notices. No fines will be charged for overdue items, however borrowers having items overdue for a lengthy period of time will be billed for materials and may not be allowed to checkout until restitution is made.

Lost of Damaged Material

When cardholders lose or damage materials they have borrowed from, or used within the library, they will be responsible for paying for applicable charges. Lost or damaged material must be paid for at the cost indicated in the item record. The library will not accept a replacement copy in lieu of payment. 

Blocked Status

Borrowing privileges will be suspended on all accounts with an overdue status or past due fees. Adult cardholders with a blocked status cannot be a responsible party for a child’s account.

Limited privileges for cardholders with a blocked status:

  • If blocked for DVD fines, cardholders can check out books, but not DVDs until all fines are paid.
  • If blocked for lost material, cardholders must make $5.00 payments at each check out to restore borrowing privileges. If the cost exceeds $50.00 or more, cardholders must pay one-half (½) of the cost initially before limited borrowing privileges are restored. 
  • If blocked, cardholders can use the computer. 

using the library

Suggest an Item

Metcalfe County Public Library welcomes suggestions for materials!

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using the library

Outreach

The Metcalfe County Public Library's mobile branch, or "outreach vehicle", provides library services to institutions such as schools, nursing homes, senior centers, as well as home stops throughout Metcalfe County.

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using the library

Discover Your History

The Metcalfe County Public Library has a variety of resources available for genealogy research. In additional to our local collections, we also offer the following databases:

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using the library

Facilities

There's a space for everyone at MCPL! Whether you're needing a quiet place to study or a more formal meeting room, we have you covered!

Read more about our facilities
using the library

Getting a Library Card

Library cards are issued free to anyone (age 18 or older) with a valid picture identification and proof of address. The identification must be issued by a government agency or organization and include a current recognizable photograph.

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library services

Interlibrary Loan

Book titles not in the library's collection may also be requested through Interlibrary Loan. 

Interlibrary Loan service is available free of charge to all library borrowers in good standing. A limit of 2 requests per borrower is enforced with the exception of home schooling, in which the limit is 5 requests per family. New card holders may use the Interlibrary Loan service after one checkout if items are returned in a timely manner and undamaged. 

If the requested item is outside the state of Kentucky the borrower must be willing to pay postage. Borrowers will be notified via telephone when the Interlibrary Loan item is ready for pickup. 

The following types of materials are not available through ILL: new books, DVDs, recorded books, textbooks, music recordings, feature films, microfilm, reference, and genealogy materials. 

LOAN PERIODS AND RESTRICTIONS

For items borrowed from another library, the length of the loan period and any restrictions are determined by the lending library.

RENEWALS

Borrowers may request a renewal for each item borrowed unless the lending library indicates no renewals are accepted. Borrowers must request renewal 2 days before the item is due. 

DAMAGED OR LOST INTERLIBRARY MATERIAL

Borrowers are responsible for loss, damage, and associated cost or fees while materials are in their possession. 

SUSPENSION OF INTERLIBRARY LOAN PRIVILEGES

The library reserves the right to suspend Interlibrary Loan privileges for any reason. Privileges will be suspended under the following conditions:

  • Borrowers with overdue Interlibrary Loan materials
  • Borrowers who habitually return Interlibrary Loan materials late
  • Borrowers who habitually do not pick up Interlibrary Loan materials
  • Borrowers who have a blocked status

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