Who may obtain a library card?

Ohio residents five years of age and older are eligible to obtain a card at the Upper Sandusky Community Library.  Borrowers have access to books, audiobooks, magazines, e-books, movies on DVD and Blu-Ray, and online research databases.  Patrons under the age of 18 may be restricted from checking out materials by their parent/guardian initialing the back of the minor’s library card. Restriction options include:

•   Materials from the young adult, adult, and DVD collections
•   Movies
•   Internet

How much does the library card cost?

Your first library card is free. Replacements cards cost $3.00.

How do I obtain a library card?

Eligible patrons can obtain a library card at the circulation desk during the hours the library is open. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. A photo ID, such as your driver’s license, which shows your current address is needed. A piece of mail (bill, etc.) can be used as proof of address if the address on your ID is not current. You will be required to fill out a small form with information that will be used to create your borrower record. One side of the form is for your library card; the other side is for accessing the internet via our computer workstations. 

By filling out this form, you have applied for the right to use the library and will abide by its rules. You will pay fines or damages charged to you, and give prompt notice of any change of address. By signing up for internet access on this form, you have read and understood the library’s OPLIN and internet policies and rules, and accept the terms of use. You waive any right to claim against the Upper Sandusky Community Library, its employees, trustees, officers and agents arising from use of the internet. You agree to refrain from displaying material on a terminal when requested to do so by a library staff member.  

A search will be conducted on our online circulation system to determine if you already have a library card associated with the SEO consortium, of which USCL is a member. If you do have a library card from one of these libraries and are in good standing, you have the option to use that library card. If you are changing your residency to Wyandot County area, you can transfer your card to USCL.

• You will be given a brochure of information on our library use, policies, and services.   
• You have a choice of either a wallet or keychain style of library card.        
• Teachers may obtain a Teacher’s Borrowing Card in addition to their personal borrower card. The Teacher’s card will allow items from the Upper Sandusky Community Library to be checked out for use in the classroom for 6 weeks (42 days). They will be responsible for lost and damaged items. Items requested from other SEO libraries will be borrowed under the usual terms.

You can also obtain a temporary digital library card.

How long may I borrow items from collections? Are there any limits to how many I may borrow?

Up to 100 items total may be checked out at a time, subject to limits on individual formats.​

         Books:

•    4 weeks
•    Some books may be held off open shelves for protection from theft/damage or to limit use. Ask for assistance at the circulation desk.
•    Suggested guideline: 5 books per child unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

         New Fiction Books (not Large Print):

•    2 weeks

                   Audio Books:

•    4 weeks

         Magazines:

•    2 weeks
•    5 of one title at a time

         DVDs/Blu-Rays:

•    1 week
•    Only 10 DVDs/Blu-Rays at a time per card holder

How often can I renew an item?

​​Materials may be renewed up to four times for the same time period, unless another patron has requested a hold on the item.

Are overdue items fined?

Effective November 12, 2020, the Upper Sandusky Community Library will not charge fines for overdue materials. Fines assessed before this date will be forgiven. Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their accounts. Lost items and items which are damaged beyond repair will be charged at the cost of the item.

​​​Are there restrictions if I have overdue items?

A borrower with any overdue materials or $5.00 or more in lost or damage fees will be restricted from checking out additional materials. Repeated failure to return materials in a timely manner may result in suspension of borrowing privileges. 

OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) Policy and INTERNET POLICY

​It is understood by users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the Upper Sandusky Community Library or OPLIN. The Library through OPLIN provides access to reference databases of general and special periodical materials, reader's advisory services, homework centers to assist students with assignments, and legislative, historical, and archival materials and information. Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by Upper Sandusky Community Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual or complete. The availability of networked information via the Upper Sandusky Community Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The Upper Sandusky community Library and OPLIN is not responsible for the content of networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited. Al users of this service agree to hold the Upper Sandusky community Library and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly relating to the use of OPLIN and the Internet, caused thereby or arising there from. In no event shall the Upper Sandusky Community Library or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Upper Sandusky Community Library or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

What about confidentiality of my circulation records?  

The Upper Sandusky Community Library specifically recognizes its circulation records identifying the names of library users with specific materials to be confidential in nature. No such records shall be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the Board of Trustees for legitimate business purposes, except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures of legislative investigatory power. No officially requested materials will be released until the library’s officers have consulted with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such defects be cured.