Library Cards & Lending

The Richwood-North Union Public Library is a member of the Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) library consortium.  This allows anyone with an Richwood Library card to borrow from any of the other 90+ member libraries without charge. As a library patron you have access to nearly 8 million items through our library's catalog. 


Getting a Card
Cards from SEO Member Libraries
Fines and Fees
Loan Periods and Limitations
Damaged & Lost Materials
Holds
Renewals
After Hours Returns


Getting a Card
When you apply for a library card, you agree to return borrowed materials on time, pay overdue fees, and be responsible for lost or damaged items.  Library cards must be presented at time of checkout.
Library cards may be obtained in person at either of the library’s checkout desks.  You do not need to be a resident of Richwood or the North Union Local School District to get a card.  Anyone 18 years of age or older can get a library card with a photo ID and proof of current address (piece of mail, utility bill, bank statement, etc.).  
All children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign for the responsibility of a juvenile card. Parents and guardians are financially responsible for any items checked out on their child's card.  Parents and guardians will need to bring photo identification and proof of current address to obtain a card for their child. 


Cards From SEO Member Libraries
The Richwood-North Union Public Library accepts cards from any SEO member library.  Anyone is welcome to sign up for a local Richwood Library card, however, fines and fees accrued on SEO member library cards will prevent a user from borrowing materials, if the amount exceeds $5.00.


Fines and Fees
Library cards are free. 
Library patrons are responsible for notifying the library immediately if a card is lost or stolen.  You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Prompt reporting will allow the Library to take appropriate steps to secure your account.  
Loan periods and fines vary by the type of material.  Borrowing privileges are temporarily suspended when you owe more than $5 in fines and fees.  Once the fine balance is paid down to under $5, borrowing privileges are reinstated. 
Fines Structure:
DVDs, Blu-Rays, and Video Games: $1.00 per day late
Audiobooks: $0.25 per day late
Magazines: $0.05 per day late
Books: $0.05 per day late


Loan Periods and Limitations
Library items may be checked out for 28 or 7 days, depending on the type of material.  You will be notified of overdue items by mail, email, or text.  You can always check the due date for any library materials online through “My Account” or by contacting or visiting the library for assistance.


DVDs, Blu-Rays, and Video Games

  • Loan Period: 7 days
  • Checkout Limit: 5 items per card at a time, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and Video Games may only be checked out by patrons age 18 or older.
  • Overdue Fines: $1.00 per day late

Books

  • Loan Period: 28 days
  • Checkout Limit: No limit
  • Overdue Fines: $.05 per day late

Magazines

  • Loan Period: 7 days
  • Checkout Limit: No limit
  • Overdue Fines: $.05 per day late

Audiobooks

  • Loan Period: 28 days
  • Checkout Limit: No Limit
  • Overdue Fines: $.25 per day late

Damaged & Lost Materials
Notices are sent to you when an item checked out on your card is about to be considered “lost,” leading you to be charged for the purchase price of the item.  These lost charges (aside from the accrued overdue fines) will be deleted from your account if the lost item is returned.
Patrons may be assessed a fee for damage to a library item, depending on the severity of the damage.  This fee will be equal to the cost of any needed replacement materials.


Holds
Holds may be placed on all circulating items. Items that are not owned by the Richwood-North Union Public Library but are available on the library's catalog through the SEO consortium can be requested and will be delivered to the library. You will be notified when your requested item is ready for pickup by phone, email, or text depending on which option you chose when you signed up for a library card. All requested items will be held at the library for 7 days and then sent back if the item hasn't been picked up within that time.


Renewals
All eligible items will automatically renew three times when they become due. Items reserved by another patron will not automatically renew. Items may be renewed in person or by telephone at: (740) 943-3054. Items may also be renewed online.


After Hours Returns
Materials of all types may be returned even when the library is closed by making use of the return box located near the north entrance (facing Ottawa Street) of the library.  All items returned before the library opens will be considered returned the previous day.