The Potterville Benton Township District Library (PBTDL) issues resident and non-resident library cards. All patrons who borrow materials must be registered and show their library card to borrow materials. A PBTDL card can only be used by the patron to whom the card was issued. PBTDL cards are not transferable.

Library materials will not be checked out to any patron who does not show their PBTDL card. Patrons are responsible for all materials borrowed on their card. If a library card is lost or stolen, report it to the Circulation Desk immediately. PBTDL is not responsible for fraudulent use of a library card if the card is not reported as lost or stolen to the PBTDL staff. Patrons who have lost their library card will be given a new library card, but if the
library has to issue a 3 rd library card, the patron will be charged a fee of $5.00. The library staff reserves the right to require any patron to verify his/her identity upon request.

Proof of current residency or of property ownership must be presented at the time of applying for a library card. Parent or legal guardian ID will be used as verification for a minor child.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

One of the Following:

• Valid Michigan Driver’s License
• Valid Michigan ID card issued by the Secretary of State

Any Combination of both a photo ID and proof of address from the following:

• Recently expired state issued picture ID or any other current picture ID
• Tax bill for property located in PBTDL legal service area
• A current lease agreement for residential real property
• A current property deed for real property
• A rent receipt for real property
• A valid voter registration card
• A current student ID

PBTDL is a Fine-Free Library Except for DVD Rentals
The Potterville Benton Township District Library believes in free and equal access for all. The library chooses not to charge for overdue materials except for DVD’s which have a $1.00 late fee for each day it is late. Charges for lost and damaged items still apply. We want to do our part to make it as easy and enjoyable for everyone to use the library. All the library is asking in return is for you to be responsible library users. Patrons should do
their part of returning items on or before the due date. If you need more time, reach out to the library to renew your materials. If an item is overdue and belongs to your library, reminders will be sent by phone, text messages, emails and/or mailings. If an item belongs to another library thru MeL, be sure to reach out to the library so that the staff can renew the item according to interlibrary loan guidelines.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges
If items are not returned within the renewal period, they will be set to Lost status. Patrons will be responsible for paying for materials charged to their library card if the materials are lost or damaged beyond repair. At this time, borrowing privileges will be suspended until the item is either returned or paid for. After a four to six month period of not returning overdue items, the patron information will be sent to the Economic Crimes Unit if deemed by the Library Director. The actual replacement cost determined by the Library Director will be charged. Replacement with an identical item in good condition by the patron may be considered as payment for a lost or damaged item.

In the event of loss by fire, theft, or other circumstances outside the control of the patron, the Library Director may use his/her discretion in determining a fair payment. Staff will take into consideration the special circumstances and insurance coverage related to Acts of God in determining payment due; staff may excuse a patron for the loss of materials in extenuating circumstances.

Circulation of Library Materials

A. Circulation Periods

1. The following library materials circulate for two weeks:
        a. Books
        b. Paperbacks
        c. CD Audiobook
        d. Compact discs
        e. Playaways
2. The following materials circulate for 2 days:
        a. DVDs
3. The following materials do not circulate:
        a. All special collections
4. There is generally no limit on how many items a patron may check out, however the Library Director may place limits for patrons under certain circumstances or on certain collection types.
5. Exceptions may occasionally be made to the above circulation periods for special circumstances approved by the Library Director.

Adopted by the PBTDL Library Board on April 3, 2023