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Children’s Library Cards
 
It is the Utica Public Library’s belief that all children should have equal opportunity to possess a public library card regardless of their circumstances. Furthermore, the Utica Public Library believes that books should be an integral part of every child’s life beginning at birth. To that end, the Utica Public Library has established the following circulation policy regarding children:
 
  • Registration Policy
  Juvenile library cards are issued to children and young adults aged 0 to 18 years. All children applying for a card must have their age and address verified by a parent’s or legal guardian’s signature on the library card application form. The adult signature also acknowledges responsibility for any lost or damaged book charges. Under New York State law the parent(s) or legal guardian is responsible for all financial obligations incurred by their child until the age of 21.
 
 
  • Loan Period
  Books and audiocassettes.........................
New books and audiocassettes (adult)........
Music CDs and software.............................		 4 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
 
 
  • Borrowing Limits
  Upon receipt of a new library card, juvenile patrons are limited to borrowing 2 items. Once those two items have been returned in a timely manner, juvenile patrons are allowed to borrow up to 10 items on their card. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if any overdue materials are on a child’s record.

DVDs and videos must be checked out on an adult’s card.		  
 
  • Fines
  There are no overdue fines charged for Utica Public Library materials checked out on a juvenile library card. However, juvenile patrons registering for a library card agree to be responsible for all materials borrowed on the card. The “no fines” status will automatically become ineffective once the child reaches the age of 18. At that time, an adult card will be issued.

Juvenile patrons may request materials from another library in the Mid-York Library System. However, late return of such items will be subject to the overdue fines assessed by the affected library.

Failure to return any library materials in a timely manner or to pay for lost or damaged materials could result in revocation of any or all library privileges at the discretion of the Director.

  
 
  • Replacement
  Lost or damaged cards can be replaced for 50 cents. An ID is required at time of replacement. Students can use school materials that have their name printed on them as a form of ID.