Library Policies
Library Card and Policies
Residents of Kings County may apply for a library card at any branch. These
cards are free (there is a replacement charge for lost cards), and identification
is required as well as verification of current address. Parents must register
their children in person. This library card will allow the holder to use the
full range of library services in Kings County and in the member libraries of
the San Joaquin Valley Library System.
To obtain a library card, patrons must present a picture ID, verify current address and complete a library card application. Anyone under the age of 18 wishing to have a library card must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian. Additionally, parents must fill out the application and provide the proper documentation as listed above. Parents and legal guardians assume full financial responsibility for anything checked out on their child’s library card.
- The first library card is free. Lost or stolen cards are $2.00 to replace. Please report lost or stolen cards immediately.
- Library cards are valid from Mariposa County to Kern County. This allows patrons to check out books at one location and return them in another.
- You MUST have your library card present when you check out library materials or use computers with Internet capability. No exceptions.
- Regular books check out for three weeks. Magazines, videos and books on tape, rental books and encyclopedias check out for one week. Adults may have up to 30 items on their card at any one time and minors 25.
- Rental books cost $1 per week, books on tape $2 per week and videos and DVD’s $1 per week. Patrons may check out as many of these items as they are willing to pay for until they reach the 30 item limit.
- Hold fees are 50 cents per item with the additional fees listed above for videos and books on tape.
- The late charge on ALL items is 25 cents per item per day.
- You must bring your library items with you in addition to your card in order to renew material. The Kings County Library does not renew items over the phone.
- All library materials may be returned inside the library during operating hours and in the book drop when the library is closed.
- You must come into the library to change address or telephone number information.
Library Catalog: ValleyCat
The Online Public Access Catalog, known as ValleyCat, is available to our patrons
in all branch libraries and from this website. ValleyCat allows our patrons
to search for library materials owned by the Kings County Library and the member
libraries of the San Joaquin Valley Library System.
Fees & Fines
Many services of the Kings County Library are free, but there are fines for
overdue or lost materials. Most books circulate for twenty-one (21) days and
may be renewed once. The Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore branches circulate video
tapes at a cost of $1.00 for one week. Effective July 1, 2003, the Kings County
Library will re-institute a $1.00 per one week for Rental Books, and $2.00 a
week for Books on Tape.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact a member of the library staff.