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 $2.00 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 Merced 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, DVD's, Audio Books, Playaways 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, DVD'S, Audiobooks, Playaways are now FREE. Patrons are allowed to have 5 items of each on their card at any one time.
Effective, July 1, 2009 there are no longer any hold fees.
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.

Confidentiality of Library Records
The Kings County Library is dedicated to the principle of confidentiality of library patron records and the expectation of privacy when using library materials.

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. Effective July 1, 2009, the Kings County Library will no longer charge for DVD's, Audio Books, PlayAways or material placed on hold.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact a member of the library staff.