Borrowing Policy
All persons who wish to borrow materials from the Library must obtain a library card. The library card must be presented each time materials are borrowed. A picture ID may be accepted in lieu of a library card one time before a replacement card will be required.
The following persons may obtain a Portsmouth Public Library card by presenting valid identification:
- Ohio Residents
- Kentucky Residents from Greenup and Lewis Counties
- Students attending educational institutions in Scioto County
Valid identification for persons 18 years and older will be defined as a valid picture ID and proof of current address which must be dated within the last thirty (30) days. Parents, legal guardians or custodians must present their picture ID and proof of address as listed above to obtain a card for children under the age of 18. In some instances, official paperwork may be required to establish juvenile/adult relationship for confidentiality and responsibility purposes.
Borrowing Policies
A library card-holder may have a maximum of up to 25 items at any one time on their card. A total of ten (10) DVDs may be borrowed on an Adult card and a total of five (5) DVDs (juvenile/juvenile non-fiction only) may be borrowed on a Juvenile card.
Materials Circulation Periods are:
Books – 28 days
New Author Reserve Books – 14 days
DVDs – 7 days
Magazines – 14 days
Audiobooks – 14 days
Music cds – 14 days
ILL items – 14 days
Library items may be renewed up to two (2) times. Items with holds, interlibrary loans and items on a Teacher’s card cannot be renewed.
Bookmobile materials have a circulation period of twenty-eight (28) days.
Fines and Fees
Overdue fines: Adult Library Cards:
- Books, Magazines, Audiobooks, Music cds: 10 cents per day up to cost of item
- DVDs: $.50 per day up to cost of item
- ILLs: $1.00 per day up to cost of item
Juvenile Library Cards: No overdue fines accrue on juvenile cards. Lost, damage and agency fees can accrue on a juvenile card.
Damage Fees: Minimal and Repairable Damage – $3.00 per item Non-repairable and total damage – replacement cost of item (patron may have item upon full payment unless disposed of due to health and safety issues)
Lost Fees: PPL- or OVLC-owned item – replacement cost of item ILL – replacement cost of item plus a $20 processing fee
Replacement Library Card Fees: Initial Library Card – Free Replacement Card – $2.00 per each card replaced