Policies of the Williamson Free Public Library

Weather Closing Policy

2010-06-10T10:00:00.003-04:00

When the weather is terrible, the library may close for the safety of staff and patrons.

* Closings will be posted on WHAM 1180 radio, 13 WHAM TV, on this web site and on the library's Facebook page. If you're not a "fan", become one!

*Call the library at 315-589-2048. If the library is closed, you'll get our answering machine.

* NO FINES will be charged for days that the library closes.

Don't risk your own safety. Remember you can renew online, too.

Loan Periods and Fines

2009-04-01T11:19:00.004-04:00

Standard Loan Periods for Williamson Free Public Library

Books -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals
Audiobooks -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals
Software -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals
Music -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals
Magazines -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals
Videos/ DVDs -- 1 week with 1 renewal
NEW DVDs -- 2 days with no renewals
Videogame -- 1 week with 1 renewal
Bookpacks -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals
Software -- 3 weeks with 2 renewals

Materials can be renewed as specified above UNLESS there is a "hold" on the item. That means that someone has reserved that particular material and it cannot be renewed because someone is waiting for it.

If materials are overdue, they will incur overdue fines (or extended use fees, if you like that phrase better!) Books, audiobooks, and magazines are $0.10 for each business day that the item is overdue. Videos, DVDs, and videogames are $1.00 per business day overdue. There is a maximum fine of $5.00 per item.

You can log on to your OWWL account to the right where the library card picture appears. Then you can see what you have out, renew items that are renewable, and reserve or "place a hold" on materials from all of the OWWL libraries!

What Should I Know About Using My Library Card?

2009-01-23T12:21:00.003-05:00

When I’m at the library, why do I always need my card?
Because the OWWL system includes over forty libraries in four counties and over 140,000 borrowers, it is for your protection that original library cards with unique barcodes are required. Your library card with your barcode ensures that materials are checked out to you. Likewise, other patrons must have their cards — so that no materials can be mistakenly checked out to another patron.

And if I forgot my card?
On a limited basis, we will allow alternative photo identification in place of your library card. This is a courtesy transaction, and we still request the OWWL card for borrowing. It's the fastest, easiest way to check out materials.

What if I lose my card?
You can purchase a new card for $1.00 after establishing your identification.

Can I use someone else’s card?
No. The owner of the card is the only one who may use it.

What if someone is picking up a hold for me?
If you notify the library ahead of time and give your permission for someone else to pick up your hold, we will allow it. This is the ONLY time we allow someone else to use your card — so please be sure they have it..

How Do I Get a Library Card?

2009-01-23T12:05:00.002-05:00

You do not have to be a resident of Williamson to get a card. In order to comply with the Pioneer Library System's recommendation for operation, the following requirements are in effect when applying for a library card.

Cards for Children

· All children aged 14 and under will receive “Juvenile” status library cards.

· A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the application card and accept financial responsibility for the child’s use of the library card and all charges associated with it.

· The parent or legal guardian must present acceptable identification (see the identification requirements in the “Adult Card” section below) at the time of application for the juvenile’s card.

· Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising the juvenile’s use of the card. Library staff does not oversee a juvenile’s material selection or borrowing.

· An Internet permission form must be filled out for every person under the age of 18 in person by a parent or guardian.

Adult Cards

· Ages 15 and over will receive an “Adult” status library card.

· Proper identification must be presented at the time of application. The preferred form of identification is a photo ID. (Or, if no photo identification is available, TWO forms of identification -–one with current address – will be accepted. The library staff determines the acceptability of identification.)

All Borrowers

· Must be in good standing to continue to use their library card. “Good standing” is defined by not having fines or fees of $5.00 or more on the card.