Responsibility

It is the responsibility of library users to present their library card each time they wish to check out materials.  Materials cannot be checked out without a library card.  Library users are responsible for all materials checked out on their card or on the cards of children for whom they have assumed responsibility.  If library users allow others to check out library materials on their card, those materials are still the responsibility of the card owner.  The library will assume that anyone in possession of another person’s library card is authorized by the card owner to check out materials.

Lost cards should be reported immediately.  Library users are responsible for all materials checked out on their card up to the time that they report the card as lost. Library users who have lost their card may apply for new ones by showing valid identification and paying a nonrefundable $3.00 replacement charge.  If they later find their card, it must be destroyed or returned to the library for disposal.  Refunds will not be made on library cards.

How do I get a CMRLS Library Card, what is an ACORN CARD; and other frequently asked questions.

County Residents

Any person who shows proof of residence within Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith counties may be issued a library card at no charge.  If someone does not have proof of residence, the library card can be mailed to their home address.  The card will be valid when the patron signs the card.  A reciprocal borrower’s agreement exists between the Lincoln, Lawrence, and Franklin Public Library System and CMRLS.  If a patron from that system comes to a branch in CMRLS, register that patron as if they are a county resident.  Patrons of Lincoln, Lawrence, and Franklin Public Library System will have to show their library card with that system.

Any student that attends school in Lake or Sebastopol and they live outside of Scott County can receive a library card.  These students would need to show proof that they attend school in Lake or Sebastopol.

Temporary County Residents

A temporary library card may be issued to library users who are temporary residents of Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith counties.  Users must show proof of residency.

Nonresidents

Persons attending school, employed, or owning property in the counties served by CMRLS may obtain a non-resident library card at no charge with the following identification.

  1. Applicants applying for a card based upon attending school or working in the counties served by CMRLS must show a letter from their school or employer on the school or business letterhead.  An updated school or employment letter will be required annually to renew the library card.   Students may also use a current school I.D. card with a photo.
  2. Applicants applying for a card based upon owning property in the counties served by CMRLS may obtain a non-resident library card by showing a copy of a current tax statement. 
  3. Owners of business in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith counties may be given a personal library card at no charge when they present proof of such ownership.  Proof of ownership would be a current tax statement withname and address.

Applicants who do not meet any of the above requirements may obtain a non-resident library card by paying a $25.00 annual user reimbursement.  The reimbursement will expire one (1) year from the date of application.  Non-resident cards must be renewed each year. All members of a non-resident family, including minor children, will be entitled to individual library cards if all members of the family reside at the same physical address.  If the custodial caregiver is a guardian, the guardian’s name must be entered in the guardian field.  The non-resident family will be required to pay the $25.00 annual user reimbursement.  The family non-resident cards must be renewed annually.    Minor children, under 18 years of age, of a parent/guardian who pays the annual user reimbursement will be entitled to a library card in their own name at no charge.  The parent/guardian will be required to sign the library card application for each minor child signifying that they are responsible for the library materials and any fines incurred.