Library Policies

Please see our Policy Manual for all policies.

Loan Periods

New DVDs and New Blu-Rays – 3 days
New TV DVDs, and Fiction DVDs – 7 days
Non-Fiction DVDs – 21 days
Video Games (includes games and hardware) – 7 days
Magazines – 7 days
Hotspots – 7 days, one Hotspot per household per 30 days
Books, Books on CD, and Children’s Book Kits – 21 days
Music CDs, Playaways, and Puzzles – 21 days

  • The Library reserves the right to limit the number of items borrowed and/or the loan period as demand warrants. Vacation loans may be arranged for up to 6 weeks for some materials.
  • All library materials except new DVDs/Blu-Rays and Hotspots may be renewed unless on reserve or restricted. Renewals can be made by phone or renewed online.
  • DVDs, CDs, Video Gaming items, and Hotspots – Anyone 18 and older with a valid Perry Public Library card (and State-issued identification, if requested) may borrow these items. New DVDs, digital items, and equipment may not be reserved. Youth over the age of 14 and still under the age of 18 may borrow these items with signed parental consent.

Lost or Damaged Items

When a patron claims to have returned the material, that the Library records show to be outstanding, a search will be made for that material. If this material cannot be located, a “claims returned” will be noted on the patron’s record. The Library will continue the search. After 6 months, the item is considered lost.

A patron is required to pay for replacement costs when material is returned only if, in the Library’s estimation, it is beyond repair, or if in the case of audio-visual materials not usable. A patron will be charged repair costs for damaged materials. For materials damaged beyond repair or lost, or missing pieces, a patron will be charged the current cost, plus $2.00 processing charge. No refund will be made after six months or if the material is replaced. The processing fee will not be refunded. If all fines and costs have been paid on a damaged item, the patron may keep the item.

When a patron reports the borrowed item lost or fails to return it, the patron will make restitution to the Library by paying for the item.

A patron who does not pay for damaged or lost materials after being properly notified will be denied borrowing privileges if the amount is over $10.00.

Fines and Fees *New Policy Effective January 1, 2022

Any patron who borrows material from the Perry Public Library is responsible for returning items on time and in good condition.

Overdue fines are forgiven on all Perry Public Library materials EXCEPT Hotspots/Library of Things Items.

  • Fines will still accumulate if items are overdue, but will be removed from your account when the items are returned. ($0.10/day for most materials, $1.00/day for Library of Things items and Hotspots.)
  • Items that are lost or damaged are still subject to replacement fees.

Many items will automatically renew unless:

  • There is a hold on the item
  • The item has reached its renewal limit (varies by item/library)
  • Your account is blocked

A patron who incurs fines of $10.00 or more will be denied borrowing privileges until the fines are under $10.00.

Addendum to 2.7.1 Confidentiality of Library Records 
Perry Public Library’s CLEVNET Network is an integrated computer system that provides various Ohio Libraries (collectively, “CLEVNET Contract Libraries”) and their patrons with various benefits. Personally identifiable information provided to Perry Public Library, whether through our website or in person at our library facility, is maintained by Perry Public Library; however, it is accessible by all CLEVNET Contract Libraries. CLEVNET Contract Libraries are obligated to keep a patron’s personally identifiable information confidential. Neither Perry Public Library nor any of the CLEVNET Contract Libraries will release personally identifiable information about patrons, including their uses of library materials and resources, unless otherwise set forth in this privacy policy or compelled by law.  

Unattended Children

  • Children, and their safety, are of great concern to Perry Public Library. The library staff tries very hard to ensure that you and your children have a fun, pleasant time while visiting the library.
  • Parents need to remember that the library is a public place that welcomes customers of all ages. The library staff cannot monitor children when they leave the library building. We also cannot prevent children from interacting with persons whose interest in children is not entirely wholesome.
  • For their safety, we require that children under age 8 have an adult (age 16 or older) with them at all times in all areas of the library.
  • Children ages 8-12 must have an adult (age 16 or older) on the library premises at all times.
  • Parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children in the library.

Library Cards

Acceptance of a library card constitutes acknowledgment of responsibility for its use, for materials borrowed with it, and for all fines charged against it. Parents assume responsibilities for their children under 18 years of age.

New library cards will be issued to patrons completing a registration form and presenting a valid state-issued identification. Photo ID without the current address must be accompanied by mail with a recent postmark date.

Patrons are responsible for informing the Library of a lost or stolen card, as the cardholder will be responsible for any materials checked out with that card number.

Youths 14 to 18 years of age may be granted YV status with special permission from a parent or guardian. YV indicates the parent’s permission to borrow freely from the collection without restriction.