Policies

To obtain a library card, patron must be age 7 or older and/or in first grade. All adult (age 14 and over) patrons registering for a card must have some form of identification and a phone number. The ID can be as simple as a bill sent to them in their name at their current address (Social Security cards do not count). The phone number may be that of a friend, neighbor, or relative if they do not have a phone.

Patrons under the age of 14 must have parent/guardian’s signature. Even though 14-16-years old don’t need a parent’s signature, they can use a parent’s ID if they have no ID of their own. Patrons must present a valid card to check books out of the library.

If the Patron does not live inside the city limits of Bicknell and/or in the Vigo Township (Rural Bicknell is not always, or even usually, in our taxing district), then that patron MUST have one of the following:
1. A valid Home Library Card, if they are from a library district that has signed the reciprocal borrowers’ agreement.
2. A valid PLAC card, if they are from a library district which has not signed the reciprocal borrowers’ agreement.
3. Or purchase a nonresidential card if they are from an un-served area. PLAC cards currently cost $65.

Registering from Home:

In COVID-19 times, sometimes it’s a little harder and maybe a bit scary to go outside. We would like to offer you the option of signing up for a Library Card online! You can email the following information to us:

What we need from you:

First and Last Name
Full Birth Date and Age
Grade (if in school)
Full Home Address
Working Phone Number
Email
Branch -Bicknell or Sandborn
A Clear Picture of Mail or ID that matches the address provided

If you are a reciprocal borrower, we will also need a clear picture of your home library card.

(If applying for someone under the age of 14, please include parent or guardian information as well. A picture of the parent or guardian ID is still needed.)

Once approved, you will be emailed your library card number and password for the Online catalog. You will receive a physical copy of your card within 2 – 5 business days via postal services.

By submitting this information and upon approval, you agree to comply with all Library rules and regulations. You accept responsibility for all materials checked out with this card. You will notify the Library of any changes of address or change in the status of parent/guardian. You agree to pay all charges for overdue, lost or damaged materials.

You will need to have a signed Computer Agreement on file with this library. A parent or legal guardian must accompany patrons younger than 10 years of age.

A library card is necessary for the use of internet, but is not required for use of on-line catalog, or the children’s computers.

Performance of the computer equipment and programs and quality of the materials cannot be guaranteed by the Bicknell-Vigo Township Public Library for your particular purpose. Library staff can aid in getting started.

Computer Use:

· When using the computer, you must sign in on the computer sign in sheet, with your first and last name, and the time. Please mark your time when leaving.

· You may use a computer for one half-hour period.

· If no one is waiting, you may use a computer longer than the allotted half hour, but if someone is waiting on a computer, you will be asked to end your session.

· You may continue to use a computer beyond the one half-hour period, at the librarian’s discretion, if you are involved in a project that takes longer than one half hour to complete (for example, homework, on-line classes or tests, resumes, job applications, legal applications, etc.)

. Students who need to use a computer longer than one half hour are encouraged to do homework first and check e-mails afterward as time allows.

· Plan to complete your session no less than 15 minutes before the library closes. You will be asked to get off at that time.

· Do not allow more than one other person on the computer during your time.

· Do not take liquids, powders, foods or other potentially damaging substances around the computers.

· Notify the Library Staff immediately if you find a problem with the computer.

· Do not attempt to correct errors yourself, any deliberate changing, deleting, and/or adding to the existing settings may result in denied computer use in the future.

· Exit all e-mails, web-sites, and programs before leaving. The Library is not responsible for any information you leave open on the public computers.

. Do not turn off the computer at the end of your session.

· You, as the registered user, are responsible for the well-being of the equipment.
Any abuse will result in termination of computer usage and/or privileges.