Your Bedford Public Library card opens the door to a world of information and entertainment. It's still one of the best values around.

Library cards are free to all Texas residents. There are two ways to obtain a library card.

Apply in Person
You may register in person by visiting the Check Out Desk. To expedite the process you want to download the application form, fill it out and and bring it with you to the library. On the day you get your card you may check out three (3) items (one of which may be media).

Apply Online
You may apply online and receive a temporary library card that will allow you to place holds and access some of our online databases. To check out materials or obtain additional services you will need to show a photo ID and verify your address in person at the library Check Out Desk.

• Adults should present a current driver's license or other government-issued ID. A Texas state-issued driver's license or ID is preferred. Valid photo identification and proof of current address must be provided.
• A parent or legal guardian must apply for a card for their own child up to eighteen years of age by appearing in person and presenting a driver's license or other government-issued ID. The parent decides at this time whether or not to allow their child to access the Internet in the library.
• Minors, ages 16 - 17 years of age, who present a government-issued ID may sign up for a card with a checkout limit of two books at a time. For Internet use or other maximum borrowing privileges, a parent or guardian must present their driver's license or other government-issued ID and authorize those privileges.

Persons residing outside of Texas may obtain a one-month card or an annual card for a small fee.

• To check out materials, present your library card or government-issued ID at the Check Out desk with your materials.
• Report a change of address or phone number to the Check Out Desk.
• If you lose your card - call the library immediately. We will block it from being used. You are responsible for all items borrowed and charges incurred on your card until the library is notified.
• Parents or guardians are responsible for the appropriateness of materials checked out to their children, including electronic information, and for fines incurred for overdue or damaged items.
• Your library card is valid for a period of three (3) years.
• All information in our files is kept confidential.

Bedford Library is a member of the TexShare Card Program. Bedford residents with a Bedford Library card and in good standing for a month or more may request a TexShare card to use as a pass to membership at any participating library in the State of Texas. The TexShare card is free. Visit the TexShare site for a list of libraries and requirements.

Loan Periods

Most materials check out for three weeks (21 days). Be sure to make note of the due date on your checkout receipt to avoid overdue fines.

	Category		Item Loan Period
	Books		21 days
	Books on CD/Tape		21 days
	DVDs		7 days
	Magazines		21 days
	Music CDs		21 days
	Videos		21 days
	Interlibrary Loan		Varies with lending institution

Limits

Some materials may be limited by type, loan period or renewal allowance. There is a limit of three (3) items (only one of which may be media) on first time checkouts.

	Category		Item Limit
	Total Items		50 items per account
	DVDs		5 per account
	Music CDs		5 per account

Most materials may be renewed four (4) times providing the account is in good standing (no late items, no fines, unexpired card) and material is not on 'hold' for another individual.

There are three ways to renew books and other items:

• Renew in person at the library.
• Renew online by going to My Account in the catalog. You will need to enter your name and barcode number
• Renew via phone by calling 817-952-2352. Have the barcode numbers on your library card and the items you want to renew ready.

The library has an outside bookdrop on the east side of the building just before entering the east entrance.

Due to the location of the bookdrop, patrons must park their vehicles and walk to it. The outside bookdrop is for use when the library is closed. When it is locked, the lobby bookdrop will be availble for use.

Library users with a valid Bedford library card may place up to eight (8) holds on materials that are currently checked out or on order. There is no fee for this service. Borrowers are notified by phone when items are ready for pickup at the Check Out Desk. Instructions for placing holds on materials.

Overdue fines are assessed if items are not returned or renewed by the due date. Be sure to check the due dates for items you have on loan. Due dates are listed on the receipt handed to you at check out or you can view your account online by visiting the My Account link from the library home page or catalog page. Overdue notification is provided by the Library as a courtesy. Failure to receive overdue notices sent by the library does not exempt the cardholder from any fines due.

To receive due date reminders you may want to consider signing up for the Library ELF alert service, a free web-based service for keeping track of what’s due, overdue and ready for pickup. Read more about Library ELF.

Overdue fines apply to each day materials are late. Payments can be made by cash or check. Credit cards (MasterCard & Visa) are accepted if the amount to be paid is $5.00 or more.

	Fines		Amount			Fees		Amount
	All Bedford materials		$	.20		Interlibrary Loan		$	2.00
	Interlibrary loan materials		$	.50		Replacement Bedford Library card		$	2.00
	Maximum overdue fine per item		$	6.00		Replacement Interlibrary Loan card		$	2.00
	Maximum overdue fine per ILL		$	12.00		Non-Resident annual fee		$	25.00
						Non-Resident monthly fee		$	5.00

Fines are not calculated on days the library is closed.

Your borrowing privileges will be suspended when total fines and fees reach $5.00.

It is your responsibility to maintain the condition of all borrowed materials. When an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, you will be asked to pay the replacement cost of the item plus a non-refundable processing fee. Minor damage, which can be repaired, as well as lost parts/containers will be assessed a small fee.

	Type of Loss/Damage Charge		Amount
	Media containers		$2.00
	Single page		$2.00
	Cover, jacket or binding		$6.00
	Minor media damage		$6.00
	Lost items		Cost of item + $6.00 reprocessing fee
	Items damaged beyond repair		Cost of item + $6.00 reprocessing fee

Interlibrary Loan replacement or damage charges may vary depending on the lending library's policy.

The parent or guardian is responsible for all charges on a minor's card.

If lost items are found after payment has been made, but within three (3) months of the original due date, the materials and payment receipt should be returned to the Check Out Desk. A refund check, minus the late fee and the non-refundable processing fee, will be mailed to you.