Good News! Fine Free Borrowing is Here

August 2020

Fall in Love with Your Library All Over Again: The Latah County Library is Officially Fine Free! 

Late fees will no longer be charged for overdue materials borrowed from Valnet libraries.*

Going fine free is one way many public libraries are working to create barrier-free, equal access to a world of physical and digital resources that support lifelong learning, early literacy, and leisure interests.

Will my previous fines be forgiven?
Yes! All overdue fines will be forgiven.

Does the fine free policy apply to other charges?
We know you’ll try to take good care of your borrowed items! But no, fees still apply to lost or damaged items and will be applied to patron accounts accordingly.

You will still be responsible for Interlibrary loan fees and due dates set by the lending library (“Interlibrary loan” materials are borrowed from libraries outside the Valnet consortium). 

Without fines, how will the library get materials returned?
The library will continue to issue reminders when due dates are approaching and when an item is overdue. At this time, because of COVID-19 impacts on library service, once an item is 10 or more days past the due date no other items may be checked out. Access to Overdrive/Libby, library computers, and Kanopy will be restricted until the item is returned, or paid for if lost or damaged.When our library service returns to normal this grace period will be reduced.

If you’re late returning your library materials and feel the need to make up for it with a small monetary donation, we’re happy to accept your voluntary “fine” to put toward library collections and services! Our goal is to let you enjoy what you borrow from the library and then come back for more. We do encourage you to return your materials on time to allow other people to enjoy them as much as you did.

Check-outs, Due Dates & Overdue Items

Even if you check out your materials at one of the Latah County libraries, other Valnet libraries may have different loan limits and check-out periods on items they own. Be sure to check your account or receipt for actual due dates. Keep in mind, items that have been reserved by other patrons cannot be renewed. 

*Items borrowed from, and returned at, Grangeville Centennial Library are subject to late fees.

Click through the slideshow to navigate Moscow resources.

Holiday Closures for Latah County Library District

September 2020 – September 2021

 Holiday                                             Date all libraries are closed

Latah County Library District Administrative Policy, Approved November 2004; Revised November 2008, March 2010, December 2011, December 2013 

2.0 GENERAL POLICIES 2.5 Internet Use Policy. The Latah County Library District provides access to electronic resources including the Internet which create increased opportunities for all our patrons to expand their resources world-wide. Access to the Internet is available without charge to anyone during all open hours. Latah County Library District does not endorse the viewpoints presented, or vouch for the accuracy of the available information from the Internet. Parents are responsible for providing guidance to their own children. The library accepts no responsibility for failures of the filter described in Administrative Policy

2.3 to block specific sites. Internet users should be aware that they are working in a public environment with people of all ages and diverse viewpoints. Access from computers at the library to any network, including the local library network and the Internet is for legal purposes only. Loss of use privileges at the library and criminal and/or civil prosecution are possible for illegal or inappropriate uses of computing resources. Examples of illegal or inappropriate uses include but are not limited to the following: 1) Attempting to bypass the security of the computers or local area network at the library. 2) Attempting to bypass the security of any other computer or network including the Internet. 3) Attempting to intentionally introduce a "virus" or similar piece of code that may do damage to any data, computer, or networking device. 4) Attempting to alter or damage any software, operating systems, or configuration files. 5) Attempting to use unauthorized computer accounts, access codes, or network numbers. 6) Viewing illegal materials including obscenity and child pornography. Pursuant to provisions of Idaho Code, it is unlawful to knowingly make available to a person under 18 years of age images depicting nudity, sexual conduct, sado-masochistic abuse or other material which is harmful to minors. All public areas of the library, including all public computer terminals, are open and available for use by minors. 7) Violations of another user’s privacy. 8) Violations of copyright or other laws. Library information technology resources may not be used to harass, abuse, or threaten another person. The Latah County Library District attempts to maintain patron confidentiality at all times involving the patron’s individual legal use of electronic resources and services offered by the library but cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information sent by a patron onto the Internet. The library assumes neither responsibility nor liability for any loss or damage incurred by anyone using the library’s computing resources, including any loss or harm incurred by a patron arising out of or associated with giving or receiving personal or financial information across the library’s network and the Internet. All publicly accessible computers in the LCLD are filtered per requirements of the e-rate reimbursement program. Procedures are in place should an adult patron express a need to access a blocked site.

CHECKOUT

• Must present library card
• Checkout period is 21 days for most Latah County Library District materials
• DVDs and Blu-rays check out for 7 days; some check out for 14 days
• Patrons are responsible for the safe return of library materials
• Library materials may be returned via an afterhours drop at any Latah County Library District or Valnet library

ONLINE SERVICES

• Search the Valnet library catalog
• Check your account, renew materials, place holds, create lists, and manage account settings online
• Access to digital resources subscribed to by the library 
• Set up e-mail delivery of hold and overdue notices

RENEWALS

• One renewal, provided the item is not on hold for another patron. This includes DVDs and Blu-rays that are not marked "New" and have a loan period of one week.
• Renew in person, by phone, or online.
• "New" and 14-day DVDs and Blu-rays cannot be renewed.

HOLDS

• Holds may be placed in person or online
• Patrons may suggest items for purchase

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

• Books not available through the Valnet library catalog may be requested through interlibrary loan
• Please see our web page or ask at the circulation desk for more information

FINES & CHARGES

• The Latah County Library District is fine free.
• Fines on items borrowed from, and returned at, Grangeville Centennial Library, may still apply.
• Charges will be assessed for lost or damaged library materials.
• Please pay all fines promptly. Your privileges are limited by unpaid fines and blocked when fines reach $5.00
• Library card replacement charge: $1.00
• You are responsible for items checked out on your account, so please report lost or stolen cards immediately.

CHECKOUT LIMITS (Per card)

Your library card:

• Complete an application form
  • If you are under 18, you must have a legal guardian’s signature
• Present a photo ID and verification of your current mailing address
• Use your card at all Valnet libraries

Per LCLD Financial Policy, cash donations may be restricted for use by a designated branch within the District or for the purchase of either adult or youth materials. All other donations except for unrestricted cash are subject to approval.

Tax Credit

The Idaho State tax credit is in addition to any other Federal and Idaho State credit for charitable contributions, which may be available when you itemize deductions. More importantly, this credit keeps your tax dollars in Latah County. Contributions made on or before December 31 can be deducted from your Idaho State and Federal tax returns.

Tax Credits for Contributions to Public Libraries

Latah County Library District Administrative Policy. Revised March 2019.

2.0 GENERAL POLICIES 

2.6       Patron Conduct Code (Covers conduct on grounds and in library buildings)

In order that everyone who comes to our libraries may feel safe and comfortable, and have equal access to the facilities, equipment, collections, and services, the following guidelines for personal conduct are outlined.  Patrons are expected to be respectful of others by complying with these. 

In particular, the following conduct is prohibited:

• Discharge of any projectile on library property.
• Theft, destruction or injury to library equipment or property; or, using library equipment in a manner other than that intended by the manufacturer or Library District.
• Engaging in behavior which is disruptive or potentially harmful to other patrons or staff including but not limited to: verbally intimidating or threatening staff or other patrons; verbally harassing staff or other patrons, or physically harassing staff or other patrons by following, staring at, or photographing them; making unreasonable noise; or engaging in loud, offensive, or boisterous behavior or talking.
• Bringing an animal to the Library other than a service animal, or leaving an animal unattended on library property.
• Using cellular telephones, radios or other sound-producing devices in a manner capable of being heard by staff or patrons, other than those needed to accommodate a disability (applies only in the library building).
• Soliciting or selling items without permission.
• Sleeping or lying down.
• Intentional misuse of any library computer (as defined in the Internet Use Policy), or of library copiers, phones, or other equipment.
• Running in the library, or climbing on shelves, furnishings, or outside structures in ways for which they were not designed.
• Impeding the free movement of persons into or out of the Library.
• Smoking in the library building or within 25 feet of building entrances.
• Using wheeled devices such as bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, or the like inside the library building or on the entry area immediately surrounding the building other than those required to accommodate a disability.
• Blocking access to the main entry or any exit with wheeled devices such as bicycles or strollers.
• Consuming food or beverages other than water except at library authorized functions.
• Having an odor which unreasonably interferes with the ability of staff or patrons to use the library.
• Being in the library barefoot or without a shirt.
• Washing clothes or bathing in the restrooms.
• Gambling on library property.
• Bringing large parcels or pieces of luggage into the library which interfere with the free passage of persons or equipment.
• Possession of alcohol except at library authorized functions.
• Being in the library or on library grounds while intoxicated.
• Entering non-public areas of the building without permission.
• Leaving a child under 8 unattended at the library.

Conduct in violation of Federal, Idaho, or local laws on LCLD property may result in loss of library privileges and will be reported to law enforcement authorities.