Check Outs & Returns
- Please present your library card.
- Library materials may be returned at any LCLD or other Valnet library, with a few exceptions. All LCLD libraries have an afterhours drop.
- Patrons are responsible for the safe return of library materials checked out on their account.
Renewals
- Renewals are dependent on the type of item and whether the item is on hold for another patron. Please see the chart for specifics.
- Renew in person, by phone, or online.
Holds
- Holds may be placed in person or online, or by phone.
- Items on hold are held for one week to be picked up.
Purchase Requests & Interlibrary Loans
- Items not available through the Valnet library catalog may be requested for purchase, either online, in person, or by phone.
- Two requests per month are allowed.
- We can only honor purchase suggestions from Latah County residents.
Fines & Charges
The Latah County Library District is fine free, as are all Valnet libraries with the exception of Grangeville Centennial Library.
• Charges will be assessed for lost or damaged library materials.
• Patron accounts are restricted when an item becomes five days overdue. A restricted account blocks access to OverDrive or Kanopy, holds may not be placed, and items may not be renewed.
• When an item is 45 days overdue a replacement fee will be charged.
• Please pay all fees promptly. Your privileges are limited by unpaid fees and blocked when fees reach $5.00.
• Cards for new accounts are free. Library card replacement charge is $1.00.
• You are responsible for items checked out on your account, so please report lost or stolen cards immediately.
How to Use Your Account
- Search the Valnet library catalog
- Check your account, renew materials, place holds, create lists, make purchase requests, and manage account settings
- Access digital resources purchased by the library using your library card number
- Set up text and/or e-mail delivery of hold and overdue notices
- Log in to your account with your library card number and your last name, with first letter capitalized. Instead of using your last name, you may create a different password. The same barcode and password combination is used to log in to your OverDrive account.
- Patron accounts must be renewed every two years to stay active. You may visit or call the library to update your account.
LCLD Loan Periods and Renewals
Loan periods for items owned by other Valnet libraries may differ.
| Item | Check-out Length | Limit per Card | Renewals |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW Adult Books | 14 Days | 50 | 1 |
| Lucky Day Collection | 14 days | 50 | 0 |
| Books | 28 Days | 50 | 1 |
| Magazines | 14 Days | 6 | 1 |
| NEW Audio Books | 28 Days | 6 | 1 |
| Audio Books | 28 Days | 6 | 1 |
| NEW DVD/Blu-rays | 7 Days | 6 | 0 |
| DVD/Blu-rays | 7 Days | 6 | 1 |
| DVD/Blu-rays with over 10 hours of content | 14 Days | 6 | 0 |
| Music CDs | 14 Days | 6 | 1 |
| Playaway Audiobooks | 28 Days | 6 | 1 |
| Book Club Kits | 42 Days | 2 | 0 |
| Itty Bitty Brain Boxes | 28 Days | 1 | 1 |
| Hotspots | 14 days | 1 | 0 |
| Other Kits | 28 Days | 2 | 1 |
Lost and Damaged Materials FAQs
If I damaged or lost a book, can I buy a replacement copy and give it to the library rather than paying the replacement fee?
Please do not bring in a replacement copy for a book you lost. Cost is only one of several considerations for the Library in replacing lost or damaged materials; rather, our professional staff looks at collection needs in that subject area.
In some cases the book is dated and can be replaced by a new edition, or the same title in a different format, or a new title by the same author that includes additional and/or more up-to-date content.
It may be out-of-print. We may have received a recent donation of that title, and will use replacement funds to order another item that meets our collection needs.
In addition to these considerations, librarians also look at the quality of the physical format to determine its suitability for long-term use.
Will I be charged for losing a library owned item?
Yes, you will be charged either the listed price of the item in the catalog or request through library staff to have the item assessed.
What does this "damaged item" note on my account mean?
It means that an item was returned to the library damaged beyond normal, expected wear and tear.
This may include tears to the cover, spills, tears, severe odor, water damage, or other injurie to the item.
For kits with cords or many pieces it may also mean a cord or piece is injured beyond repair.
What if the item had that damage when I checked it out?
If you find damage in an item after you’ve taken it home, please call the library immediately so we can add a note to your account and place it on hold for repair.
What if I find the material after I pay for it?
If you return the item within 90 days after paying for it you can receive a refund minus a $5 processing fee.
If I lost one part of a multi part item like a DVD, Audiobook, or Kit, why am I being charged the full replacement cost?
We may not be able to replace only the lost or broken piece. Often with DVDs, Blu-Rays, and Audiobooks we are unable to buy individual discs.
Additionally for kits we may not be able to buy just a single replacement piece depending on the kit.
When charging for damaged items or incomplete items, the collection librarians do take this into account.
