POLICIES

For Patrons

Library Cards

4CLS Library cards are free to all patrons who live or own property in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, or Otsego Counties, and for patrons residing in Tioga County, but who are part of the Vestal Central School District. A Vestal Library Card may be used at any of the 4CLS Libraries within four counties: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, or Otsego Counties.
To obtain a library card, patrons will need to fill out an application and provide a valid NYS Driver's License or Non-Driver ID card. If the patron does not have a valid NYS ID, they may provide any 1 of the following to prove residency:
- a valid NYS motor vehicle registration
- student ID
- most recent tax bill or receipt
- bank statement*
- cable, phone, or utility bill*
- piece of mail delivered by the US Post Office*
("*" starred items must have been issued within the last 3 months)
- current rent bill or lease agreement*
For those who do not reside in one of the above counties or Vestal Central School District, there is an annual non-resident fee of $50 ($25 for 55 & older) to obtain a library card. This fee entitles all who reside in the household access to a library card.
Replacement cards are available for a $2.00 fee.

Loan Period & Renewals

All circulating items except DVDs are loaned for three (3) weeks and may be renewed once for an additional three (3) week period.
DVDs are loaned for one (1) week and may can be renewed for an additional one (1) week.
Overdue material may be renewed, but late charges will be billed to the patron’s account.
Renewals can be made by telephone (607)754-4243 or online using your library card number.
Some materials may auto-renew two (2) days before the original due date.

Borrowing Limits per Library Card

Books & Magazines - No Limit
Audio Books - 8
CDs - 8
DVDs - 4

PATRON CODE of CONDUCT

Fines

VPL is fine free! We no longer charge late fines for VPL materials.

Fees

Borrowers are responsible for all material checked out on their card. Unreturned materials will be marked as lost and will remain on a patron's account until the debt to the library is satisfied. Resolving a lost or damaged fee requires a consultation with a librarian.
Damage fees will depend upon the level of damage to the item.
Loss will result in a charge of at most the list price of the item.
VPL does not accept physical replacements in lieu of fees. VPL follows the pricing of materials according to the Four County Library System.
Unpaid fees or charges amounting to $5.00 will result in a suspension of library privileges until the fee is paid.
Patrons have 30 days from the date of payment to return the library's lost item and receive a refund.
Refunds over $5.00 must be processed by the VPL Business Office.

Holds & Interlibrary Loans

Circulating items owned by the Vestal Public Library or any other 4CLS member library may be placed on hold.
Items will be held for 5 days after notification, as there may be a waiting list for items in demand.
Patrons will be notified by phone or email.

Out-of-System Requests

Out-of-system requests may be made for materials not owned by 4CLS member libraries. A $4.00 fee is charged for each title requested. Other fees may be required for items borrowed through the New York State Library or from other sources.
Interlibrary loan requests may take two (2) or more weeks to fulfill and must be picked up within 5 days of notification.

OUT-OF-SYSTEM LOAN REQUEST

Library Card Registration

You can sign up for a Four County Library System card online here. Filling out this digital form will give a temporary 4CLS library card to access digital resources while we prepare an account for you!