CIRCULATION POLICY

Statement

The Alton Public Library shall be available and free to everyone in the community and all patrons of the library. Our policies regulate the availability of library services and resources in our library.

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LIBRARY CARDS

•    Every patron needs to have a library card to borrow materials from the library.
•    Library cards may be obtained by completing a borrower registration form and showing a photo ID that confirms Iowa residency.  The form must include a telephone number and address. Parents/guardians must fill out the library card application form for anyone under the age of 18.
•    Each patron is responsible for all materials borrowed on his or her card. Parents or guardians of Patrons 18 years and younger are responsible for all materials checked out under their child’s card.  Patrons are also responsible for replacement cost and fees relating to their card.  
•    Library cards are non-transferable
•    Card holders are not limited to the number of items checkout out on their library card, with the exception of DVD’s which are limited to 5 checkouts per family. 
•    Library cards expire every 4 years to confirm address and other card information. 
•    The library director may restrict use of a patron library card if a pattern of abuse is established.  
•    No materials may be checked out if a patron has an outstanding fee of $10 or more. 

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LOAN PERIODS
•    All library materials are loaned for a period of two (2) weeks, except DVDs, which are loaned for one (1) week, unless otherwise noted. All items may be renewed, with the exception of kits and backpacks, if they are not on hold for another patron.
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FINES AND FEES
•    Fines have been eliminated but fees remain in place for lost, stolen and damaged materials. 

OVERDUE MATERIALS
•    Library materials kept past their due date are considered overdue. Although fines do not accrue, accounts maybe suspended and replacement costs and processing fees may apply. 
                                                                                                      
Item    Checkout Period    Renewals
Books    2 weeks    4
DVD’s    1 week    1
Kits    2 weeks    0
Games/puzzles    2 weeks    4

Alton Library Statement of Confidentiality
Purpose
The Alton Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of library users. Library staff recognize that access to information is a fundamental right, and safeguarding the privacy of library records is essential to fostering free inquiry and intellectual freedom.
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1. Patron Records
All library records, including but not limited to:
•    Circulation and borrowing records,
•    Reference questions and research inquiries,
•    Computer and internet usage records are confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone outside the library without proper legal authorization, except as required by law.
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2. Compliance with Iowa Law
•    Iowa Code Chapter 22 (Open Records Law) recognizes that certain library records are protected from disclosure.
•    Library staff will comply with any court order or subpoena that legally requires the release of records.
•    Library records will never be shared for marketing, solicitation, or non-library purposes.

3. Staff Responsibilities
Library staff:
•    Will maintain the confidentiality of patron records at all times.
•    Will not disclose personal information about library users to family, friends, or third parties.
•    Will discuss patron information only as necessary for the purpose of providing library services or as required by law.
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4. Exceptions
Confidentiality may be breached only in the following circumstances:
•    Court order, subpoena, or other legal mandate;
•    Threats to the safety of the patron or others;
•    Violations of library policy or law occurring on library property.
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6. Commitment
The Alton Public Library affirms its dedication to protecting patron privacy. Staff will uphold these confidentiality standards to the greatest extent possible, consistent with Iowa law and the mission of the library to provide free and equitable access to information.
(Adopted November 2025)
(Amended April 2026)