Library Cards:
Each borrower must have his/her own library card.
Library cards are issued free with proper identification. The card may be used at any Black Gold public library.
Cards For Adults (age 18 and above):
To obtain a library card, fill out a short information form and show current personal photo identification and address verification to the staff at the time of registration.
Acceptable forms of identification are:
- Current driver's license
- California identification card (DMV non-driver identification card)
- Passport
- Matricula Consular card
- Current military identification card
If the photo ID does not show the current local (San Luis Obispo County) address, other proof of local address is required
- Current utility bill, rent receipt or tax receipt with name and current address
- Voters registration card with name and address imprinted and signature on back
- Checks with imprinted name and address
- Student ID card,
- Savings passbook or current bank statement with name and address
- Piece of mail with name and address, delivered within the last 30 days
|
Cards For Children & Young Adults :
Library customers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian to register for a library card, and the parent/guardian must sign the registration form after showing acceptable identification as listed above. Parent/guardian permission for minors to use library Internet workstations and/or check out videos and DVDs is also recorded at the time of registration.
Temporary Cards :
To obtain a temporary card, a visitor may show photo identification and proof of permanent address and a seasonal San Luis Obispo County address (of more than one month’s duration). Temporary cards are limited to check out of five items at any one time and are issued for two years. Temporary cards are only issued to adults due to Internet and media permission required for youth cards.
Limited Temporary Cards :
Customers with photo ID who are staying in a temporary residence such as a shelter or youth hostel may be eligible for a limited temp card that allows one to check out 2 books. When the customer is able to provide proof of a long-term local address, the card will be changed to allow full borrowing privileges.
Internet-only cards :
Visitors who are staying in the County for more than one month but do not have proof of local address may show a current photo ID to obtain a card that will allow them to use Internet computer in the Library, but not check out materials.
Lost Cards:
For your protection, lost cards must be reported immediately! You are responsible for materials checked out on your card. There is a $1 charge for each card replacement.
Circulation Rules:
Loan Periods:
- Most SLO City-County Library materials are loaned free for 21 days.
- DVD's are loaned for 7 days.
- The owning library determines loan periods for materials borrowed from other libraries.
- "Library Use Only" materials must be used in the Library.
Borrowing Limits :
Type of
Items
|
Adult
Cardholder
|
Juvenile
Cardholder
|
| DVD's |
10 |
10 |
| Books on CD |
5 |
5 |
Renewals :
Two renewals are allowed on most items provided the item is not an Interlibrary Loan or on hold for another customer.
Renewals can be done in person at any library branch, over the phone, or through your online record. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is required for renewing materials via computer. Please contact library staff if you have difficulty creating or using your PIN.
You may renew items over the phone by calling 1-800-354-9660 or 805-546-0499. You will need to have your library card barcode number and the barcodes of all the items you want to renew.
Returning Materials :
- Most materials may be returned to any Black Gold library. All SLO County Library branches have book drops for use when branches are closed.
Fines & Fees :
- Fines are assessed on a daily basis for overdue materials.
- Fees are charged for lost or damaged materials, and for certain special services.
- Fine and fee rates vary by type of materials and may vary for items borrowed from other Black Gold libraries.
- The SLO County Board of Supervisors approves fines and fees for SLO County libraries. Click here for the current list of library fees.
- Borrowing privileges may be suspended when fines/fees are owed.
- Patrons with outstanding balances of $40.00 or more are referred to an outside collection agency.
Requests:
Requests may be made for materials not available in your local branch. Customers are encouraged to ask library staff for assistance in finding materials.
Requests for Materials from Black Gold Libraries:
If a desired item owned by a Black Gold member library is checked out or otherwise not available, a "Request" may be placed on the automated system. When a copy becomes available, it will be delivered to the library of your choice and you will be notified.
Customers may place their own requests using computer catalogs in the Library or via the Online Catalog. A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is required. Directions for creating a PIN are on the website, or ask your branch staff for assistance. No fee is charged for requesting the item, however, a 50¢ fee is charged if the item is not picked up.
Requests for Materials from Other Libraries:
If the customer wants an item not owned by a Black Gold member library, a request may be processed via the Interlibrary Loan Department. Ask the staff at any branch for the required forms. Copies of articles in magazines or journals may be requested in the same way. A 50¢ fee is charged for each request. The library providing the material may also charge additional fees. |
