Registration
The Ashtabula County District Library (ACDL) receives approximately 57% of its budget from the state of Ohio's Public Library Fund. Approximately 38% of ACDL's budget is provided via local property tax levies that were passed by residents in ACDL’s service area in 2019 and 2022. This means that all people residing in the State of Ohio, and property owners in ACDL's service area in Ashtabula County support the library through their taxes. Community members pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their first library card. Library cards must be renewed every three (3) years provided the library card holder continues to live, work or own property in the State of Ohio, and is a patron in good standing.
As a resident card holder, the borrower identified on the valid borrower's card may physically take their library card to any Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) affiliate library, including ACDL's library facilities, to borrow materials. Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them, and are subject to all rules and regulations of the lending library. A valid library card also provides access to a multitude of electronic resources including ebooks, digital audiobooks and magazines, streaming videos, electronic databases, etc.
Individuals who reside beyond the State of Ohio, own no property, and do not work within the State of Ohio may purchase a non-resident, Out-of-State Visitor Card for the price of $50.00 per quarter / three-month period. This fee entitles the entire family to use the Ashtabula County District Library for three consecutive months. This fee is non-refundable.
Special cards are available for specific situations and include Student, Institution, Teacher, Temporary, and E-cards. More information regarding these cards may be obtained at the Public Service Desks at the Library.
Adults wishing to register for a full-access library card, renew an expired library card, or replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed library card at the Ashtabula County District Library must provide verification of identity and proof of current address. These forms of identification include but are not limited to driver's license, school, work, or armed forces ID card or any other photo ID that states the person's name and address such as a passport, out of state driver's license, etc. Children under the age of 18 years applying for a full-access Child’s library card must provide the signature of a parent or legal guardian as well as address verification.
Limited Access Student Cards
Limited Access Student Cards may be issued to minors (age 17 and under) at any ACDL location. A signature from a parent or guardian is not required to receive a Student Card. Each child may borrow up to three items at one time (as outlined in PS 4.3), and Student Cards provide up to three lost/damaged items waived per year. Student Cards may only be used to borrow ACDL items at ACDL locations. They may not be used to place holds or check out items from other SEO member libraries.
Limited Access Temporary Cards
Patrons new to the system and without proof of address may be issued a 30-day Limited Access Temporary Card which will allow them to check out three (3) items (as outlined in PS 4.3). After verification of address, Temporary Cards may be amended to include full borrowing privileges.
Temporary status may be extended for those patrons living in temporary housing until which time they are able to secure permanent housing and supply the library with a verifiable permanent address.
Electronic Resource Cards (ecards)
Issued remotely via ACDL website; Ohio Residents only
Ecards provide access to the library’s electronic/online resources. Patrons must present their photo ID at an ACDL physical location to upgrade to a full access card.
Teacher Cards
Teacher Cards are issued to anyone who formally teaches individuals from age 0 to 18 years. Teacher cards require the same identity and current address verification as Adult Cards. Financial responsibility for lost or damaged items remains with the card holder.
Institution Cards
Institution Cards are typically issued to nonprofit organizations which care for people on a temporary or permanent basis such as a YMCA or nursing home. Financial responsibility for lost or damaged items remains with the institution.
Eligibility
Individuals in good standing presenting valid library cards issued by the Ashtabula County District Library are eligible to borrow materials from the Ashtabula County District Library and the Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) consortium as long as there are no outstanding lost materials associated with the library card.
Library staff may not waive this regulation without the specific permission of the Library Director, however the patron may request and receive a 24 hour hold on the item(s) they wish to check out to allow the patron to correct the situation which has resulted in loss of eligibility to borrow.
Blocked cards retain access to online resources and public computers.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards
A patron must report a lost or stolen library card to the library as soon as possible. The owner of a lost or stolen library card is responsible for all material checked out on that card up to the time that they report to the library that it was lost or stolen. The patron may request a replacement for a lost or stolen card in person at the library.
Patrons may receive a replacement library card without charge once every three years. Otherwise, a replacement fee of $1.00 will be assessed. Badly damaged cards will be replaced upon request.