Freedom of Information Act Procedures & Guidelines

In order to make requests for information standard across county government, the Otsego County Library Board of Trustees will follow the Otsego County Freedom of Information Act Procedures and Guidelines adopted by the Otsego County Board of Commissioners on June 9, 2015. Library policy designates the Library Director as the Otsego County Library FOIA Coordinator. He or she is authorized to designate other Library staff to act on his or her behalf to accept and process written requests for the Library's public records and approve denials. Click here for procedures and guidelines.

Adopted June 16, 2015

Mission Statement

Enriching lives by fostering lifelong learning, being a champion for reading, igniting imaginations and ensuring access to information and ideas for all members of our community.

Library Cards  

You can receive a free library card if you are a resident of, attend school or work in Otsego County.  Registrants will need to provide proof of residency, school enrollment or employment along with a State issued ID.

Borrowers that do not qualify for a free library card, but have an account in good standing at their home library, may be able to get a limited use card as a reciprocal borrower.  Click here for a list of eligible libraries.  Reciprocal borrowers cannot borrow digital items or use MelCat.

Non-residents that want full borrowing privledges are required to buy a card annually.  Current fees are $30 per year for an individual or $75 per family.

Please bring your card or a State issued ID with you to check out materials.  Online access to your account and many of our online or digital resources will require your library card number and your 4 digit pin number.  (This number is typically the last 4 numbers of your phone number)

If you need assistance please call the library at (989) 732-5841.

If you would like access to online or digital resources right away,
you can create a temporary account HERE.

 

Loan Period

Books, compact discs, books on cassette, juvenile magazines, and story boxes: 3 weeks
Magazines for adults and videos: 1 week
Hot reads: 10 days

Renewals

You may renew most materials once unless the item is on hold for another patron . You may renew your items by phone or from our catalog's web page. Hot reads and videos can not be renewed.

Limits

County residents are able to check out a total of 25 items. Non-residents are able to check out a total of 10 items.
Limit of 3 for each card holder:
New books, New books on cassette, New books on CD, New videos, non-fiction on the same subject.
Limit of 10 (including new items) for each card holder:
Audiobooks and Videorecordings

A patron is also limited to three items if they have been newly issued a library card.

Overdue Fines

Late fees for all books and materials are $.05 a day except for hot reads, story boxes, and videos which are$.50 a day.

Replacements

If you lose or damage a book you have checked out, you will be charged the cost of the book. If you locate a book after having paid for it, you will be reimbursed if you present your receipt within 90 days of paying for the item.

Reserve

If any materials you would like to use have been checked out, you can have the item reserved. We will call you when the item is available. Click here to place a reserve from our library catalog's web page.

 

Purchasing Policy

Click here to download and view the policy.

Revised April 15, 2014

Internet Use Policy

Click here to download and view the policy.