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Visiting Patrons (non-cardholders)

Visitors to the library are welcome to take advantage of the wide array of resources available within the facilities.

Access to the public computer labs is open to all visiting patrons upon receipt of a computer guest pass. Library staff members, stationed at the service desk, are available to assist visitors with obtaining a guest pass.

Self-registered Cardholders

Once patrons have completed their online registration and received their library card, they gain access to the library’s comprehensive range of digital resources. Borrowing physical library materials, however, is available to those who have upgraded their card to either BASIC ACCESS or FULL ACCESS status.

First Time Borrowers (also ‘Provisional Patron')

Welcome! A cardholder’s initial borrowing experience is limited to one book or DVD. This precautionary measure is in place to ensure that new patrons have a positive introduction to the library's resources. It aims to prevent unintentional fines, which often occur due to unfamiliarity with the library’s borrowing guidelines. Once a cardholder has successfully borrowed an item without incurring an overdue fine, this restriction can be lifted.

Reserve Express

Reserve Express is a standing order program for popular fiction authors. If you would like for new titles from your favorite authors to be automatically added to your reading list, pick up an enrollment list at your local library. Or, you can print your own list and return it to the library during your next visit.

Special Event Limitations on Material Availability

Special events could lead to temporary modifications of material checkout limits. When these limitations are active, information will be displayed near the relevant materials to ensure patrons understand the limitations placed on their selections.

Renewals & Autorenewals

As a courtesy service to help patrons avoid overdue fines, the Library's software system attempts to renew any material that is eligible for renewal.  This auto renewal process typically occurs around noon each day and analyzes materials due on the day of analysis.  It is important to know that not all materials are eligible for renewal.  Renewal limitations may occur due to circulation restrictions and pending patron requests.

Patrons who have set up their accounts for text or e-mail notifications will receive courtesy notifications with detailed information about renewals and non-renewals for materials on their accounts.

In all situations, patrons can check their online patron accounts to see when materials should be returned to the library.

Basic Access Cardholders

Basics access cardholders are limited to borrowing one item at a time.  Selections are limited to the following material types and conditions.

Type

Max days out

Renewals allowed*

Daily overdue fine

Audio CD

21

2

$.10

Book

21

2

$.10

DVD

21

2

$.10

DVD - Not Renewable

7

0

$1.00

Music CD

21

2

$.10

Periodicals/Magazines

21

2

$.10

*Renewals will be automatically applied as long as no other patrons have requested the material.

Full Access Cardholders

Standard material circulation controls for patrons registered for FULL ACCESS borrowing are:

Type

Notes

Max items out

Max days out

Renewals allowed*

Daily overdue fine

Audio CD

 

6

21

2

$.10

- Audio+Book Bundle

 

(4 of 6)

 

 

 

Book

 

15

21

2

$.10

- Oversize Book

 

(1 of 15)

 

 

 

DVD

 

6

21

2

$.10

- DVD bundle

 

(1 of 6)

 

 

 

DVD - Not Renewable

These selections have special labels on their covers.

3

7

0

$1.00

Music CD

 

3

21

2

$.10

Periodicals/Magazines

 

2

21

2

$.10

Patron Laptops

Visit Laptop Borrowing Guidelines for more information

1

14

0

$15.00

Computer Tablets

May not be available at all branches.

1

14

0

$.50

Realia (ex. games, pans, toys)

 

1

14

1

$.50

Kits

 

1

14

1

$.50

*Renewals will be automatically applied as long as no other patrons have requested the material.

Administrative Review Cardholders

The library understands that life can be unpredictable, and unexpected situations can sometimes delay the return of library materials. However, it's important to remember that when items are retained beyond their authorized checkout period, it can inconvenience other patrons eagerly awaiting their turn to enjoy those same materials. Extended delays in returning items can also lead to the content becoming outdated or less relevant. Consequently, patrons who retain materials past their authorized checkout period may encounter fines, fees, and material replacement costs, which can come as a surprise.

While the library must treat all patrons equitably and fairly, that does not mean that there are no options available for helping patrons manage excessively large overdue amounts.  The library manager or director can provide an assessment and guidance on how accounts can be re-activated.  Part of these procedures involves tagging the patron’s account record as being in an ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW state.  This status results in lower circulation limit being maintained until current and recurring circulation activity is demonstrated.   Once normal circulation activity has been demonstrated, the limitations can be removed from the cardholder’s account and the cardholder can enjoy more advanced material options.

Patron accounts with a status of ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW may borrow one book or DVD.

Returns

Materials may be returned to any of our library branches (even if it isn’t the location where you checked it out). Book drops are located inside each building at the service desk and also outside the library for after-hours returns.

Longleaf Library Consortium

The Longleaf Library Consortium is comprised of four public library systems in south‐central Mississippi. 

The consortium was formed in August 2006 for the purpose of implementing quality circulation software while decreasing costs through shared financial resources and for the purpose of expanding the range of available library resources to the participating libraries’ patrons.

Ten counties with a combined population of 200,000 and a 5,397 square mile service area delineate the Longleaf Library Consortium. Each of the four public library systems is governed by its own administrative board of trustees. There are twenty-one branch libraries in the consortium. Patrons of each library may request books from any branch and may use their library card at any branch.

FlexShare Cardholders

Patrons holding cards from another library system within the Longleaf Library Consortium are eligible to utilize the same card for material checkout at any branch within the Lincoln Lawrence Franklin Library system. The cardholder's account should maintain good standing, in accordance with the policies of the issuing library system. FlexShare cardholders can borrow up to two books.

Alternatively, visiting patrons have the option to register for a card issued by the Lincoln Lawrence Franklin library system, which may provide access to a broader range of materials.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for informational purposes and does not represent the full scope of scenarios patrons may encounter in the course of borrowing library materials.

Library Resources for Readers

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader

Provides reading level and point value information to help with a student's reading goals.  Tip: For best accuracy, search by the ISBN number typically found on the back cover or behind the title page of the book.

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Digital Public Library of America

Digital Public Library of America Logo

DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA are free and immediately available in digital format.

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Goodreads

Goodreads

Discover and share books you love on Goodreads, the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations! Find new and interesting books by browsing personalized recommendations based on books you've read and your favorite genres.

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Hoopla

hoopla logo

Browse and borrow a wide selection of audiobooks, eBooks, comics, magazines, and more. All you need is your library card.

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Libby (by OverDrive)

Libby (by OverDrive) icon
Download eBook and audiobooks titles right to your mobile, tablet, eReader device, or computer.
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The Children's Book Review

Children's Book Review Logo

The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. The site offers reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages.

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