A Harrison County
United Way Agency

Information About the Library

Mission Statement
The Waskom Public Library provides books and materials, services and facilities for informational, individual development and recreation to the residents of the community. The library entertains ideas and is dedicated to freedom of access for all.

Membership
The library serves all residents of the Waskom Community and surrounding area. Possession of a valid library card is required to borrow materials from the Waskom Public Library. Patrons are responsible for all items borrowed on their cards. Each library card will be limited to a maximum of five items or materials at any one time. There is no charge for a library card. Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a library card which indicates compliance with the library’s borrowing policies. Identification is required. All library cards expire after five years of inactivity. If a patron loses his/her library card, he should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement. A patron may also request a TexShare Card which allows the cardholder borrowing privileges at all TexShare libraries throughout the state of Texas.

Loan periods and limits
The majority of items within the library’s collection may be borrowed for a period of 14 days, with an extension of 14 additional days if there is not a waiting list for the item. Videotapes, DVDs and music compact discs are not renewable. Items may be renewed in person, or by telephone unless there is a reserve or hold placed on the material. Materials may be returned to the front desk or through the book drop by the front door.

Fees, Charges, and Fines
A fine of 10 cents per business day is charged for overdue materials. A telephone call is made after the material is due. If the material is not returned with a designated period, a follow-up letter will be sent. Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are paid for if lost and/or damaged.
Charges accessed for photocopying/printing of black and white are $.25 per page; and for color, $1.00 per page.

Library Rules
Patrons are expected to adhere to the Patron Code of Conduct as outlined in the library’s Policy Manual in order that the library may be a safe, comfortable, and pleasant atmosphere in which all can use the library’s materials and services most effectively.

Internet Use
The Waskom Public Library provides access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library’s service area. The Board of Directors has established the Internet use policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource. Patrons must sign an Internet Use Agreement form for themselves and/or their minor children. Users must adhere to the library’s Internet Policy as outlined in the Policy Manual. Patrons with outstanding library fines or debts may be denied use of computers until they are paid.

Interlibrary Loan
Materials from the collections of other public, academic, and special libraries may be borrowed through the Interlibrary Loan. Patrons may request that the library attempt to locate books or copies of journal or periodical articles that are not available in the Waskom Public Library. These materials may be checked out for two weeks. The patron should not have a history of overdue books or fines. When requesting material they must pay the $2.15 shipping fee to return the book. Borrowers are asked to complete and sign the Request for Material Through Interlibrary Loan.

Long Range Plan
The Waskom Public Library has a Long Range Plan in place. The service areas of the library are:

1. Lifelong Learning--This service helps address the desire for personal growth and opportunities for development.
2. Current Topics and Titles--This service helps fulfill the community residents' appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experience.
3. Information Services--Through books, newspapers, magazines, and public access to the internet, this service helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad range of topics related to work, school, consumer information, community services, and personal life.
4. Commons--This service addresses the need of people to meet and interact with others in the community.