Circulation

A patron must present a valid library card when borrowing or renewing materials. If a patron forgets his/her library card, the patron will be granted up to three look ups to check out materials with the presentation of valid picture ID which exactly matches the account information on file. Once three look ups have been reached, the patron will need to replace his/her library card. Patrons have agreed to be responsible for all items borrowed and any charges incurred.

(a) Automated Library System: The library uses an online catalog to provide access to the library’s collection of books and non-print items. Access to the catalog is available on the library homepage: www.emmauspl.org. The circulation of library materials is automated to provide efficient processing of materials and accurate patron accounts.

Patrons who have checked out items are given printed or emailed receipts showing the title and the official due date as recorded via the circulation system for each item. Email or text/SMS messages may be sent to patrons who have registered for such services as a courtesy to remind them of the due dates for each item borrowed.

Each patron is able to access his/her personal library account online by using their card and PIN on any internet connected device.

(b) Borrowing periods:

(1) Most books periodicals, audiobooks, puzzles and kits circulate for a three-week period

(2) Books in the New adult collection are limited to 14 days.

(3) Children’s holiday books (with unique spine label stickers), circulate for 14 days with no renewals.

(4) DVDs may be checked out for seven days for a single or dual disc movie or TV show or 14 days for a full season of a TV series (typically more than 2 discs with unique footage). Each title will have its loan period stated on the cover.

(5) Museum passes circulate for fourteen (14) days with no renewals. They must be picked up and returned to Emmaus Public Library.

(6) Mobile hotspots circulate for seven (7) days. They may be renewed up to two (2) times if there is no waiting list.

(7) Reference materials, newspapers, and yearbooks do not circulate.

(c) Limits: Children’s Holiday books (with “Holiday” spine labels) are limited to ten per library card. The DVD limit is seven per library card. Generally, patrons may borrow as many other items as they want to be responsible for. Patrons are not to borrow all the books on any one subject or by one author.

(d) Renewals: Items may be renewed twice by the patron online or by calling the library during normal business hours. For privacy, renewals by phone may not be completed without the library card number available.

Automatic renewals will be processed within 24 hours on eligible materials. Email and/or SMS text reminders will be sent with a list of eligible items and new dates to patrons who have opted in. Children’s Holiday books and items on reserve may not be renewed.

(e) Book drops: Two book drops are located on the parking lot side of the building. It is recommended that every possible effort be made to return materials inside during hours the library is open. The external book drops are checked throughout the day and over library holidays and planned closures to ensure books are checked in by staff in a timely manner and damages are processed as needed. Materials other than library returns are not to be placed in the book drops. Boxes are available at Macungie Borough Hall and Upper Milford Township building for returning Emmaus Library books.

(f) Overdues: Overdue fines are not charged on most materials returned past their due date. There is a fee charged for overdue mobile hotspots, museum passes, and Inter Library Loans. Patrons may be notified of their upcoming due items via the automated circulation system via email or SMS/text. First late notices are issued 7 days after the due date via email, text or USPS notice. A second notice will be issued 14 days after the due date via email, text or USPS notice. A final notice will be issued via email/text and USPS notice 21 days after the due date. Patrons will be issued a bill for any outstanding items 28 days after the due date. On days the library is closed, no fees are assessed. The Library reserves the right to suspend mailings if a patron has mail returned/unable to be forwarded by the USPS.

(g) Holds/Reserves: Any circulating item may be reserved. Reservations may be made at the front desk in person, by phone, or online via the library catalog.

Inter-library Loan: This service is only for Emmaus Public Library home patrons and nonresident library card holders who have paid their annual fee to the Emmaus Public Library. Access PA patrons should submit requests for items through their home library.

Patrons are limited to five requested items a week. Most requests can be fulfilled within 10 working days, some may take longer. Recently published items, highly popular items, specialty items (DVDs, music CDs, magazines, and reference materials) may not be available via interlibrary loan. Items which are not picked up will be charged a processing fee per item. Each patron is held responsible for materials loaned on their behalf and are subject to a daily overdue fine for each item. Damaged or lost items are charged to the patron at the replacement cost of the lending library plus processing. Although most items are free to borrow, some items may carry a fee that may be passed on to the patron. Requests for interlibrary loan items may be submitted in person, via phone or online through their personal account. Please note that requests may incur a longer wait time if all required information is not provided at the time of the request.

Intra-library Loan: With the creation of LCLC, patrons have access to a much larger library collection of materials than their home libraries alone can offer. Requests for intra-library loan items via LCLC may be completed online, in person, or via phone. Requests for materials may be placed from any participating library and picked up at a specified LCLC library, regardless of home library. Most requested materials may be picked up at any participating library, however, some library materials may only circulate in or out of their home library (i.e. museum passes, laptops, chargers). Patrons will be notified of the pickup location when notified that the requested items are available.