Library Rules

The following behavior is prohibited in the Library:

• Loud or disruptive behavior.
• No outside food or drink.
• Soliciting.
• Use of tobacco products.
• Littering.
• Loitering.
• Excessive wandering from floor to floor.
• Rudeness to other patrons or Library personnel.
• Sleeping.
• Abusing books, materials, equipment, or furniture.
• No shirt and shoes.
• While cell phone use is not prohibited, as a courtesy to others we ask that patrons set their cell phones to vibrate or silent while they are inside the Library. The Library reserves the right to ask patrons to leave the premises if cell phone usage interferes with the patronage of others.

After the first warning, offenders of these rules will be asked to leave.

Additionally, for the safety and well being of young children, children six (6) years old or younger should be accompanied by an adult when using the Library. Children under 14 years of age may not use the Library for more than two hours without the adult supervision of a parent or legal guardian. For traffic safety reasons, children may not wait in the Lobby or parking lot for their rides. Parents are requested to park their cars and come into the Library to pick up their children.

Circulation Policies

The Twin Lakes Library System is a participating member of Georgia Library PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) which is the public library automation and lending network for more than 275 libraries and affiliated service outlets in almost 140 counties. Here are some of the basics:

Obtaining a Card
In the spirit of libraries and access to information, PINES created a statewide "borderless library" that provides equal access to information for all Georgians. Georgians with a PINES library card have access to materials beyond what is available on their local shelves and enjoy the benefits of a shared collection of 9.6 million books and other materials that can be delivered to their home library free of charge.

• With proper identification (ex. driver's license) and current mailing address, library cards are free to all residents of Georgia. Replacement cards cost $2.
• Out-of-state cards cost $25 annually. However, we permit free access to the public access computers.
• Most PINES cards are valid for 2 years.

Patron Responsibility and Card Use
Like your driver's license, social security card, or any other important documents, so too is your library card as it provides the bearer with access and responsibility for millions of dollars worth of items and services.

• Signing a PINES card application denotes full acceptance of responsibility for lost or damaged materials and account activity. Therefore, report library card theft/loss and changes to your contact information (i.e., address, email, phone numbers, etc.) immediately.
• A library card is required for all transactions (i.e., check out items, renew items, pay fines, use internet computers, etc.). PINES patron barcodes presented via scannable electronic handheld device may also be presented in person with valid picture identification.
• Items may be renewed for two (2) additional periods, for a total of up to six (6) weeks. Items placed on hold by another patron may NOT be renewed.

Item Renewals and Online Access
Items may be renewed with your card in person, over the phone, or online. Online access permits users to place holds and do other account maintenance.

• To renew items or place holds online, access the PINES online catalog, Evergreen. You will be prompted to enter your User ID (library card number) and PIN.
• Contact your local PINES library if you do not have a PIN or need to have it reset. In the event of a problem, please contact your local PINES library for further assistance. Unfortunately, privacy concerns mean that we cannot give out your PIN number over the phone.

Fees and Privileges
While most of our services are free there is a nominal fee for overdue materials.

• Overdue fines for most materials are $.10 (ten cents) per day per item. This fee is for all materials within the Twin Lakes Library System and may vary for materials owned by other PINES member library Systems.
• A patron's card will be blocked, and no services may be obtained with it if the patron has 10 or more overdue items, and/or owes $10 or more in unpaid fines and/or fees.
• Library cards cannot be renewed until all fines associated with the account are paid in full.

Local Circulation Policies

The Twin Lakes Library System has local policies that are specific to the System and are likely different from policies at other PINES libraries. Please note that each PINES library system are independently governed and will have some variances in policies and procedures. The following are ours:

• All Twin Lakes Library System items have a 2-week checkout period and are charged a rate of $.10 (ten cents) per day per item that is overdue.
• In order to reduce wait times at the Circulation Desk, patrons are limited to 5 DVD checkouts per account per day.
• Patrons who are obtaining cards for their children (minors) and already have a library card must have a card/account in good standing in order to do so.
• Parents/Guardians of minors must specify, when obtaining a card for their minor child, whether or not that child may check out "R" rated and "NC-17" rated movies.
• Patrons will be charged the cost of the item PLUS a $10.00 (ten dollar) processing fee for each item lost.
• Patrons may use the System's Internet computers if their account is active and non-delinquent (ie. free of fines/fees, not blocked or barred).
• Guest passes may be used/obtain by non-Georgia residents in order to use the System's Internet stations by presenting a valid picture ID. This privilege may be used for up to 2 weeks after which time a PINES card must be obtained.

Donations Policies

The Twin Lakes Library System accepts donations from the public at the Mary Vinson Memorial Library location only, during its regular open hours. A Deed of Gift is available upon request. Items not accepted by the Twin Lakes Library System include:

• Magazines
• Reader’s Digest condensed books
• Items that are damaged, water damaged, moldy, and/or mildewed
• Books missing covers
• Books with pages falling out
• Encyclopedias older than 5 years and/or that are missing volumes
• Clothing