Borrowing Policy

Library Card Registration

• All residents and property owners in the City of Covington, and the counties of Alleghany and Bath are eligible for a free Library card.
• Individuals residing outside of these areas may purchase a membership for $10 per year, or $5 for up to 3 months.
• Individuals under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian with a card as a Responsible Party.

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Registration Policy

• All patrons must provide identification with name and current address.  Acceptable forms of identification are:
  • Drivers license
  • Utility Bill
  • Checks or bank statements
  • Lease or rent receipt
  • Tax assessment
  • Voter registration card
  • Change of address form from DMV
• Non-residents must provide both local and permanent addresses.

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Using a Library Card

• Library cards must be presented to check out materials or use a public computer.
• Lost cards should be reported promptly.  Replacement cards may be purchased for $1.

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Checkout limits on Library Materials

• Residents: 5 DVDs, 5 audiobooks, 10 magazines, unlimited books.
• Yearly non-residents: a total of 10 items at a time, which may include up to 5 DVDs or audiobooks, or 10 magazines.
• Temporary patrons (up to 3 month cards): a total of 2 items at a time.

​​Most materials circulate for 4 weeks. Book Club Selections circulate for 1 week.  New Books and all DVDs circulate for 2 weeks.

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Placing Holds

• Holds may be placed on most materials using the online catalog or by contacting the Circulation Desk.
• Notifications will be sent via telephone, email, or SMS text message.
• Holds must be picked up within 3 days of notification.

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Returning Library Materials

• Patrons may return all books to the Circulation Desk book drop during operating hours.​​
• Audio/Visual and Book Drop depositories are located to the left of the front doors for after hours drop-off.
• Library materials placed in the outside book drop before operating hours will be checked in as of the last day the Library was open.