Registration Requirements:
Library cards are issued to individuals who present the proper identification, and reside in Wisconsin. Proper identification includes one of the following options:
For individuals 18 years of age or older:
- A valid driver’s license / state ID with a current address
- Alternatively, a utility bill, rent receipt, lease or checkbook with a current address and a valid driver’s license / state ID without a current address.For individuals under the age of 18:
- A parent’s/legal guardian’s valid ID as stated in #1. Both parent/legal guardian and minor applicant must be present at the time of application.For Luther Prep or MBU students:
- A school ID card from their school or college.In addition to proper ID, the following information must be provided by the individual to qualify for a library card:
- Full name, including middle name
- Street address (even if the individual receives his/her mail at a post office box)
- Township (if the individual lives outside city limits)
- Date of birth
- Signature
Patron Responsibility
Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards and for any charges incurred.
Patrons must notify the library of lost or stolen cards. Items checked out on a card that is not reported lost or stolen are the responsibility of the patron who registered for the card.
Patrons should notify the library of changes to their address, email address or telephone number. The library is not responsible for undelivered notices if no current information is provided.
Borrowing privileges will be suspended if an individual has any outstanding account balances over $10.00.
General Library Card Information
No fines are charged on materials checked out at the Watertown Public Library. See the Library Circulation Rules for exceptions. Fines may be charged on materials that are checked out at other Bridges Libraries.
Maximum number of checkouts on a card may not exceed 250 items, and maximum number of holds on a card may not exceed 100.
Loan Periods and Fines
A list of library material circulation rules is available at www.watertownpubliclibrary.org.
Temporary limits on the number of items, loan periods, and renewals may be set at the library’s discretion.
Held items will be held 5 days for pick-up, beginning the day the item arrives.
Renewals
Three renewals are allowed on most library materials unless an item is on hold for another patron, or has special circulation rules. Renewals extend the loan period of the item for the same amount of time as the original checkout.
Renewals are from the date renewed, not from the original due date.
Items may be renewed online at www.watertownpubliclibrary.org, on the CAFÉ Library App, over the phone, or at the library.
Patron Courtesy Notices
Below is a list of notices delivered to Watertown Public Library patrons through each notification method. Courtesy notices such as pre-overdue notices and card expiration are only available through email and text. Notices can be provided in the following combinations: Phone Only, Email Only, Text Only, Phone & Text, Email & Text. Patrons cannot receive phone and email notices.
Overdue Notices shall be sent out in the following sequence
A first overdue notice is sent out at 3 days overdue
A second overdue notice is sent out at 14 days overdue
A bill for replacement is sent out at 30 days overdue
Damaged Materials Replacement
Patrons need staff approval to purchase replacements for lost or damaged library materials. In addition, patron purchased replacements will be charged a $5.00 processing fee..
Damaged items are discarded 30 days after patron notification.
Fees and Refunds
Lost items that have been paid for become the property of the patron. The library does not issue refunds for lost/paid items.
A nonrefundable processing fee of $5 is charged per item for all lost and damaged materials.
A $1.00 fee is charged to replace a lost library card.