Borrowing

Library Cards

Any resident of Ohio can apply for a Brown County Public Library card. Applications are available at each BCPL location. You will need to present a photo ID and proof of your current address. An alternate telephone number ( cell, work, friend ) is also needed for the application.
If you are under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application at the library.
The items you check out on your card are your responsibility. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for items and fines on their child's card.
Your first library card is free. If you lose your library card, the replacement cost is $1.00.
If you are a teacher ( public, private, or homeschool ) or represent a local organization, ask about a special library card for your professional needs.
Your BCPL card can be used at any branch of the Brown County Public Library. You can use your card at the Union Township Public Library in Brown County and at the Adams County Public Library. You can also return materials to any of these locations.
Card holders must return or renew overdue items and pay any fines before checking out more items.

3 weeks: Books, Magazines, Audio Books (on cassette or CD), and NonFiction media
1 week: Music CDs, Video Cassettes, and DVDs

New books may not be renewed. New books are identified with a yellow New sticker on the spine.
Movies ( DVDs and video cassettes ) and CDs may be renewed for two additional one-week periods if there are no holds on the item.
All other library materials may be renewed for two additional three-week periods if there are no holds on the item.
Items may be renewed in person, over the telephone, or by visiting the library's web site www.browncountypubliclibrary.org.

The Brown County Public Library has a great collection of books, but if there is a title we don't have, or if the item you want is checked out, we can order it from another library at no charge to you. Unless the item you order is in high demand, it will typically arrive at the library in 3 to 5 days.
You can request up to 50 items at a time.
The library staff are happy to order items for you. If you prefer, you can place your own requests through our web site www.browncountypubliclibrary.org . You will need the barcode number on the back of your library card and your PIN. Your PIN, by default, is the last 4 digits of your telephone number but you can change this at the library.
We will notify you by phone or email (your choice) when your items are ready to be picked up at the library.

10¢ per day: Books, Magazines, Audio Books ( on cassette or CD ), Music CDs, and NonFiction media
$1.00 per day : Movies ( VHS and DVDs )
When you borrow items through Interlibrary Loan, the lending library sets the fine for their items. It may not be the same as ours.

Under certain conditions, delinquent accounts are sent to a collection agency. Please read our Collection Agency Policy for more detailed information.