Library Card Information
To Become a Card Holder
Adults must complete a registration form and present identification with current address.
Teens ages 13-18 must complete a registration form and present identification with current address or have the signature of a parent or legal guardian who presents identification with current address.
Children under age 13 must have the signature of a parent or guardian who presents identification with current address.
Non-residents of New York State who do not work or attend school in New York State will be charged an annual fee of $10.00 for a library card.
Responsibilities
Always bring your card to borrow materials.
If your card is lost, stolen or misplaced, identification is required to replace it or to borrow materials. Replacement cards will be issued at the cost of $1.00.
For your protection, please notify the library immediately if your card is lost or stolen. You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card.
Due Dates
At the time of check-out, you will receive a receipt listing materials borrowed and the due date. Materials must be renewed or returned on or before the due date to avoid suspension of borrowing privileges.
Renewing Items
Materials not on reserve may be renewed once in person, by phone or from the online catalog.
Returning Materials
During regular library hours, return all materials in book drops located inside the library and at the library entrance. All materials except art prints and Kid Kits may be returned in the outside book drop whenever the library is closed.
Overdue Notices
When materials become overdue the library will notify you by mail with a First Notice sent two weeks past the due date and, if necessary, a Second Notice two weeks later. The card holder will be charged a 75¢ fee for each overdue notice sent.
If materials are not returned, you will receive a bill for the replacement cost of the material. There will be a 75¢ fee for each bill sent.
After 45 days, your account will be sent to a collection agency. A collection agency fee of $10.00 will be added to your account.
Borrowing privileges will be suspended until overdue items are returned or paid for.
Lost or Damaged Materials
Borrowers will be billed for lost or damaged materials at the replacement cost of the item plus a non-refundable processing fee, currently $3.00. For items not in print, an average price for that type of item will be charged. Refunds for items lost and paid for, and then found and returned to the library, will be given only upon the presentation of the original Olean Public Library receipt.
Loan Periods
| Material | Loan Period | Limit* |
| Non-Fiction | 21 days | None |
| Pamphlets and Maps | 7 days | None |
| Circulating Reference Material (Civil Service, Encyclopedias, etc.) | 21 days | None |
| Magazines and Newspapers | 7 days | None |
| Fiction (excluding New Fiction) | 21 days | None |
| New Books | 14 days | None |
| Paperbacks | 21 days | None |
| Large Print Books | 21 days | None |
| Parent/Teacher Collection | 21 days | None |
| Kid Kits | 21 days | None |
| Juvenile Holiday Books (Seasonal) | 7 days | 4 |
| Art Prints | 21 days | None |
| CD-ROMs | 21 days | 3 |
| Compact Discs (Music) | 7 days | 6 |
| Audio Cassettes (Music) | 7 days | 6 |
| Audio Book Cassettes and CDs | 21 days | 6 |
| Informational Video VHS Tapes and DVDs | 21 days | 6 |
| Movie VHS Tapes and DVDs | 3 days | 6 |
| *The library reserves the right to limit quantities of high demand subjects. | ||