Mission/Policies

Mission Statement

The Manheim Community Library will provide a place for the community to turn to for the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading and the power of information.  We strive to maintain a varied collection of resources to benefit persons of all ages and abilities.

Policies

Check Out

Books/Audiobooks

  • Two week borrowing period unless stated on the spine
  • Unlimited number of items may be borrowed
  • Renewal is available unless someone else has reserved the book

Movies and Documentaries

  •  1 week checkout
  • Must be renewed in person

 Overdue Fines

  • Children’s Books – $.10 per day to a maximum of $3.00/item
  • Adult and YA books – $.20 per day to a maximum of $5.00/item
  • Movies – $1.00 per day to a maximum of $5.00/ item

 Replacement of Lost Material

  • Materials more than 4 weeks overdue are considered lost.
  • The entire cost of the item will be automatically added to your card and you will be billed.
  • If a lost item is paid for and then located, it may be returned to the library for repayment.
  • Repayment will be the cost of the book, minus the maximum overdue fine.

 Computer Use

  • An Internet and Computer Use Agreement must be signed by all those wishing to use a public access computer.
  • Minor children under the age of 18 are also required to have a parent sign the agreement form with them in the Library.

  Obtaining a Library Card

  • Lancaster County residents over the age of 5 are eligible.
  • Library cards may be used in any public library in Lancaster County.
  • New patrons will need to complete a short form agreeing to accept responsibility for borrowed material.
  • Children under 14 must have a parent or legal guardian provide proof of residency and co-sign the application with them.
  • Use the following as proof of address:
    • A photo ID with a current address on it.
    • A photo ID in the applicant’s name and one form of official paperwork with a pre-printed Lancaster County address on it.
      • For example, a bill addressed to the applicant, a tax bill for a Lancaster County property, working papers, a current lease or deed, or pre-printed checks.
  • Access PA library cards will be honored. A photo ID is required. If you do not live in Pennsylvania, or you are not a member of your local participating Pennsylvania library, a $25 fee will be charged for borrowing privileges.
  • Online library cards

Online/Temporary Library Card

Temporary Library Card:

    • Lancaster County residents age 14 years and up may also choose to register online for a temporary library card.
    • Your temporary library card is valid for 3 months. You must visit or contact your local library to upgrade your temporary library card to a full access library card. Otherwise your temporary library card will expire. You will need to complete a full paper application in the library and produce proof of address to upgrade your card. Click here to see acceptable sources listed under our Circulation Policy)
    • Your temporary library card can be used to:
      • Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks
      • Place holds on physical library items
        • To pickup your held items, you must visit or contact your local library to upgrade your temporary library card to a full access library card.
      • Use Online Resources
    • Your temporary library card cannot be used to:
      • Borrow physical library items
      • Use public access computers in the libraries
    • Please visit the Library in person with valid identification to upgrade your limited access library card to a full access library card.

 Institutional Cards

  • A written request from the director of the organization must be submitted to the local library director for approval.  Though special loan periods may be arranged, fines and obligations still apply.