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 twice unless someone else has reserved the book

Movies and Documentaries

  • Two week checkout
  • Must be renewed in person/over the phone

 Overdue Fines

  • Children’s Books – $.20 per day to a maximum of $3.00/item
  • Adult and YA books – $.30 per day to a maximum of $5.00/item
  • Movies – $.30 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.

 Non-Discrimination Policy

Manheim Community Library is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in access, education and employment. Manheim Community Library does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

Approved by the board of directors on 9/12/22.