Library Policies

Who is eligible for a library card?

Anyone enrolled in Johnson County schools (Kindergarten and above) or anyone who resides, is employed, or owns property in Johnson County. The original card is free, but replacements for lost cards are $1.

Are there different types of cards?

Yes. The different types are Adult, Juvenile, Senior, Non-Resident and Part-Time Resident. Juvenile cards are for patrons 17 years of age and younger. A parental signature is necessary for a juvenile to obtain a library card and no videos may be checked out on a juvenile card. NEW PATRONS MAY CHECK OUT ONE BOOK ON THE FIRST VISIT. After the first book is returned, the patron may check out up to 5 items on their card. The librarians have the option to make exceptions for patrons in good standing. Only two videos may be checked out on an adult card.

Can my library card be revoked?

Yes, and for the following reasons: Unpaid damage to library property, unpaid fines, unpaid replacement cost for library material, unsuitable behavior in the library.

How long may I keep library material?

Books, Compact Discs, and Audio Tapes are checked out for 2 weeks. A two week renewal is granted if requested and renewals may be done by phone or online. Overdue fines for material kept beyond the allotted time is 10 cents per day for books and 25 cents a day for audio tapes and CDs. Overdue books from other libraries will be subject to the fines that those libraries charge. Videos and DVDs are checked out for 2 days with an overdue fine of $1 per day over the allotted time. Videos and DVDs may be renewed once. Reference material may not be checked out, with the exception of encyclopedias which may be checked out overnight.

NO FINES WILL BE CHARGED FOR DAYS THAT THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED.

May I return a book if the library is not open?

Yes, a book drop is provided beside the front door. However, cassettes, CDs, videos and DVDs may not be put in the book drop or a $1 fine per video or DVD will automatically be added to the patron's account. A 25 cent fine will be added on cassettes and CDs.

Am I allowed to use the computers?

Yes. We have 10 PCs with internet access. One black and white printer is available. Everyone wishing to use a computer must stop at the desk and check in and be assigned a computer. Everyone has one hour of computer time. During high demand periods patrons will be limited to 30 minutes. Patrons are not allowed to visit inappropriate websites or chat rooms.  Computers are shut down 10 minutes before closing.

What if I need a book which is not in your library?

We have an Interlibrary Loan system with the other 6 counties that make up the Watauga Regional Library System, ETSU and Northeast State. A courier runs on Fridays to pick up and deliver books that have been requested by patrons in the system. We also have access to a state wide system which allows us to borrow from most of the libraries in the state of Tennessee. We do not borrow videos, DVDs, CDs, or audio tapes.

What other services are provided by the library?

We have photocopying and laminating. Photocopies are 20 cents per sheet for fewer than 10 copies and 10 cents per sheet for 10 or more copies. Laminating is done for $1 per sheet.

A summer reading program is provided during the summer months for children Kindergarten and up. It lasts approximately 6 weeks on a weekly basis and is free of charge.

Other things to remember.

TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE IN THE LIBRARY! Please respect other patrons using the library by keeping your voice low. We are not a baby-sitting service and will not be held responsible for children left unattended by parents or guardians except for planned library activities.