RECENT CHANGES IN LIBRARY POLICIES 

If you have question about library policies, please contact Ask-a-Librarian

The following policy changes are effective June 6, 2011.

• Customers will not be able to use the libraries' Internet computers if their library card accounts are blocked because they owe $25 or more in fines or fees.
• Customers must clear all fines and fees from library card accounts before their accounts can be renewed each year.
• If available holds are not picked up within 10 days, customers will be charged $1.00 per hold. Customers may cancel unneeded holds by using their online library accounts or by contacting Ask-a-Librarian by email or by phone at 240-777-0001.

The following policy changes are effective February 1, 2011, in order to help Montgomery County Public Libraries maintain a cooperative environment within branches for all customers, maintain the cleanliness of library buildings, and increase staff efficiency and accuracy.

• Food and drink – other than water – are no longer permitted in the library, due to a decrease in the County’s ability to clean library branches.
• Cell phones must be set on vibrate as a courtesy to other library users.
• In order to ensure accuracy of library accounts, customers without their library cards must show proof of identity when checking out materials. Borrowers must have an active library account and be in good standing to check out materials. Customers should have their library cards in hand when checking out.

The following policy changes are effective July 6, 2010:

• The number of active holds a customer can have at one time is limited to 15 holds per library card.  This includes Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Library accounts of customers who owe more than $25.00 will be blocked.  Customers will not be able to place holds, check out, or renew items.
• Customers must have a current library card account to use library computers for Internet access.
• A $2.00 replacement fee for lost or stolen library cards has been reinstated.