I. COLLECTION USAGE RULES

1. Loan of Materials

There is a checkout limit of 50 total items per Cybrarium card.

2. Renewals

Borrowed items will be renewed automatically three days before the due date, with some exceptions:

• Another user has requested it
• The item reached its maximum number of renewals
• The user’s account is blocked due to fines or fees of $25.00 or more
• The item is an electronic resource, such as an eBook or eAudiobook

Users who have opted to receive email notices will receive a courtesy message three days before the item’s due date.  This notice will indicate which items were renewed and which items could not be renewed.

3. Holds

Any circulating Cybrarium items may be placed on hold. When the item requested is available, the patron is notified that the material will be held for 7 days. Patrons may place up to 25 holds per account.

4. Suspension or Revocation of Borrowing Privileges

The Director may suspend or revoke borrowing privileges when fines are not paid, Cybrarium material is not returned, or Cybrarium policies are not followed.

5. Equipment malfunctions

The Cybrarium is not responsible if a patron’s equipment malfunctions when playing media borrowed from the Cybrarium.

6. Cybrarium Staff

Cybrarium staff will check out all materials for personal use through circulation channels in accordance with the policies established for all Cybrarium patrons.

II. CYBRARIUM CARD GUIDELINES

• Every resident of Homestead is eligible for a free Cybrarium card account regardless of age.
• Those who own property, own a business, work, or attend school in Homestead are also eligible.
• Miami-Dade County residents are eligible for a Cybrarium card account.
• Non‑Miami‑Dade County residents or those that do not qualify for a free Cybrarium card may obtain cards for an annual fee of $65.

The Cybrarium respects its patrons’ privacy by keeping gathered information confidential.  Florida Statute 257.261 provides that all registration and circulation records of every public library shall be confidential information.

Identification and Address Requirements

1. 1. Photo identification and proof of current physical/employment address (such as a utility bill, paystub, or other piece of USPS delivered mail) are required.
   2. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• • Driver’s license
  • Federal, state, or local government ID card
  • Passport
  • School ID card
  • U.S. Military card
  • Permanent Resident Card / Alien Registration Receipt Card / Consulate ID

1. 3. Patrons must present a current ID to obtain a Cybrarium card and accounts must be in good standing (i.e. not delinquent) before a card is renewed.

Renewal of Cybrarium Cards

Cybrarium cards must be renewed every 3 years.

Cards for Children

• There is no minimum age for obtaining a Cybrarium card.
• A parent or legal guardian must present his/her photo identification and proof of current address for cards issued to children under the age of 18.
• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for items checked out by their minor children.

III. BORROWING RESPONSIBILITIES

All cardholders are responsible for the care and return of items borrowed on their card.

1. Overdue Materials

Thirty (30) days after the due date an item will be considered lost and a patron’s account will be charged in accordance with the established fee schedule. A billing notice will be sent. Processing fees are not refundable, even if a lost item is found.

Email reminders, for items due, are a courtesy of the Cybrarium. Patrons are obligated to return their materials on time, even in the event reminder notifications are not received. Two email reminders are sent: seven (7) days after the due date and fourteen (14) days after the due date.

2. Damaged Materials

Items that are returned in poor physical condition, such that they can no longer circulate, are considered damaged. Examples of damage include, but are not limited to, water damage, food and drink stains, torn pages or covers; and chewed, written in, melted, severely scratched, or broken media items. Multi-part items, such as kits and board games, will be considered damaged when a part or piece is missing. A damaged item will be charged in accordance with the established fee schedule. Multi-part items may have costs for individual pieces defined.

3. Replacements

At the discretion of the Cybrarium Director, or designee, the Cybrarium may accept replacement copies of lost or damaged items instead of payment of fees. The replacement must be in new or like-new condition and be an identical edition. A processing fee, based on the established fee schedule, is still charged in cases when a replacement is accepted.

IV. REGULATIONS

No overdue fines are charged. The Cybrarium imposes and collects lost and damaged item fees based on its established fee schedule. All processing fees are non-refundable.

1. 1. A Cybrarium card becomes delinquent when the charges on the account reach $25.00. Borrowing privileges are suspended until the total charges owed are less than $25.00.
   2. Staff have the option of waiving or reducing a charge if they feel extenuating circumstances so warrant.
   3. All Cybrarium debts are discharged when listed in a patron’s bankruptcy.
   4. A police report (filed within 60 days of items being due) is necessary for the Cybrarium to waive related fees and replacement costs on items stolen from the patron or checked out on a lost/stolen Cybrarium card. Processing fees are non-refundable.
   5. Materials that are declared lost and then found may be eligible for a refund of their replacement cost. Processing fees are non-refundable. To request a refund a patron must complete a Refund Request Form and submit to the Cybrarium within 90 days of the initial payment. After review and approval by the Library Director, or designee, the City of Homestead will mail a check for the amount requested.

Adopted: January 12, 2021

Amended: January 21, 2023; November 8, 2021