Books and playback equipment will be loaned by the Library to eligible registered readers without charge. Records will be kept of all loans. The borrower should notify the Library of an address change, cancellation of service, or temporary or permanent transfer of service to another geographic area.
Books and equipment will be loaned to registered readers as long as they are eligible and as long as they actively use Library materials during each 12 month period. To maintain an active status, at least one book must be checked out per year.
Equipment necessary to use the recorded materials may be borrowed on extended loan for as long as the borrower is using it to read materials provided by the Oakland County Library. In the event a machine ceases to function properly, it should be returned to the Library. A replacement machine will be provided by the Library. Under no circumstances should a borrower attempt to repair the playback equipment or accessories.
The loan period for books is eight weeks. While no fines for overdue books will be levied, borrowers are expected to observe the loan period so books can be available for other readers. A due date on each mail card will help to keep track of when books should be returned.
The borrower will ensure that books, magazines, and equipment being returned to the Library by "Free Matter" are delivered into the hands of the United States Postal Service by placing them in a mailbox or by seeing that they are placed in an area where they will be picked up by the mail carrier.
Borrowers may not lend library books, magazines, or equipment to other persons.
Should library staff be verbally abused by a borrower, in person or by phone, service to that borrower may be suspended.
Eligible readers who borrow materials from the Library accept responsibility for using materials with reasonable care, returning them according to established loan policies, and not losing or damaging them through negligence. Violation of this policy can result in suspension of library services. Also, please inform family members, friends, or care givers that you are a Library patron so they are aware that the equipment belongs to the Library. They can assist you in its return when necessary.
A catalog listing books recorded during the past year will be mailed to you when you apply for service. Talking Book Topics, a bi-monthly update to the annual catalog, will be mailed to you in either large print, cassette, or computer disk format.
Catalogs and Talking Book Topics include an order blank to use for requesting the books listed. Mail the order forms to the Library postage free by marking "Free Matter for the Blind" in the place you would put the stamp. You may also order books by phone. Please be certain to include your name and address on all correspondence to us. The more requests we have from you, the more likely you are to receive the books you want to read. When your requests are not available, we use reading interests provided by you to assist in automatically selecting books. This means you may receive titles you did not select. When ordering books by phone, remember that the book number is all we need from you. Of course, if it is easier for you, you can give us the author and/or title.
As soon as you're finished with a book, please return it to the Library. The mail card used to send the book to you is pre-addressed - simply turn the card over and place the container where your mail carrier can pick it up.
As soon as you have completed a book, return it by reversing the address card on the container and mailing it back to the Library. One way to be sure you have reversed the card is this: In the upper left corner of the mail card there is a hole. This tells you that your address is showing. When you turn the card so the hole is in the upper right corner, you will know the Library address is showing.
If a book you receive is defective, let us know by tying a string, twist-tie, masking tape, or yarn around one of the container straps. This alerts us to the fact that something is wrong with the book. Please call and let us know if you would like a replacement copy of the title you are returning.
Please do not send book requests inside book containers. They are easily lost or discarded and when that happens you won't get the titles you want.
If you have a special subject or book request, feel free to phone it in.
If we send you too much material, or not enough, let us know and we will make the necessary adjustments.
If you do not like the materials you receive, or if your grade level or reading interests change, please let us know so we make changes to your record.
You may ask to be put on "Hold" if you wish to suspend service temporarily - for example if you are going on vacation you might not want to receive books until you return. Remember, you MUST call when you are ready to resume service.
Magazines cannot be put on "Hold". It takes six to eight weeks for a magazine subscription to be activated, and the same amount of time for it to be canceled.
If you cancel library service for any reason, please call us and tell us. When you cancel service, return your machine and books to the Library as soon as possible, but don't assume that by returning materials we will know you are canceling - you still need to call us.
If you move out of state, we will make arrangements for you to transfer your machine and library service. You must let us know your new address in order for us to arrange a transfer of your reading records.
We can mail your books to a temporary address when you are on vacation, whether you will be away for three weeks or six months. All we need when you leave is your temporary address. Be sure to take your machine with you. Magazines cannot be transferred on a temporary basis; You will need to arrange for their pick-up and holding, or re-routing. Failure to do so results in magazine service being delayed or canceled.
Remember to call us when you leave and when you return!
Generous donations to the Library have enabled us to provide many services not included in our budget. If you wish to make a donation, checks should be payable to:
Oakland County LVPI
1200 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, Michigan 48341-0482
For your convenience, we can send "Tribute Fund" envelopes to assist you in the donation procedure.
If you make a donation in honor or memory of someone, an announcement of your gift will be sent to the person you designate acknowledging your thoughtfulness. The amount of the gift is not disclosed. You will receive a tax receipt for your contribution.
