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Borrowing Policy

Library Card Registration

  • All residents and property owners in the City of Covington, and the counties of Alleghany and Bath are eligible for a free Library card.
  • Individuals residing outside of these areas may purchase a membership for $10 per year, or $5 for up to 3 months.
  • Individuals under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian with a card as a Responsible Party.

Registration Policy

  • All patrons must provide identification with name and current address.  Acceptable forms of identification are:
    • Drivers license
    • Utility Bill
    • Checks or bank statements
    • Lease or rent receipt
    • Tax assessment
    • Voter registration card
    • Change of address form from DMV
  • Non-residents must provide both local and permanent addresses.

Using a Library Card

  • Library cards must be presented to check out materials or use a public computer.
  • Lost cards should be reported promptly.  Replacement cards may be purchased for $1.

Checkout limits on Library Materials

  • Residents: 5 DVDs, 5 audiobooks, 10 magazines, unlimited books.
  • Yearly non-residents: a total of 10 items at a time, which may include up to 5 DVDs or audiobooks, or 10 magazines.
  • Temporary patrons (up to 3 month cards): a total of 2 items at a time.

​​Most materials circulate for 4 weeks. Book Club Selections circulate for 1 week.  New Books and all DVDs circulate for 2 weeks.


Placing Holds

  • Holds may be placed on most materials using the online catalog or by contacting the Circulation Desk.
  • Notifications will be sent via telephone, email, or SMS text message.
  • Holds must be picked up within 3 days of notification.

Returning Library Materials

  • Patrons may return all books to the Circulation Desk book drop during operating hours.​​
  • Audio/Visual and Book Drop depositories are located to the left of the front doors for after hours drop-off.
  • Library materials placed in the outside book drop before operating hours will be checked in as of the last day the Library was open.

Overdue  Fines:

  • Adult, YA hardcover, audiobooks: $.10 per day per item
  • Children's books, paperbacks, and magazines: $.10 per day per item
  • DVDs: $1.00 per day per DVD

Fine limits are $4 per item for books and $5 per item for DVDs

**Library privileges may be revoked if fines are not paid promptly!!**