Registration
All residents of North Belle Vernon Borough, Belle Vernon Borough, Washington Township, and Fayette City Borough are eligible to use the library without charge. In addition, all Westmoreland County residents may have a card without registration fees. Individuals with a library card from a home library which participates in the Access PA program may also apply for a free card. Adults are required to present proof of residence when registering. Out of area fees are $10.00 per person per year.
A juvenile card application form must be signed by a parent before a card is issued.
A borrowers card must be renewed once a year.
Borrowing Procedures
Books may be borrowed for a three week period. Each book may be renewed two times unless it has been reserved by another borrower. Books that have reserves placed on them (typically new “Best Sellers”) may be borrowed for three weeks but may not be renewed.
Fees and Fines
It doesn’t cost anything to use the Belle Vernon Library if you remember three simple rules.
1. Return borrowed material on time.
2. Return borrowed material in good condition.
3. Keep track of your library card.
Lost library cards can be replaced for $2.50.
Any lost or damaged material must be resolved to the Librarians satisfaction. Overdue charges will remain on patron’s account until fines are paid. No one may re-register or check out material until all fines are paid.
The matter of long overdue or lost books will be handled by the local magistrate, who will collect from the patron the cost of the book, any fines due, and any legal costs. This action is permitted under the Pennsylvania Library Code. The library tries to give warning before this step is taken.
Acceptable Behavior
In order to offer a pleasant and welcoming environment for all patrons, we ask that you follow some simple rules when in the library:
- Cell phone calls should be taken outside.
- Patrons may be asked to leave bag at the front desk.
- Children under 10 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Memorial and Honor Donations
We accept donations to purchase books in memory of or in honor of a person’s birthday or anniversary or anything else. It’s simple! Just stop in or send a check for the amount you wish to donate to the library. Include who the book is for, the occasion, and a name and address for us to send them a card. Please include the name of the people who are making the donation. Adult books start at $30.00 and children’s books start at $20.00. If you ask for a specific subject, we request a $35.00 donation. If you want to make a smaller donation, we will list it as a donation to our library development fund and it will be used for the upkeep of the library.