Library rules

By signing a library card the library user undertakes to observe the library rules and loan periods, to return items borrowed, to pay any necessary fees as prescribed and to replace any damaged, lost or unreturned items belonging to the library. LIBRARY SERVICES The libraries and mobile library of the Kokkola City Library provide books, newspapers, magazines, audiovisual material, data bases and information network connections free of charge. Library staff can help with finding information and with using the library. The collections, services and public premises of the library are open to everyone willing to observe the library rules.  The library can arrange for items to be borrowed from any other city library in accordance with the interlibrary lending rules.  The use of the library is determined by the library rules. In borrowing library material the customer undertakes to observe the rules of the Kokkola City Library. The relevant sections of these library rules apply equally to hospital library and to the library's home service. LIBRARY CARD To obtain a library card and the right to borrow items from the library, the applicant should present an identification card and give his address. The right to borrow items from the library can also be given to a child below the age of 15 or to an institution or corporation, provided they obtain the written consent of a guarantor, who should be an adult with the right to borrow from the library. The library card is for the personal use of the borrower. The bearer of the card is responsible for all items borrowed with his card. The guarantor is responsible for all items borrowed by the person or the corporation for which he is acting as guarantor. The library card must always be presented when items are borrowed or if the library staff wish to check borrowing rights. Any change of name or address must be reported to the library without delay. Loss of a library card must be reported to the library immediately. The bearer or guarantor of a lost card will not be held responsible for misuse of the card once the loss has been reported. The library will refuse to accept any card which has been reported missing. A charge will be made for the replacement of a lost or damaged library card. A Kokkola City Library card also entitles the bearer to borrow from public libraries in Himanka, Kannus, Kaustinen, Kälviä, Lestijärvi, Lohtaja, Toholampi and Ullava,  provided that he complies with the rules of the respective libraries. DATA PROTECTION The borrower's personal details are held in the register of borrowers. When a borrowed item is returned, details of the loan are removed from the the library system. All information on the borrower is confidential. The library will not divulge this information to anyone. Once the borrower's identity has been verified he may check the information held in the register about himself. The guarantor has the right to check all the information on the corporation he is guaranteeing or library claims on the child for whom he has acted as guarantor. BORROWING AND RETURNING ITEMS The loan period is 28, 14 or 7 days, subject to alteration by the library. In cases where borrowed items are overdue, the library will send the first reminder 21 days after the due date, and the second reminder 35 days after the due date. The third reminder and an invoice will be sent 56 days after the due date. A loan can normally be extended, provided that the item has not been reserved by another borrower. The library has the right to limit the number of times that a loan is extended. Items borrowed from the Kokkola City Library must be returned to one of its branches, preferably to the branch from which they were borrowed.  Items out on loan can be reserved. A fee is charged for reserving items.  A fine is payable on all items not returned by the due date. The fine accumulates on a weekly basis after the due date, up to a specified limit.  Fines are not charged for overdue items that are on loan from the children's department. A lost or damaged item must be replaced with an equivalent item or by paying an amount determined by the library. Due to the copyright fee on each video cassette, a video recording cannot be replaced with a retail cassette. In the event that a lost item or one in need of replacement has to be recovered through legal proceedings, the customer will also have to pay the collection and legal costs. RIGHT TO BORROW The right to borrow items from Kokkola City libraries may be withdrawn as a consequence of: overdue loans failure to pay fees or loss or damage caused to library property. Failure to return an item within 56 days after the due date will lead to the loss of borrowing rights. Borrowing rights will be reinstated when: borrowed items are returned, and any fines due on them are paid lost or damaged items are replaced all library charges are paid. Any person who is disruptive or who disturbs library users may lose the right to use the library. OTHER The library is not liable for any damage caused to a borrower's equipment by a recording borrowed from the library. Neither is the library responsible for damage caused to a third party by library equipment. Suggestions and comments regarding the material, activities and services of the library can be made to the library staff. If necessary the library director may also be contacted.