CMRLS offers a wide variety of items for checkout, including:

• Books
• DVDs & Videos
• Audiobooks & CDs
• Video Games
• Kits & Fit Kits
• Kindles
• Cake Pans
• Magazines (available at select branches)

Some materials, such as reference books, special collections, and professional resources, are library-use only and must stay in the building.

Please note: CMRLS is not responsible for damage to personal equipment used with library audio-visual materials.

Current magazines, newspapers, and reference materials are available for in-library use only. These items are heavily used and can be difficult to replace.

In special situations, a Branch Manager or library supervisor may approve exceptions.

Need something we don’t own? We may be able to borrow it from another library system through Interlibrary Loan.

• Interlibrary Loan items check out for 3 weeks
• These items cannot be renewed

Ask your local branch for assistance.

When you check out items, you’ll receive a receipt showing:

• Your checked-out items
• Due dates
• Number of items borrowed

Receipts can be printed or emailed to you. Patrons are responsible for returning items on time.

Most patrons may check out up to 30 items at one time.

First-time borrowers are limited to 3 items until those items are returned.

Special Limits

• DVDs/Videos — 4 per card
• Audiobooks (CD/Book Sets) — 10 per card
• Music CDs — 4 per card
• Video Games — 2 per card
• Kindles — 1 per household
• Fit Kits — 1 per card
• Professional Kits — 1 per card
• Cake Pans — 2 per card

Most items check out for 21 days.

Special Loan Periods

• DVDs/Videos — 7 days
• Video Games — 7 days
• Kindles — 7 days
• Fit Kits — 7 days
• Cake Pans — 7 days
• Bestsellers/New Books — 7 days
• High Demand Items — 14 days or less
• Laptops — 2 hours (in-library use only at select branches)
• Sewing Machines — Available for patron use at Brandon Public Library

To help everyone enjoy these collections:

• Patrons must be 18 or older to check out videos/DVDs
• Overdue video titles are charged $1.00 per day
• Patrons are responsible for lost or damaged items checked out on their card
• Videos/DVDs may be returned to any CMRLS branch
• Please return audiovisual items inside the library whenever possible

If your branch has a designated audiovisual return box, you may use it.

Many items may be renewed if no one else is waiting for them.

Items Eligible for Renewal

These items may usually be renewed twice:

• Books
• Music CDs
• Audiobooks
• DVDs/Videos
• Video Games

Items That Cannot Be Renewed

• Bestsellers/New Books
• 7-day materials & kits
• Interlibrary Loan items
• High Demand items

You can renew items:

• Online through the CMRLS catalog
• Through TeleCirc: 601-825-5450
• By phone
• In person at any branch

Have your library card ready. Online and TeleCirc renewals require your PIN.

Items may be returned to any CMRLS branch.

Return Tips

• Books may be returned inside the library or in a book drop
• DVDs, CDs, and other audiovisual items should be returned inside when possible to prevent damage
• Oversized items that don’t fit in book drops should be returned inside the library

A fee of $1.00 per item may be charged for audiovisual items returned in an outside book drop.

Please check items for damage before returning them. Charges may apply for:

• Torn pages
• Writing or markings
• Missing kit pieces
• Cracked or damaged CDs/DVDs
• Water damage

Fines & Fees

Damaged Items

Items returned damaged may be charged repair or replacement fees.

Common Damage Fees

• Damaged page or missing barcode: $1.00
• Plastic book jacket: $2.00
• Single DVD/CD/video case: $1.00
• Double DVD/CD/video case: $2.00
• Multi-disc CD case: $10.00
• Missing video game booklet: $5.00
• Kindle power cord: $20.00
• Kindle case: $40.00

If an item cannot be repaired, patrons will be charged the replacement cost.

Damaged Items

Items returned damaged may be charged repair or replacement fees.

Common Damage Fees

• Damaged page or missing barcode: $1.00
• Plastic book jacket: $2.00
• Single DVD/CD/video case: $1.00
• Double DVD/CD/video case: $2.00
• Multi-disc CD case: $10.00
• Missing video game booklet: $5.00
• Kindle power cord: $20.00
• Kindle case: $40.00

If an item cannot be repaired, patrons will be charged the replacement cost.

Items are considered lost when:

• A patron reports they cannot locate the item, or
• The item reaches the third overdue notice.

Replacement charges are based on the current cost of the item.

If a lost item is found within 30 days after payment:

• A refund may be issued
• The item must be in usable condition
• A receipt is required

Standard Overdue Rates

• Adult materials: $0.15 per day
• Juvenile materials: $0.10 per day
• Videos, CDs & Interlibrary Loans: $1.00 per day
• Non-circulating materials: $5.00 per day
• Laptops: $25.00 per hour
• Kindles: $5.00 per day

Maximum Fines

• Most items: $5.00 maximum per item
• Kindles: $25.00 maximum

Patrons with $5.00 or more in fines may not check out materials until balances are reduced.

Library Cards

A valid CMRLS library card is required to check out materials.

Lost cards may be replaced for $3.00 with valid identification.

Payment Information

Fines and fees may be paid:

• In cash
• By local personal check with valid ID

Returned checks are subject to a $25.00 fee.

Special Service Fees

Notary service pricing varies by branch where available.

Waiver of Fines & Fees

Branch Managers or the Circulation Supervisor may reduce or waive fines in special circumstances such as:

• Illness or hospitalization
• Death in the family
• Fire or flood
• Other emergencies

Reserves

Patrons may place holds on library materials at no charge.

Teachers may also request short-term school reserves for classroom assignments.

Overdue Materials & Notices

Items returned after their due date are considered overdue and may incur fines or fees.

Overdue Notices

CMRLS sends courtesy reminders for overdue materials by:

• Phone call through TeleCirc
• Email
• Text message

Notice Schedule

• 10 days overdue: Phone, email, or text reminder
• 22 & 34 days overdue: Additional phone reminders
• 46 days overdue: Billing notice with replacement cost information

Please keep your contact information current to ensure you receive notices.

Collections

Accounts with unpaid balances of $10 or more for over 14 days may be sent to collections.

• Balances between $10–$24.99 may incur a $5 collection fee
• Balances of $25 or more may incur a $10 collection fee

Patrons with long-term collection accounts may lose borrowing privileges.

Important Reminder

Not receiving a notice does not remove responsibility for overdue fines or lost materials. Patrons are responsible for keeping track of due dates.

Claims Returned

If you believe you returned an item, staff can place a “Claims Returned” note on your account while the item is searched for.

• Patrons may have up to 2 claims returned items and continue borrowing materials
• After a third claims returned notice, borrowing privileges may be suspended

Getting a Library Card

A CMRLS library card is free for anyone who:

• Lives in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, or Smith counties
• Works in one of those counties
• Attends school in one of those counties

Each family member may have their own library card.

What You Need to Apply

Please bring a photo ID and proof of your current address.

Accepted Forms of ID

You may use:

• Mississippi Driver’s License or ID
• Temporary license with photo ID
• Utility bill, lease, or rent receipt with your address
• Property tax statement
• Vehicle registration
• Medical assistance card with current address

Applicants Under 18

• A parent or legal guardian must be present
• The adult must provide identification
• The adult is responsible for materials checked out on the child’s card

Library cards are valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.

Homeschool Cards

Homeschool families may receive a homeschool library card with the same benefits as teacher cards.

A current Certificate of Attendance is required each year.

Acorn Cards

The Acorn Card is a fine-free library card for:

• Youth ages 18 and under
• Vulnerable adults

Acorn Card Benefits

• No overdue fines
• Borrow up to 2 items at a time
• Free annual renewal

Borrowing Limits

Youth Acorn Cards cannot check out:

• Laptops
• Video Games
• DVDs or Blu-rays

Adult Acorn Card holders may borrow all circulating materials.

Parental or guardian permission is required for minors.

Replacement Fees

• Standard replacement Acorn Card: $0.50

Library Card Responsibility

Please:

• Bring your card when checking out materials
• Report lost cards immediately
• Keep track of items checked out on your account

Cardholders are responsible for all materials borrowed using their card.

Who Can Get a Card?

County Residents

Residents of Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties receive free library cards.

Reciprocal Borrowers

Patrons from Lincoln, Lawrence, and Franklin Public Library Systems may also qualify using their home library card.

Students

Students attending school in Lake or Sebastopol may qualify with proof of enrollment.

Temporary Residents

Temporary county residents may receive temporary library cards with proof of residency.

Non-Residents

People who work, attend school, own property, or own a business in the CMRLS service area may qualify for a free non-resident card with proper documentation.

Others may purchase a non-resident card for:

$25 per year

Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing privileges may be suspended when unpaid fines or fees reach $5.00 or more.

Replacement Cards

• Worn-out cards: Free
• Lost or damaged cards: $3.00
• Lost Acorn Cards: $0.50