The Library Society of Albright College is the library friends group and works
Library Society Borrowers' Policy
Library Society borrowers are welcome to use the library's collection within the library. The following information is provided for those wishing to borrow materials.
Who may apply?
Anyone from the community may apply for borrowing privileges by presenting current identification and becoming a Library Society member. A membership in the Society extends benefits to immediate family members residing at the same address. Only one borrower's card and one copy of the newsletter will be issued per household.
What is the cost of membership?
There are many different levels of membership: Associate -- $25 annually; Sustaining -- $50 annually; Sponsor -- $100 annually; Patron -- $250 annually; Benefactor -- $500 annually; and Lifetime -- $2500. All levels provide the basic membership benefits.
How long am I registered to use the resources at the Albright Library?
Library Society membership/borrowing cards are issued for twelve months and can be used by anyone at the same household. Patrons will be asked to present a driver's license or other ID card in order to join. If the patron remains in good standing, he/she will receive a reminder to renew the membership. Patrons are reminded to retain their library card since there is a $5 replacement card charge if the last one was issued less than 5 years previously.
When do borrowing privileges begin?
Borrowing privileges can begin immediately after completing and signing the registration form, providing proof of residency, paying the membership fee and receiving a barcoded Library Society Library Card. Patrons must be over 18 in order to join the Library Society. This borrowing card must be presented at the Circulation Desk whenever materials are checked out.
Library hours
Information is available at (610) 921-7219.
What materials circulate? What are the loan periods?
Library Society borrowers may charge up to six circulating books. General materials are loaned for 28 days and popular reading books are loanable for 14 days and popular DVDs for 7 days. Materials currently on reserve have a 2 hour loan period and must be used in the library. Items can be renewed in person or online.
Non-circulating materials include reference books, reserve items, periodicals, microforms, special collections and media (except for our Holocaust Center Library media).
What happens if I am late returning materials?
The overdue fine for circulating books is $.10 per day for general books and $.50 per day for videos. Overdue and fine notices are issued as a courtesy to our borrowers. It is the borrower's responsibility to check the due date stamped on each item. A fine may be incurred before the notice is received. Borrowers will also be blocked from further borrowing if they have outstanding fines.
What is a recall?
A recall is a request made by an Albright faculty member or student to retrieve material charged to another borrower. Materials charged to Library Society borrowers that are recalled are due immediately. Notices specifying the new due date will be issued when items are recalled. Penalties (fines) of $5 per day will accrue for late returns.
What other costs may be incurred?
Borrowers are charged replacement costs and processing fees for lost items. Processing fees are $20 per item and replacement costs vary depending on the item. Damage costs will be assessed depending on the condition of the item.
Library Society Benefits of Membership
Library Society patrons can use the library services and materials in the library when it is open.
