About
The Clay County Public Library System operates as a department of the Clay County Board of Commissioners. It began in 1961 with initial building blocks of the collection of materials coming from local Women’s Clubs. Today, the system operates five libraries and a Bookmobile. It has over 217,000 volumes in its collection, In 1997 the library system computerized its check-out and card catalog. In February 1999 Internet access became available. And in 2005 the Headquarters Library opened. The Library System continues to develop and refine its services to best serve the Clay County community. To accomplish this, the following mission statement was developed.
Mission Statement
The Clay County Public Library System provides current high-demand, high interest, popular materials in a variety of formats for patrons of all ages, assists students pre-school through grade 12 in meeting educational objectives established during their formal source of study, and supports individuals of all ages pursuing a sustained program of learning independent of any educational provider.
Using your Library
Check Out limits
When using your new library card the first time,
you may check out two items per person. Afterwards we ask you limit to
25 items per household, which includes the following limitations:
- 2 Books per Dewey subject area
- 3 Books per author
- 4 Videos
Loan Period
- Normal Loan of books is 14 days.
- Reserved Books – One week
- Seasonal high demand materials & encyclopedias – One week
- Videos, popular – One week
- Videos, educational/instructional – One week
Renewals
Most books may be renewed once. However, there are exceptions that do not renew, e.g. one week books,
reserve books, and videos.
Returns
Materials may be returned to any Clay County Library EXCEPT VIDEOS.
Videos must be returned to the library where they were borrowed.
Overdue Fines
Fines are $0.10/day per book or books-on-cassette/CD. $.50/day is charged for reserve books and interlibrary loans.
Videos are $1.00/day
Lost/Damaged Material
Material lost or damaged beyond repair requires a charge of a replacement price plus a $2.00 processing fee for each item.
If staff determines an item can be repaired, a damage fee will be assessed.
Library Cards
Library cards are free to residents of Clay County and Clay County property owners.
A card issued at any Clay County Library or the bookmobile is valid at all Clay County Library locations. Cards for children under
the age of 14 require a parent’s signature. Application for a card require proof of residency that shows your street address.
Examples are:
- Driver’s license with current address
- Utility Bill
- Apartment/home lease agreement
Reciprocal
(free) borrowing privileges are also available to residents or Alachua, Bradford, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties
provided they too provide proof of residency (street address) in their respective counties. This also means Clay County Residents
DO NOT pay an out of county fee to use Alachua, Bradford, Putnam, and St. Johns County Libraries.
Non-Resident Fee
Other Non-residents pay $40.00 per year
Replacement
There will be a $1.00 fee for any replacement cards.
Parent/Guardian
For children under the age of 18 – Their parents or guardians are responsible for their child’s use of library materials,
services, and facilities as well as any fines or fees. Children under the age of 5 should always be accompanied by an adult.
No child under the age of 9 should be left in the library. A parent’s signature is required for a child under the age of 14
to get a library card. The library advises and encourages parents be present to monitor their child’s use of the library Internet use.