You must have your own library card to check out materials from Mead Public Library, or to use public computer services and certain online services. You must apply for your library card in person. Bring along a photo ID, if you have one, or other identification with your current address, if you don't. You may be able to check out two items before you receive your library card in the mail. At that time, you will have full borrowing privileges. Minors must have the approval of a parent or guardian to receive a library card.

Most customers who apply for a Mead Public Library card will get two cards with the same barcode and account number. The small ”key tag“ card is available for your convenience. It can be attached to your key ring to minimize the problem of the forgotten library card. Parents of young children may wish to keep possession of one or both of a child‘s cards in order to check out materials and make inquiries on the child‘s account.

Customers who live within the funding district of another Sheboygan or Ozaukee county library will receive the library card offered by that library and will not receive Mead Public Library’s two-part card.

Mead Public Library cards are non-transferable. Only the person whose name is on the account may use a library card, except that parents or legal guardians may use the card of a minor child to check out materials for the use of that child.

If you lend your card to a friend or family member, you, the cardholder, will be held responsible for all charges on the card no matter who used it. The library reserves the right to confiscate cards or close accounts used by someone other than the registered cardholder.

To access your account (patron info) you need to provide your library card number (borrower ID) and your PIN/password (personal identification number). Unless you ask for a change, your PIN number/password is the last four digits of your phone number on file at Mead Public Library.

You will not be able to check out materials without your library card and PIN number. If you forget your card, you may have your materials held for later pickup and checkout. Or, you may purchase a replacement card. You will be required to present ID when purchasing a replacement card.

Report a lost or stolen card immediately. The library will code your account so no one can use that card. Purchase a replacement card on your next visit to the library. You will receive a new card with a new account number. You will be required to present ID when purchasing a replacement card.

If you do not report the loss or theft of your library card in a timely way, you may be held responsible for charges incurred through unauthorized use of that card.

Cardholders are responsible for notifying the library of name, address, and phone number changes. Call or visit the library to report changes. If needed, a new card will be issued free of charge. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for updating information on the account of a child under age 16.

Your library card is valid for checking out items at all member libraries of the Eastern Shores Library System (that includes all public libraries in Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties). Please note that each library has different rules. Typically, the rules of the library where you check out materials apply in regard to card use, loan periods, renewals, late charges and other matters.

Mead Public Library offers a collection of popular items that may be rented for $1 a week. These include books and DVDs. At least one additional copy is available free. Check the EasiCat catalog for details.

Rental items have green labels and may not be reserved. They are located on the first floor of the library. They must be checked out at Customer Service and the $1 rental fee is due at checkout. There are no renewals and no grace period. The late charge is 15 cents per day.

You must return library materials within 5 days of the due date that is printed on the receipt issued at the time of checkout. Materials must be returned before the library closes on that day. Materials returned after the library closes will be deleted from your account on the next day that the library opens and late charges may apply.

There is a fee charged for returns of mismatched or incomplete items, for example, audiobooks missing one CD or toys that are missing parts.

During hours the library is open, you can return materials in the slots located near the Customer Service Desk on first floor. You can also return materials in the library's drive-up returns located on the west side of the building and open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Any item that fits in the slot can be returned in the drive-through.

For your convenience you may return materials to other public libraries in Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties or to the bookmobile. You may also return materials to most public and university libraries elsewhere in Wisconsin for transport to Mead via the state library delivery service. However, it may take a week or more for materials to reach us via the state delivery service and the due dates still apply.

Do not return public library materials to local school libraries!

When you apply for a library card you accept responsibility for returning borrowed materials on time and in the same condition in which you received them.

If you lose an item you will be billed for the cost of the item at the time it was purchased by the library. If lost items are kept past the regular due date late charges and other service charges will be assessed. If you find a lost item within 6 months of paying for it, the cost of the book will be reimbursed.

If you damage an item so seriously that it can no longer be used you will be billed for the price of the item at the time it was purchased by the library. Less serious damage will be billed according to a standard list of charges.

You must pay charges for lost and damaged materials before you can check out other materials.

You can renew all library materials, except for rental DVDs and Express Bestsellers, before the 5-day grace period elapses, as long as no one else has placed a request on the item. Materials can be renewed only once for one additional loan period figured from the date the renewal is made. You can renew materials at the checkout desk or by phone or by using the online catalog EasiCat. To renew by phone, call 459-3400 ext 3401. Have your library card number available!

A late charge is calculated starting the first day an item is overdue, but the late charges will be cancelled if you return the item within 5 days of the due date (the "grace period"). Beginning the sixth day after the due date, however, you will owe late charges for all 6 days, plus any additional days the item is late.