Frequently Asked Questions
You may apply in person at the circulation desk or online. A photo ID with your current address on it is required to check out physical materials. 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. Children ages 13-17 may get a temporary library card, good for a one time use for books only, until the parent/guardian is able to fill out a permission slip taking full responsibility for said child. At that time the responsible party may choose to elect movie/game privileges.
You must show a photo ID at the circulation desk to get a replacement card. The fee for replacing a lost or stolen card is $1.00.
You can log onto your library account online by clicking on MY ACCOUNT on the home page. The first time you log on, enter your library card number and PIN in the boxes under the heading Use your library card/ID and click on the login button. After you log on, there is an option to create an EZ Log On and password under the Account Summary section. An EZ Log On and password is a custom user id and password that you create. By creating an EZ Log On, you can access the you account using your EZ Log On credentials OR by your Library ID/PIN.
You can renew items by licking on MY ACCOUNT on the home page. To log on, enter your library card number or EZ login User Name and your PIN. Click the arrow at the top left side of the screen to open the drop-down list of Account options, and then click Loans. Locate the title you want to renew. Click Renew Loan. Items will not renew if they are on hold for other patrons or if they have been renewed 4 times. You may also renew items via telephone, during business hours, or here at the library with your card or a current photo ID.
You may renew items that are overdue as long as they are not on hold for other patrons and your fine is under $10.00.
The loan period for popular video tapes and DVDs that have been in the collection for over 3 months is 7 days.
The loan period for new popular DVDs is 3 days.
The loan period for games is 7 days.
The loan period for Launchpads is 7 days.
The charge for overdue items is $.10 per item per day. A patron will be charge the full replacement cost for lost or damaged items. A patron’s borrowing privileges will be suspended when their account balance exceeds $10.00. Patrons eligible for a Golden Buckeye card will not be charged fines for overdue items.
Yes, we offer electronic books and digital audio books. Visit our Digital Book page to learn more about this service.
Donations can be made to the Amherst Public Library Fund. These gifts enable the library to go beyond basic library services paid for by tax monies. Gifts can provide special materials and programs, benefit the community through preservation and beautification of one of our historic buildings, and act as a safety cushion for the library when the economic climate is difficult. For more information on the Amherst Public Library Fund, contact Don Dovala at (440)988-4230.
As of September 2015 – you may renew your lost item up to 4 times. At the end of this time period you will be charged the replacement cost of this item and reimbursement will no longer be possible, as the lost item will have been repurchased by the APL.