Library Policies

Library Card Types 

Resident Library Cards are free and issued to any applicant who is a Hays County Resident or Property Owner. Resident Library Cards are valid for two years from the date issued/renewed. 

1. Adult Resident Library Cards are issued to applicants aged 18 and older.
2. Youth Resident Library Cards are issued to applicants aged 17 and younger in the presence of a parent or a legal guardian. The parent, or legal guardian, must present a valid/acceptable photo ID with proof of their current residence in Hays County.

Non-Resident Library Cards are issued to adults ages 18 and older residing outside of Hays County and may be purchased for a fee of $20. Non-Resident Library Cards are valid for one year from the date issued/renewed.

Registration Process

Applicants must register for membership with the Kyle Public Library (Library) in person by completing a Library Card Application Form and presenting an original, physical valid/accepted photo ID with proof of current residence with any combination of documents from the list below:

1. Texas Driver License, temporary Texas Driver License or Learner’s Permit
2. Texas Department of Public Safety ID
3. Non-Texas State Issued License or ID
4. Passport
5. Military ID
6. Credencial Para Votar ID (Mexico Voter Registration Card)
7. Resident Alien Card
8. Texas Offender ID
9. Texas Concealed Handgun License
10. Educational Institution Photo ID
11. Government issued ID with an identifying number
12. San Marcos Public Library Enhanced Library Card
13. Bank or credit union statement
14. Utility deposit receipt or utility bill from the past 60 days
15. Credit card bill from the past 60 days
16. Current Voter Registration Card or notarized temporary Voter Registration Permit
17. Current vehicle registration or liability insurance
18. Official rent receipt; rental agreement, contract or lease
19. Employment pay stub from the past 60 days

Renewing Cards

To renew an expired Library card the person whose name is on the account, or the legal guardian in the instance of a Youth Library Card must present a valid/acceptable photo ID with proof of residence in-person. Blocked account status must be resolved prior to renewing a Library Card.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Cardholders should notify the Library of a lost or stolen Library Card as soon as possible. Replacement Library cards are available for a fee of $2. The Library is not responsible for unauthorized use of a Library Card.

Account Limits

1. Library Cards can check out a maximum of 25 physical items.
2. Library TexShare Cards can have a maximum of five items checked out at one time, but cannot check out any of the Restricted Materials listed on the Library InterLibrary Loan Policy.
3. Digital Content-eBook, eAudioBook, and Streaming Video access is available to Resident and Non-Resident Library Cards. Borrowing limits vary by platform.

Loan Periods

1. Physical Materials - Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays: three weeks, two renewals
2. Chromebook Laptops: two weeks, no renewals, limit one per household
3. Arts and Technology Center Collection (ARTC) - Library of Things, LaunchPads, Storytime Kits: two weeks, no renewals, limit one per card
4. Wonderbook: two weeks, no renewals, three per card 

Reserves/Holds

1. Reserving an item enters the customer onto a wait list for that item.
2. The item is reserved for five days.
3. Customers may have up to five items reserved for their account at one time and they do not count against the checkout limit.
4. Reserves/hold limits of digital content vary by platform; please check the platform for hold information.

Renewals

1. Renewal extends the due date of an item three weeks from time of renewal.
2. Items are eligible for renewal if:
   1. the item is not reserved for another customer
   2. the borrower account is unblocked
3. Renewal of digital content varies by platform; please check the platform for renewal information.

Purpose of the Collection Development Policy  

The purpose of the Collection Development Policy is to define the principles and criteria by which selection and retention of Kyle Public Library materials are made. It provides guidance to the Kyle Public Library Staff and serves to inform the public about the nature of the Kyle Public Library's collection and the motivation that drives collection decisions.  

1. Principles
   1. The Kyle Public Library (Library):
      1. Upholds the principles of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, and related appendices, as well as the Texas Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Statement and the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
      2. Commits to the free and open distribution of ideas and diverse opinions, allowing customers to form their own viewpoints.
      3. Does not imply agreement with the viewpoints of materials within the collection.
      4. Protects the right of customers to access controversial or differing opinions.
      5. Ensures access to materials regardless of age, race, color, sex, national origin, education, religion, disability, or other discriminatory criteria.
   2. Responsibility for Materials Selection and funding allocation rests with Library administration.

2. Children’s Collection
   1. Materials aim to foster a lifelong interest in reading and learning for children and teenagers.
   2. The collection supports children, parents, teachers, and professionals working with children.
   3. Responsibility for children’s reading lies solely with parents or guardians. The Library does not act in loco parentis.
   4. Materials shall stimulate interests, broaden perspectives, enhance reading skills, and meet educational needs.

3. Collection Development Criteria
   1. Materials are selected using the following criteria:
      1. Popular and anticipated demand
      2. Contemporary significance and permanent value
      3. Literary merit and creative quality
      4. Authority and reputation of authors or publishers
      5. Evaluation in reputable review sources
      6. Accuracy, currency, and local relevance
      7. Customer requests and representation of diverse viewpoints
      8. Cost, availability, and physical suitability for Library use
   2. Selections require positive review in credible sources, including:
      1. Booklist
      2. School Library Journal
      3. Publishers Weekly
      4. New York Times
      5. Book Review
      6. Common Sense Media, among others

1. Electronic Materials

Criteria for Electronic Materials include ease of use, licensing, accessibility, and cost- effectiveness.

1. Deselection

A. Periodic evaluations ensure the collection remains current, balanced, and useful. Deselection considerations include:

1. Availability of other copies or formats
2. Physical condition of the material
3. Content accuracy and relevance
4. Usage statistics

1. Reconsideration of Materials
   1. Adult Resident cardholders with accounts older than six months with a check-out history may request reconsideration of materials through the following process:
      1. Initial Request: Verbal request to the Library Director.
      2. Formal Submission: If unresolved, the customer completes a Reconsideration Form.
      3. Decision: The Library Director provides a written response within 30 days.
      4. Appeal: If dissatisfied, the customer may appeal to the Library Board, which reviews the case and advises the Director for final evaluation.
   2. During the process, the material remains in circulation. Once a decision is made, materials are not eligible for further re-evaluation.

1. Donations
   1. The Library:
      1. Maintains the right to accept or reject donations.
      2. Accepts only outright gifts that meet the same selection criteria as purchased materials.
      3. Reserves the right to disperse or dispose of unselected items.
      4. Does not provide tax appraisals for donated items.

Kyle Public Library (Library) administration must approve all postings, displays, and exhibits. Any item placed on bulletin boards, or any items attached to walls or other Library surfaces, without prior approval will be removed and discarded.

I.                  Library Displays

A.       Library displays are created by Library Staff, with the purpose of promoting materials and services.

B.       Library displays focus on Library and/or City materials and services.

C.      Displays are informational, educational, recreational, or cultural in nature.

D.      As the Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of ideas and variety of viewpoints, material displayed does not necessarily represent the view or imply the endorsement of the City Administration, Library Board, or Library Staff.

E.        Library administration must approve all materials for display.

F.        Library staff will work in consultation with Library administration to set times for display installation and removal.

G.      Variations in age level, educational level, needs, and interests of customers in the community will be considered in the overall development of Library displays.

H.      It is the responsibility of all Library staff to maintain the appearance of Library displays.

II.                  Library Exhibits

A.       Library exhibit(s) feature work from external individuals/groups. Preference will be given to organizations associated with the City, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

B.       Exhibit(s) must be informational, educational, recreational, or cultural in nature.

C.      Exhibit(s) containing political campaign literature, legislative lobbying, commercial advertising, solicitations, or religious proselytizing are not permitted.

D.      As the Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of ideas and variety of viewpoints, the material exhibited does not necessarily represent the view or imply the endorsement of the City Administration, Library Board, or Library Staff.

E.        Exhibit(s) should be placed on the exhibit calendar in advance, which is maintained by Library staff.

F.        Library staff will work in consultation with Library administration to set times for exhibit installation and removal.

G.      Library administration must approve all materials for exhibit(s).

H.      It is the responsibility of the organization/individual to remove exhibit(s) in a timely and non-disruptive manner.

I.           Exhibit(s) should be properly labeled as to the subject matter or event being highlighted.

J.           It is the responsibility of the organization/individual exhibiting their work to provide all equipment necessary for exhibit installation.

K.        The installation cannot be permanent or damage Library property.

L.         The exhibitor should be aware that their material is exhibited in a public place with limited monitoring.

M.     The Library is not responsible for any theft or damage to the material.

III.                  Library Bulletin Boards

A.       The Library reserves the right to deny and the right to remove announcements, posters, or other materials.

B.       The Library can remove any materials which have been posted for a reasonable length of time or if space is needed for other programs and events.

C.      Material left for Library consideration for posting cannot be held or returned.

D.      As space is very limited priority will be given to the Library, Library support groups, City, and City-related material; and, as space permits, announcements of events and activities of tax-supported or non-profit educational, cultural, and charitable organizations.

E.        Space for political campaign literature, legislative lobbying, commercial advertising, solicitations, fundraisers, religious proselytizing, and personal notices or communications cannot be provided.

IV.                  Information Tabling at the Library

A.       The Library may provide space for an information table to local and state agencies, Library support groups, non-profit organizations, and education institutions.

B.       Commercial, political, solicitation, or fundraising activity is prohibited.

C.      Providing tabling space does not constitute an endorsement of the agency’s services by the Library.

D.      An Information Table Request Form must be completed a month in advance for all requests for tabling. Submitting a Request Form does not guarantee availability of tabling space, or the date and time requested. Requests must be approved by the Library Administration.

E.        The Library limits one Information Table session per agency once a quarter (every three months), or once every 30-days for organizations with an official partnership with the City of Kyle. Each session is not to exceed four hours.

F.        The name of the agency must be prominently displayed on the table.

G.      Tables shall not interfere with the normal operations or programs of the Library, and shall not block collections, displays, and entrance and exit.

H.      Information tables must be staffed by the agency at all times. The Library is not responsible for monitoring or supervising information tables.

1. Gifts

   The Kyle Public Library (Library) welcomes gifts, physical or monetary, that support the mission of the Library. Such offers will be handled in accordance with the City of Kyle’s Acceptance of Gift Policy and by Library administration. At the discretion of the Library Director, the Library Board will be consulted in an advisory capacity to determine the suitability of the gift and the terms of acceptance compatible with the Library’s mission and policies.

   1. Gifts are to only be accepted with the donor’s full agreement that the Library has the right to handle or dispose of the gift in the best interest of the institution.

   2. The Library will not appraise the value of gifts. Income tax regulations leave the determinations of the gift’s monetary value to the donor, and donors wishing to have an appraisal of their gifts should do so prior to donation.

   3. The Library has the right to refuse gifts, including those that are intended to express political viewpoints or otherwise do not meet the standards for inclusion in the Library’s collection.

2. Donations to the Library Collection

   Refer to the Library Collection Development Policy.

1. Purpose
   1. InterLibrary Loan is the process of lending and borrowing materials between libraries via a mailing system. InterLibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of the Kyle Public Library’s (Library) collections.
   2. Library materials shall be made available for lending to participating libraries, unless otherwise restricted by this policy.
   3. InterLibrary Loan policy shall adhere to the requirements of the Texas InterLibrary Loan Protocol and the InterLibrary Loan Code for the United States.
2. Eligibility
   1. Library Resident cardholders shall be eligible to use the InterLibrary Loan service so long as they meet the following requirements:
      1. Be a Resident or Non-Resident cardholder for at least 60 days with a check-out history;
      2. Be at least 18 years of age;
      3. Have no blocks on the account;
      4. Agree to all requirements of this InterLibrary Loan Policy.
3. Borrowing Materials
   1. Requests for materials must be made online through the customer’s account. Library staff will assess the availability for the requested materials from available InterLibrary Loan resources and inform the borrower of the potential timeline and cost of the requested materials.
   2. Once the borrower agrees to the requirements of the InterLibrary Loan material and associated costs, Library Staff will request the materials.
   3. Borrowers are limited to two InterLibrary Loans per month.
   4. Upon receipt of the InterLibrary Loan material, Library Staff will inform the borrower of the availability of the requested material. The borrower will be required to retrieve the material from Library Staff within two weeks, unless there are more stringent restrictions on the requested materials from the lending Library.
   5. The borrower will be required to return the InterLibrary Loan materials in good condition by their due date. Failure to adhere to these requirements will subject the borrower to fees and / or a blocked account.
4. Lending Materials
   1. Library materials shall be available for loan, unless it is specifically listed as a “Restricted Material,” as defined in this InterLibrary Loan Policy.
   2. The Library will prioritize the distribution of materials to customers on a priority basis but will not preclude materials from being lent solely for the purpose of keeping materials available for customers.
   3. The Library shall adhere to the requirements established in the Texas InterLibrary Loan Protocol and the InterLibrary Loan Code for the United States.
5. Restricted Materials
   1. The Arts and Technology Center Collection (ARTC), Hotspots, and Chromebook Laptops are not available for the InterLibrary Loan Program.
   2. There are materials that are restricted from the InterLibrary Loan program due to limitations, which include:
      1. Condition
      2. Material Age
      3. Material Type
      4. Rarity
      5. Replacement Cost
      6. Shipping Limitations
6. Costs and Fees
   1. Customer will be subject to a service cost outlined in the Library Fines, Fees, and Charges for InterLibrary Loan materials requested. This cost will be paid at the time the InterLibrary Loan materials are received by the borrower.
   2. The Library will not charge other libraries for the loan of Library materials.
7. Damaged or Lost InterLibrary Loan Materials
   1. Fees associated with damaged or lost materials will be identified by the lending Library.

I.                  Purpose of the TexShare Card

A.       The Kyle Public Library (Library) participates in the TexShare Card Program sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The TexShare Card Program provides customers with borrowing privileges from almost 500 participating libraries across Texas. See full program details and description of the TexShare Card Program at tsl.texas.gov/texshare/card.

B.       The purpose of this TexShare Card Policy is to establish guidelines for obtaining and using a TexShare Card with the Library.

II.                  Obtaining a TexShare Card from the Library

A.       Library cardholders may request a TexShare Card to be used when visiting another participating Library.

B.       To qualify for a TexShare Card, cardholders must meet the following criteria:

1.        Be a member for at least 60 days with a check-out history;

2.        Be at least 18 years of age; and

3.        Have no blocks on the account.

III.                  Using a TexShare Card from another Library

A.       Visiting TexShare members can present their TexShare Card and a photo ID at the Library to obtain a Library TexShare membership.

B.       Borrowing shall be limited in quantity and duration as outlined in the Library Circulation Policy.

C.      TexShare Memberships are valid for one year from the date issued/renewed.

The Kyle Public Library (Library) Makerspace (“Makerspace,” or the “Library”) is an innovative creative space that provides library customers access to high quality, professional grade computer hardware, software, and equipment to support their educational, and personal endeavors.  

Use of the Makerspace is subject to the rules in this policy, the Makerspace Safety Guidelines, and any other applicable Library policies and procedures. Failure to abide by all applicable policies and procedures will result in suspension or loss of Makerspace use privileges.  

Customers wishing to use the Makerspace, or any equipment contained within it, must read and sign the Makerspace User Agreement before they may use it.  

I.                  General Policy  

A.       The Library’s Makerspace may be used only for lawful purposes. The public is prohibited from using the Makerspace and any included equipment to create material that is:

1.        Prohibited by local, state or federal law.

2.        Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others (such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer).

3.        Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.

4.        In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the equipment may not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

5.        For political advertising or business purposes.

B.       The Makerspace is available to Library customers ages 12 and older. Users 12-17 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the agreement form on their behalf before using the Makerspace.

C.      Users must complete and sign the Makerspace Agreement and Liability Form before using the Makerspace.

D.      Users agree to release and hold the Library harmless from any claims for personal injury, property damage, or any other loss in connection with the use of the Makerspace, including the equipment, tools, and materials.

E.        The Library reserves the right to limit use of Makerspace equipment and refuse to produce any projects, including, without limitation, those that it believes may violate this policy or any other applicable library policy, or that may result in legal action against the Library or its employees.

F.        The Library upholds copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) and the patent law (Title 35, United States Code), which governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material. The person requesting print is liable for any infringement and the Library reserves the right to deny access to equipment if such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent, or other laws.  

II.                  Procedures  

A.       Customers must have an unblocked Library card/account to use the Makerspace.

B.       To request access to the Makerspace, a customer must show their Library card to Library staff.

C.      The user bears responsibility to use the items properly and to pay for any broken parts. Machines will be checked out to individuals while in use and will be checked back in upon completion.

D.      One 1-hour print per month per household is free for KPL cardholders. Texshare cards are not eligible for 3D printing.

E.        Individuals using the machines must notify staff when they have finished with the machine. All items must be in the same condition in which they were borrowed. The machines are for in-house use only and must stay in the designated location while in use and checked out.

F.        A parent or legal guardian must accept responsibility and reserve the machines for children ages one and older and supervise use at all times. Minors aged 12 and up may reserve machines for individual use and must sign the Makerspace User Agreement and Liability Form along with their parent or legal guardian.

G.      Library staff members are happy to assist Makerspace users as time permits. Staff have limited availability to provide this assistance on demand.

H.      Makerspace tools and devices that are free to use include the following: Die Cut Machine, Sewing Machine, Cricut and the 3D Printer.

I.           Makerspace equipment may not be left unattended while it is in use; Customers must remain with it at all times. This applies to all Makerspace machines except for the 3D Printer.

J.           The Library does not guarantee the availability of any equipment in the Makerspace.

K.        Work on the equipment should conclude, the area cleaned, and the workstation restored 15 minutes prior to the end of a Makerspace lab time.

L.         If the equipment breaks, please alert staff immediately. Customers may be responsible for replacement costs for damage to equipment or the physical space incurred due to Customer negligent usage or intentional misuse.  

III.                  Guidelines  

A.       Follow all safety guidelines and exercise caution with all Makerspace equipment.  

B.       The Library is not responsible for any injuries caused by improper use of equipment, damage to a Customer’s files or for any manufacturer’s defects.  

C.      All work saved on Library computers will be deleted at the end of each session. Customers must save files on an external storage device. 

D.      Customers are required to bring their own materials for use of the Die Cut, Sewing, and Cricut machines.

E.        Be respectful of other Customers, and do not disrupt someone’s work.

F.        Customers must read and sign the Library’s Makerspace Liability Waiver before use.  

IV.                  Protection of Customer Intellectual Property

While the Library encourages Customers to use its Makerspace equipment and services for innovation and invention, due to the public nature of its facilities, the Library cannot guarantee the security of Customers’ intellectual property rights such as copyright or trade secrets. Projects may be produced within view of the public, and the Library may photograph and/or record the printing process and publish such photographs and/or recordings in any type of media now in existence or hereafter created, including, without limitation, print, social media, television, and the Internet. Customers using the Library’s Makerspace equipment and services must accept the risk that their intellectual property may be exposed to or copied by others. The Library reserves the right to delete Customers’ design, model, or files submitted to the library or saved on library computers at any time. By utilizing Makerspace equipment, submitting or requesting content or objects to be produced, the Customer agrees to assume all responsibility for, and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to the production of that item, as set forth below.  

V.                  Indemnification and Disclaimer of Liability  

A.       Indemnification

By using the Library’s Makerspace equipment and/or services, you agree to release from, indemnify, and hold harmless the Library, its officers, employees, board members, agents, and representatives from and against any and all suits, claims, damages, losses, expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees), settlements, and judgments arising out of or relating to your use of Makerspace 3D equipment and services, including, without limitation, any claims for personal injury and infringement or misappropriation of any copyright, trademark, or patent.  

B.       Disclaimer of Liability and Warranty

C.      By using the Library’s Makerspace equipment and services, you agree to assume the risk of, and acknowledge that the Library disclaims all liability for, any and all injuries (including death) resulting from use of equipment and/or items created using equipment owned by the Library. You also agree that objects produced may contain certain inherent weaknesses and limitations and may not be suitable for all applications, including, without limitation, those for which they are designed and intended. You further agree to assume the risk of, and acknowledge that the Library disclaims all liability for, damages or claims for infringement of intellectual property rights arising from your use of the Library’s Makerspace services. 

Libraries must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and shall ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to library resources. To ensure such access, libraries may provide individuals with disabilities with services such as extended loan periods, waived late fines, extended reserve periods, library cards for proxies, books by mail, reference services by fax or email, home delivery service, remote access to the OPAC, remote electronic access to library resources, volunteer readers in the library, volunteer technology assistants in the library, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or real-time captioning at library programs, and radio reading services. Libraries should include persons with disabilities as participants in the planning, implementing, and evaluating of library services, programs, and facilities.