The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library strives to be the learning crossroads of our community and the place to visit for lifelong interest in the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information. Community needs drive our services as we seek to improve the quality of life for all citizens of our community in concert with organizations in and beyond Bee County. We take a personal interest in ensuring that a full range of materials and services are provided in an inviting, convenient, and responsive manner. We especially recognize our responsibility to serve as an instrument for children to explore the world through reading and learn the value of libraries.
Resident
A Library card is issued FREE to any BEE COUNTY resident with proper ID and proof of residency. Library cards issued to children 17 years or under must be obtained by a parent or legal guardian who will take responsibility for any/all library obligations. Minors (children under the age 18) renewing their library cards must have their responsible party present to validate current phone number and address on their account. Resident lost card replacement cost $2.00.
A resident is defined as anyone who resides within the county limits or is included in any of the following categories: (1) Temporary Garza prison worker (ID required) residing on prison property; (2) Temporary residents residing within the County limits for six (6) consecutive weeks or more; (3) Students currently enrolled at Coastal Bend College (student ID required); and (4) Non-residents who own real property within the county limits.
As proof of residence, the Library accepts a valid Texas driver’s license or Texas ID, utility or telephone bills, voter registration card, county property tax statement, or a personalized check. Library Staff may substitute alternate proof on a case per case basis.
All library cards must be signed before use as a binding agreement of Library policy and use.
Library cards are valid for one (1) year. When the account nears expiration, the patron should stop by the Library with ID described above to renew. Staff will verify residence and update the borrower record to reflect any changes. Any balance pending on the account must be paid prior to renewal.
For an annual fee of $5.00 per adult and $5.00 per child, non-residents may obtain a library card with the same borrower privileges as residents. Non-residents temporarily residing in the county six (6) weeks or more are regarded as residents with the same privileges as residents and are not required to pay nonresident fee. Non-resident replacement card costs $2.00.
A library card is available to all non-resident minors through age 17. A Parent or legal guardian must sign and assume full responsibility for the library card. Responsibility includes all fees or fines incurred on the card. Each minor non-resident annual card cost $5.00. Minor non-resident replacement card cost $2.00.
As proof of residence, the Library accepts a valid Texas driver’s license or Texas ID, utility or telephone bills, voter registration card, county property tax statement, or a personalized check. Library Staff may substitute alternate proof on a case per case basis.
All library cards must be signed before use.
Library cards will expire on an annual basis. When the account nears expiration, the patron should stop by the Library with ID and annual fee of $5.00, as described above, to renew. Staff will verify residence and update the borrower record to reflect any changes. Any balance pending on the account must be paid prior to renewal.
Each teacher must have a personal resident library card and must show proof of employment as a teacher or daycare worker.
The Teacher Card is to be used for classroom related materials only that are used in the classroom; no bestsellers, current fiction, etc. Cardholders may borrow up to 15 items at a time for a two (2) month loan period. Teachers may request extended loan periods for special projects. Three (3) Interlibrary Loan classroom items may be requested FREE of charge every month.
Teachers will be responsible for all lost or damaged items issued on card. All cards must be renewed every August with proof of employment as stated above.
Cardholders must follow library policies as appropriate.
Item | Limit | Length | Renewal |
Books | 5 total | 3 weeks | one |
Audiobooks | 3 per card | 3 weeks | one |
Multimedia | 3 per card | 3 weeks | one |
DVD/CD | 3 per card | 1 week | one |
Paperbacks | 15 per card | 3 weeks | one |
New books | 3 per card | 2 weeks | none |
Wi-Fi Hotspots | 1 per family | 3 weeks | one |
eBooks | 5 per card | 3 weeks | subject to availability |
User agreement must be completed by patron before checkout.
Items placed on hold online or in person will be held for five (5) business days. At the end of the five (5) day period, library items are placed back on the shelf.
If a patron does not have their library card, the Library will hold their items for 5 business days. At the end of the five (5) day period, library items are placed back on the shelf.
Interlibrary Loan is a service whereby a user of one library can borrow library materials that are owned by another library.
Joe Barnhart Bee County Library users who are in good standing and have a $0.00 balance are eligible to borrow through the Interlibrary Loan Program. Patrons may receive up to three (3) FREE ILL materials per month. Additional ILL materials received during the same month will be charged $1.00 for each item.
Once a request is submitted, the process can take up to six weeks. Library staff will place a telephone call to the contact number provided on the request form. Connection with an individual or answering machine will serve as a legitimate notification. A postcard will be mailed if we don’t have a response by phone, machine, or person is hearing impaired.
Once a request is submitted, the process can take up to six weeks. Library staff will place a telephone call to the contact number provided on the request form. Connection with an individual or answering machine will serve as a legitimate notification. A postcard will be mailed if we don’t have a response by phone, machine, or person is hearing impaired.
ILL materials must be picked-up by the due date or materials will be returned. If a patron does not pick up their requested and received ILL item, they will lose ILL borrowing privileges.
Late fees corresponding to in-house circulating items will be applied. Excessive late fees (exceeding $5.00) and loss of item(s) will result in suspension of ILL privileges.
The TexShare Card is a statewide library card that lets you borrow books and other physical materials from more than 500 libraries across the state!
Bee County Resident
As a member of the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library, you are eligible to receive a TexShare Card which gives you additional borrowing privileges at many public and academic libraries in the state of Texas. Your TexShare Card must be renewed annually. Ask at the circulation desk for more information.
Non-Resident (Texshare Visitors)
TexShare card holders share all borrowing privileges and are subject to the same policies as resident patrons with one exception. TexShare cardholders are not eligible for interlibrary loan through the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library and are referred to their “home” library for this service.
Books and CDs that are returned after the due date are assessed a charge of 10¢ per item per calendar day that the library is open. Films (DVDs) are assessed a charge of 50¢ per item per calendar day that the library is open. Items returned within six months of being paid may have the cost of the item refunded if the original receipt is presented.
The maximum fine is one-half the cost of the overdue item. Processing fees and overdue charges are non-refundable.
Patrons have 30 days to pay overdue fines once they have been notified in person; after 30 days their account will be blocked until the fines are resolved. A patron will lose library privileges if the account balance of any associated account exceeds $5 and/or overdue items have not been returned. Patrons will receive two written notifications regarding overdue status. The third notice will be referred to the County Attorney for action.
Items will be considered “lost” after 90 days of due date, or upon receipt of returned overdue notice; the account balance will then only reflect the purchase price of each item plus $5 processing fee.
Parents/guardians are responsible for the overdue fines on associated accounts of the minors under their care.
The Library will decide whether damaged items will be repaired or replaced.
Details of overdue items and associated charges may only be discussed with the account holder or individual designated in writing by the account holder.
The only authority of determining overdue status is the circulation computer.
Maintenance Fees
DVD cleaning $2.00Replacement Fees
Audiobook case (multiple) $9.00
Compact disc jewel case $1.50
Compact disc jewel case (double) $2.50
DVD case $2.00
DVD Multi-disc Case $4.00
Rebinding of a Book $10.00
Barcode $1.00
Digital Id Tag $1.50
Spine Label $1.00
Device Label $1.00
Media Bag $5.00
Device charge $15.00
Media Replacement Fees
If the exact cost to replace an item is not listed in library records, the following default charges apply:
Media Type | Default Cost | Maximum Overdue |
Hardback book | $25.00 | $12.50 |
Paperback book | $5.00 | $2.50 |
Interlibrary Loan | What the library is charged. | What the library is charged. |
Compact disc | $20.00 (per disc) | $10.00 (per disc) |
DVDs | 20.00 (per disc) | $10.00 (per disc) |
Multimedia Item | $50.00 | $25.00 |
Processing Fee | $5.00 |
Multimedia items include books with compact discs or computer disks. If one portion of the multimedia is lost the entire item is lost. Example: if a book is returned without its accompanying compact disc then the entire item is declared lost and the patron is responsible for the replacement cost of the entire item.
Patrons may declare an item lost at any time, thereby accepting the replacement cost and service charge. For a lost or defaced item, the price of the item at time of purchase is charged plus a processing fee of $5.00.
If items were stolen, a copy of a police report must be provided to the Library Director to dismiss lost fees.
No Substitutions will be accepted in lieu of lost or damaged materials.
It is the patron’s responsibility to pay for any pages they print. Current printing rates are 25¢ for black and white, 50¢ for color pages per printed side. T-Shirt Iron-on Wax Paper and Transparencies are not accepted in the Printer.
Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.
It is $1.50 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page after the first. Fax cover sheets are provided for FREE at the reference desk
Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.
The Homework Center offeres access to a variety of online resources and discounted printing for school projects and papers. We also help students of all ages locate research information. Open Monday-Saturaday thoughtout the year. Student attending school in Bee County have access to the Homework Center and its services. Students ateending school outside of Bee County Must have a library card in good standing before using the Homework Center. All students must sign the "Homework Sign-In" binder prior to using the homework center. Each Student receives 20 FREE black and white pages and 1 FREE color page each day. After the free page limit has been reached, students will be charged $0.10 per page for black & white copies and $0.25 per page for color copies.
Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.
In order to provide for the safety and welfare of all patrons and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities, certain rules of conduct and levels of responsibility must be followed on The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library premises. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library includes the main building, the parking lot (main property lot and across the street), the lawn and The Learning Center located at 120 N. Washington Street.
Anyone violating the behavior policy will be asked to stop and/or to leave. If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in staff calling the police for assistance and the offender will be subject to arrest and/or be issued a criminal trespass warrant.
The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library observes the “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” policy. . In addition, patrons will not be permitted to wear inappropriate, suggestive, vulgar, or excessively revealing clothing not conducive to community standards. Clothing with grease, ink, oil, blood, etc., which can be transferred to other patrons, library furnishings or equipment will not be permitted in the library. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
"Pursuant to section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by holder of a license to carry a concealed handgun) a person licensed under subchapter H, Chapter 411, government code (Concealed handgun law), may not enter this property with a Concealed handgun."
"Pursuant to section 30.07, penal code (trespass by license with an openly carried handgun) a person licensed under subchapter H, Chapter 411, government code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with an openly carried handgun."
In order to provide for the safety and welfare of all patrons and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities, certain rules of conduct and levels of responsibility must be followed on The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library premises. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library includes the main building, the parking lot (main property lot and across the street) and the lawn.
Anyone violating the behavior policy will be asked to stop and/or to leave. If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in staff calling the police for assistance and the offender will be subject to arrest and/or be issued a criminal trespass warrant.
Internet users should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library is not responsible for information on the internet nor can the library protect user from information that is controversial, unreliable, personally offensive, or illegal under U.S. law.
Computer users will observe generally accepted “community standards” in their selection of websites to access. All public access computers are filtered. This is in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Patrons must have their library card, in good standing, in their possession to use computers. All patrons must have complete and clear library accounts including associated accounts (no blocks – i.e. overdue charges over $5.00, returned check/credit charges, missing information, etc.). If a patron forgets or temporarily misplace their library card three (3) courtesy logins are available per library account. Additional courtesy log-ins will be charge $1.00 per use until a replacement card can be purchased. Replacement cards cost $2.00. Library workstation time usage is limited to 2 hours per card. Computer printing rates are 20¢ for black and white, 50¢ for color pages per printed side. Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.
Violations will result in loss of computer use privileges and/or banning from the library premises. Unlawful activities will be referred to appropriate legal authorities.
Anyone over the age of 18 may use the computer 3 times a month for 2 hours per day with state identification. After three (3) courtesy guest log-ins, patrons will be charged $1.00 per use untiil a non-resident card ($5.00) or a replacement card can be purchased.
All public access computers are filtered. This is in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Parents/guardians of children under 18 years of age must declare explicit permission for their child to use access the internet. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s use of equipment and should monitor their children’s selection of viewing material.
Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while using the Library’s computers. Children must be seated when using the computer. They may not lean over another child who is using the computer
Study Rooms are for 2-Hour use only and may be reserved in advance. Please ask at the Reference desk for use and/or additional time. Study Rooms are intended for individuals conducting research, writing term papers, preparing resumes and other similar activities where personal information should be kept from public view. Study Rooms may also be used by parents with small children and small groups working together on projects. Study Rooms are NOT to be used for viewing videos, playing games, or routine web browsing. Please refrain from eating and drinking in study rooms.
Lights must remain on when occupied at all times.
Those failing to comply with this policy will be asked to leave the Study Rooms.
Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.
The Dougherty Multipurpose Room in the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library is a facility used for many fucntions - film programs, children's special programs, computer classes, homework center, and teleconferenceing. The room is used primarily for library purposes relasted to cultural and educatinal avtivities.
Community educational and cultural organizations may be permitted to use the room for programs (similar in nature to those offered) by the library. Permission to use the room may be given under the following terms and conditions:
The Rosetta Room in the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library is a facility used for many fucntions - film programs, children's special programs, computer classes, homework center, and teleconferenceing. The room is used primarily for library purposes relasted to cultural and educatinal avtivities.
Community educational and cultural organizations may be permitted to use the room for programs (similar in nature to those offered) by the library. Permission to use the room may be given under the following terms and conditions:
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.
The Library reserves the right to update and change this policy at any time without notice.