Circulation Policy
Eligibility and Confidentiality
West Florida Public Libraries issues library cards to all eligible individuals without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, sex, economic status, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or genetic/health status.
All registration and circulation records, except statistical reports of registration and circulation, are kept confidential from public records disclosure, in accordance with Section 257.261, Florida Statutes.
Library Card Responsibilities
- Cardholders are responsible for all items checked out on their card.
- Lost or stolen cards must be reported to the library immediately.
- Cardholders remain responsible for any items borrowed before a card is reported lost or stolen.
- Each cardholder is eligible for one free replacement card per year. Additional replacements are $1.00 each, with valid identification.
- Parents or guardians are responsible for all items, fines, and charges on the cards of their minor children.
Note: Library cards are non-transferable and cannot be used by others except in two specific cases.
- Homebound cardholders can pre-authorize someone to check out materials on their behalf.
A parent or guardian may use the minor’s card to borrow materials on behalf of the child.
Getting a Library Card
Library cards are free for residents, property owners, business owners, or employees of Escambia County, Florida, the City of Pensacola, or the Town of Century, Florida.
Residents of Santa Rosa County, Florida, who do not meet the above criteria may qualify for a card with a $50 annual fee.
Adults (age 18+) must complete an application and present a valid photo ID.
Valid photo IDs are one of the following:
- State-issued Driver License
- State-issued Identification Card
- Passport
- United States Military ID (active, retired, dependent)
- Common Access Card (CAC) for active duty and DoD Civilian employees
- USID card for spouse, children, retirees, or reservists
- Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID Card (VIC)
Minors (under 18) may receive one of the following card types, selected by their parent/guardian:
| Card Type | Recommended Age | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile | 12 & under | Access to materials for children under 13 |
| Young Adult | 13–17 | No R-rated films |
| Adult | Any age (with guardian approval) | Full access to materials |
Card Types
Two-Year Term Card: Available for residents, property owners, business owners, employees of Escambia County, FL, City of Pensacola, Town of Century, or minors (0–17) of qualifying adults.
One-Year Term Card: Available for active or retired military, employees of a public or private school in Escambia County, Florida, students that attend any public or private school in Escambia County, Florida, residents of Santa Rosa County, Florida, or minors (0–17) of qualifying adults.
Short-Term Card: Available for those in Escambia County, Florida treatment or rehabilitation programs (with 90-day proof), stay in local shelters or extended-stay accommodations (with 90-day proof), or are visiting Escambia County, Florida for 3+ weeks (with lease; card expires with lease), or minors (0–17) of qualifying adults.
Student Card: For students in Escambia County public schools, homeschools, or K-12 institutions. Checkouts are limited to 3 books (print or audio). Damaged items may result in reduced future checkout limits unless paid for. Card provides free ECAT transit access.
Borrowing Limits
| Item Type | Max per Account |
|---|---|
| Books | 15 |
| Books on CD | 4 |
| Music CDs | 4 |
| DVDs/Blu-Rays/Video Games | 4 |
| Library of Things Kit | 1 |
| Launchpads | 1 |
| Children’s Voice Books (VOX, Wonderbooks) | 4 |
Loan Periods and Fines
| Item Type | Loan Period | Overdue Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Books, Music CDs, Audiobooks | 21 days | $0.20/day, $7 max |
| Interlibrary Loans | 21 days (no renewal) | Set by lending library |
| DVDs, Video Games, Kits, Other | 7 days | $0.20/day, $7 max |
| eResources (eBooks, eAudiobooks) | Varies by vendor | No fines |
- Items may be renewed twice, unless requested by another patron.
- A card with $30 or more in outstanding fees will be blocked from renewals, checkouts, and computer access.
- Overdue notices are a courtesy; patrons can check the status of their items online at any time.
Lost or Damaged Materials
- Cardholders are responsible for damage to materials while in their possession.
- Refunds for lost items returned after payment may be requested within 30 days of payment date.4
The library is not liable for damage to personal electronic devices resulting from the use of library materials.
| Damage Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Missing case | $2.00 |
| Missing audiobook/CD | $10.00 |
| Items damaged beyond repair (e.g. water damage, torn pages, scratched discs) | Retail price |
Requesting Items
- A cardholder can request any circulating library item by visiting any library location or the library’s website.
- The maximum number of simultaneous holds requested on a library card is fifteen (15).
- The library cannot guarantee the availability of requested items.
- Patrons will be notified when their requested items are ready for pickup. Requested items, including interlibrary loans (ILL), will be held for five (5) days from the time of notification.
Revised and approved on Aug. 25, 2025, by the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance.
