Circulation Policy

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 cards are not transferable and may not be used by others. The only exceptions are the following: 

• Homebound cardholders may designate someone to use their card to check out materials for them. 

• A parent of a minor child may use the minor’s card to check out materials for the child. 

Getting a Library Card 

Adults (age 18+) may apply for a library card by completing a library card application and providing a valid photo ID.  

A valid photo ID is defined as an unexpired government-issued photo ID that is one of the following: 

• State-issued Drivers License 

• State-issued Identification Card 

• United Stated Military ID (active or retired) 

• Passport  

A parent or legal guardian may restrict access to checking out library materials to their minor (under 18 years old) by selecting a juvenile or young adult account. 

• A “juvenile” account is recommended for children 12 years of age and under and will have access to all resources recommended for minors under 13 years old.   

• A “young adult” account is recommended for minors 13 - 17 years of age and will have access to all resources except R rated movies.  

A parent or legal guardian who does not want to restrict access to checking out library materials can choose to allow their minor to be issued an adult library card. 

Residents of Santa Rosa County, Florida will pay an annual $50.00 fee. 

Library Card Responsibilities  

• Library patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their card. 

• If the card is lost or stolen, notify the library immediately. 

• Patrons are responsible for any items checked out on their card prior to the card being reported lost or stolen. 

• A patron may receive one replacement card per year. After the first replacement card, cards are reissued at a cost of $1.00 each, with proper identification.  

• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for all items, fines, and charges on the cards of their minor children. 

Two Year Term Card: 

Patron must meet one of the following requirements: 

• Live in or own property in Escambia County, Florida 

• Own a business in Escambia County, Florida 

• Work for the City of Pensacola, Town of Century, or Escambia County, Florida 

• Minors (ages birth-17 years old) of a qualifying adult parent/guardian 

One Year Term Card:  

Patron must meet one of the following requirements: 

• Employed at a public or private school in Escambia County, Florida 

• Member of the military (active or retired) 

• Attends any public or private school in Escambia County, Florida and can provide a current class schedule or school Identification 

• Residents of Santa Rosa County, Florida. 

• Minors under the age of 18 years old of a qualifying adult parent or guardian.  

Short Term Card: Checkouts are limited to books, Compact Discs (Music and Audiobooks), DVDs & Blu-Rays, and eResources (i.e., eBooks). 

Patron must meet one of the following requirements: 

• Resides in a treatment or rehabilitation program in Escambia County, Florida and can provide an official letter verifying his or her address (valid 90 days) 

• Lives in an Escambia County, Florida shelter or an extended stay accommodation and can provide an official letter from the organization verifying his or her address (valid 90 days) 

• Patron is visiting Escambia County, Florida for three (3) or more weeks and can provide a lease agreement. Card expires at the end of the lease period. 

• A qualifying adult parent or guardian may allow their minor child (under the age of 18 years) to receive a card valid for the same term.  

Student Card: Parents or legal guardians of students in Escambia County, Florida Public Schools, Escambia County, Florida Homeschoolers, or other Escambia County, Florida K-12 educational institutions may request a no fines or fees library card for their minor.  

• Checkout limit to three (3) books (includes print and audio). 

• Items returned that are damaged beyond repair will result in a reduction in the number of items allowed. 

• Student Library cards can be used to ride Escambia County, Florida Area Transit (ECAT) for free. 

Borrowing 

• Patrons may have the following number of items, per library card account: 

  • Up to 15 physical books; 

  • Up to 4 books on CD; 

  • Up to 4 Music CDs; 

  • Up to 4 DVDs/Blu-Rays/Video games  

  • Up to 1 “Library of Things” kit; 

  • Up to 1 Launchpad; and 

  • Up to 4 Children’s voice books (i.e., VOX books and Wonderbooks) 

Loan Periods and Overdue Fines 

A cardholder who pays for and then returns a lost item may request a refund within thirty (30) days of the payment date. The library assumes no responsibility for damage or alleged damage to a borrower’s electronic device caused by library materials. 

Requesting Items 

• A cardholder may request any circulating library item by visiting any library location or by visiting the library’s website. 

• The maximum number of simultaneous holds requested on a library card is fifteen (15). 

• The library does not 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 notification. 

Revised and approved on July 22, 2024, by the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance.