BORROWING INFORMATION

1. Allowable DVD checkouts by age groups are as follows:
   • Children up to 17 – ratings of G, PG and PG13
   • 18 years of age and older – ALL ratings
   • Non-rated DVDs may be checked out by adults
2. DVDs, Playaway Views and games may be returned to any library location. Please be careful to close them securely to prevent damage especially if returning them in the bookdrop. They may also be returned at Allentown Public Library or Easton Area Public Libraries
3. Library staff will visually inspect each DVD before it is checked out and again when it is returned. The patron who checked out the item is responsible for any damage while it is in his or her possession.
4. If you have any problems viewing a DVD, please report it when returning it to the library.
5. The Bethlehem Area Public Library takes no responsibility for damage to patrons’ equipment from the use of library materials.
6. Because of copyright and licensing restrictions, DVDs may not be duplicated or broadcast. Only those DVDs licensed for public performance may be shown by organizations or public institutions. All others are for home viewing only.

Limit per card, per category

Materials in All Collections (p/card Limit)
Books, Magazines, Toys, Puppets, Kits & Reading Bags – 50 Combined
DVDs & Playaway Views – 10
Audiobooks & Playaways – 10
Music CDs – 10
Video Games – 3

Unless there is a reserve on an item, you may renew materials twice. You may renew in person when the library is open (please bring your library card), by telephone or by accessing your online account.

If you renew by phone and you leave a message, speak slowly and clearly to be sure we can understand your name. Please spell your name and repeat the phone number. We will call you to confirm that the items can be renewed.

If you renew online, please be sure to note the new due dates. If an item cannot be renewed, the screen will tell you that. If you have any problem, call us at 610-867-3761, ext. 226, (leave a message if the library is closed) or send an e-mail .

If something you want has been checked out by another person, or if the Library has ordered it and it has not come in yet, you may reserve it.

You can reserve materials at any library location or online through your account at bapl.org. Also, you now can reserve most titles in the collections of Allentown Public Library or Easton Area Public Library.

There are exceptions: rental copies cannot be reserved nor can new items from Allentown and Easton libraries.

If you see an item you would like from the Bethlehem collection and the status in the catalog is “in”, you can call to have it set aside at no charge. For these items, you will have 3 business days to pick the item up from the library.

When a reserved item is ready for pick up, the Library will call, email, or text you to notify you. You may choose your preferred manner of notification.

After notification that a reserve is in, you will have 4 business days to pick-up an item. 

If the library does not own a new book or other item that you would like us to have, you may suggest that we purchase it. You can do this:

• In the library, at an Information Desk
• In the Youth Services Department at the Main Library
• Filling in, printing out, and returning the online form Suggestion for Purchase

We honor most book suggestions, and you will automatically be put on the reserve list. You will be notified by mail or e-mail when the item is ready for you to check it out. If we are not able to purchase it, we will borrow it from another library on interlibrary loan for you at your request. There will be a $.50 charge for the reserve or interlibrary loan.

See the policies and procedures for requesting an item from another library (Inter Library Loan) here.

All library materials can be returned to any BAPL location. Materials do not have to be returned to the same location where you checked them out. You may also return items to Allentown Public Library or Easton Area Public Library. We also have book drop locations at both the Bethlehem Township and Hanover Township Community Centers as well as BAPL Coolidge.

Materials may be placed in the book drops at the Main Library 24 hours a day. (Book drops may be locked on holidays.)  Materials returned to the book drops before the library opens at 9:00 am are checked in as if they had been returned the previous business day.

The book drop in the door of the South Side Branch is open only when the Branch is closed. If the Branch is open, please come in to return.

You may return our books to other public libraries in Pennsylvania, but please be sure that the library is a participant in the Access Pennsylvania program and will return the books to us. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN DVDS, GAMES OR PLAYAWAY VIEWS TO LIBRARIES OTHER THAN BETHLEHEM, ALLENTOWN OR EASTON.

Maximum fine threshold per card is $10.00. Once this amount is reached, privileges are withdrawn.

You may have your overdue notices sent by mail or email. If you choose to receive notices by email, you will not get notices by regular mail. You are responsible for keeping your email address up-to-date.

If you lose or damage library materials, you will be charged the price of the item.

The Library will decide whether to accept a replacement copy of a lost or damaged item. Items lost and owned by Allentown or Easton may be paid at BAPL.

You may pay your fines:

• With cash or check at all locations
• Online, through your Library Account, using a credit or debit card
• Through the mail by check
• In person at the Library using credit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) or debit card
• By phoning 610-867-3761 x202 during open business hours to pay by credit

When charges on accounts reach $25.00, we use the services of a library collection agency.

Other Charges:

• Photocopies: 20¢
• Microfilm Photocopies: 25¢
• Replacement Card: $1.00
• Network Printing (per page): 20¢ for black & white and $1.00 for color
• Rental Books (21 days): $3.00

The maximum fine for items is $10, with the exception of internet hotspots, which have a maximum fine of $100.

Books (hardcover and paperback), music CDs, magazines, toys, puppets, kits, reading bags, and interlibrary loans:

• Charges per day: $0.20
• Maximum Fine: $10.00
• First notice: 1 day overdue
• Second notice: 21 days overdue
• Third notice: 45 days overdue
• Final bill: 60 days overdue
• Maximum fine for missing hotspots is $50.

DVDs, Games, and Playaway Views:

• Charges per day: $0.20
• Maximum Fine: $10.00
• First notice: 1 day overdue
• Second notice: 21 days overdue
• Third notice: 45 days overdue
• Final bill: 60 days overdue

The Bethlehem Area Public Library at times makes use of the services of a library collection agency to retrieve overdue materials and to collect charges that exceed $24.99. When accounts are turned over to the collection agency, a $10.00 non-refundable fee is added

Who will be sent to collection:

• Adult patrons who owe $25.00 or more in fines and fees. They will receive a bill and be given 70 days to bring their balance below $25.00.

Benefits

• More library materials are returned, saving what it would cost to replace them
• More fines are paid, giving the library money for more new materials and services
• Staff time is put to use in more positive ways, providing better library service to our patrons
• More responsible use of taxpayers’ money

Questions? Contact us