Library Policies
Checking Items Out
You must have a library card to check items out. No exceptions made.
You are allowed to check out 28 items on your card. This amount can be a combination of materials. An exception is made for teachers, who may check out items for classroom use. The limit is 31 for them.
You must be at least 21 years old to check out videos or DVDs and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots.
Requirements for a Cooke County Library card.
Los requisitos para un de Tarjeta de Biblioteca de Condado de Cooke.
Item limits & Checkout Periods
Books – limited to 12 per patron and have a checkout period of 2 weeks.
Audiobooks – limited to 6 per patron and also have a checkout period of 2 weeks.
DVDs – limited to 5 per family and have a checkout period of 7 days.
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots – limited to 1 per family and have a checkout period of 7 days. No renewals. There is a $5 per day charge if late.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) – limited to 5 open requests per person. Checkout period varies depending on the policy of the lending library. Read more about ILLs.
Renewing Items
Renewals can be made in person, by phone, or through OPAC.
Books & Audiobooks – can be renewed twice IF not already overdue and as long as there is not a reserve on the item. If the item is overdue the late fee must be paid before the item is renewed.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) – can sometimes be renewed, depending on the policy of the lending library. Renewing an ILL often takes a few days, so please call the Cooke County Library at 940-668-5530 at least a week ahead of your ILL’s due date to request a renewal.
DVDs – can be renewed once IF not already overdue and as long as there is not a reserve on the item. If the item is overdue the late fee must be paid before the item is renewed.
Returning Items
During operating hours all drop boxes are closed and items must be returned inside the library. Drop boxes are only open when the library is closed. There is a $1.00 charge for each item returned in a drop box during operating hours.
Books – There are 3 book drops, 2 are located by the doors of the library and the other is located on the curbside of Main Street.
DVDs – DVDs can be dropped in the DVD drop located on the curbside of Main Street.
Audiobooks – We currently do not have a drop box for these items. You will be charged $1.00 for each audiobook or VHS returned in any drop box.
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots – Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots must be returned inside the library.
Behavior
All cell phones must be silenced when in the library. If a conversation is necessary please take the call outside.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the library.
No nicotine, smoking or vaping is permitted in the building or on library grounds.
Photocopying
Copies – $.20 per page for black and white, $.50 for color
Local faxes – $.50 per page
800 numbers – $.50 per page
Long distance – $2.00 for the 1st page and a $1.00 for each additional page of letter size paper. However, if using legal paper and sending it long distance, the cost is $1.25 after the initial $2.00 charge.
Receiving a fax at the library – $.50 per page. The fax number for the library is 940-668-5533.
Oversees faxes – from $3.00 to $5.00 per minute. (A call is placed to the operator for the charge to that location.)
Internet
Currently, Cooke County Library offers seven computers to the public which can access the Internet, various programs and for other needs. Five computers are for adult access and two for children. It is not necessary to have a Cooke County Library card to use the computers. There are laptops available as well for use inside the library. The user is allowed only one hour to use the computers, twice per day. After the first hour has finished, the Library staff has the right to ask the patron to leave the computer. However, if there are no other patrons waiting to use the computers at that time, the patron may be allowed to continue use of the computer. Internet Policy [PDF]
Meeting Room
For questions regarding the use of the Library’s room call Jennifer Johnson-Spence at 940-668-5530. Meeting Room Policy [PDF]
Damaged or Lost Items
Charges are assessed for damaged or lost materials to encourage library users to take care of library property. The patron may keep any damaged materials for which replacement cost has been paid. The patron will be charged the cost of the item plus a $3.00 processing fee. Read details about lost or damaged items [PDF]
Long Range Plan
On November 13, 2023 the Cooke County Commissioners Court voted and approved a 5 Year Long Range Plan for the Cooke County Library. This plan assists and serves as guide for the Library to stay focused on the services and needs of its’ customers. It will be reviewed every 5 years to make sure the patrons requests are still the same. Long Range Plan [PDF]
Library Policy Manual
On July 25, 2022, the Cooke County Commissioners Court voted and approved a general policy manual for the Cooke County Library. This policy manual covers a variety of issues such as unattended children, Internet use, fines and fees, etc. This policy manual is to serve as a guide and provide security for both the patron and Cooke County Library. Cooke County Library Policy [PDF]
You may also view the Cooke County Library Policy Appendices [PDF]
NCTC Agreement
On May 27, 2008 the Cooke County Commissioner’s Court approved the new statement of cooperation between the Cooke County Library and North Central Texas College. NCTC’s Library Director, Diane Roether and Cooke County Library Director, Jennifer Johnson-Spence signed this agreement on June 2, 2008. NCTC Agreement [PDF]
