Library Policies

The following policies have been approved by the Germantown Community Library Board:

Library Card Registration

Individuals wishing to check out materials from the Germantown Community Library must have a valid public library card from a library within the Monarch Library System (libraries in Washington, Dodge, Sheboygan & Ozaukee counties).   Any patron will be eligible to obtain a Germantown Community Library card and will be subject to all policies and procedures outlined in the Circulation Policy.  Patrons may hold only one valid library card from the libraries participating in the Monarch System.  Children under 18 who wish to register for a library card must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Adults (age 18 and over) and custodial parents of minors are required to present some form of photo identification indicating their current address when applying for a new library card.

Individuals (age 18 and over) may apply for a library card online through the Monarch Catalog.  Completion of the online application creates an immediate online library account which provides instant access to place holds and access digital material through Overdrive/Libby.  To check out physical material and receive a physical library card all patrons are required to present, at the library, a proper form of identification with their current address.

Material Loans, Limits & Fines

Materials may be checked out for:

  • 4 weeks (Fiction & Non-Fiction Books; Audiobooks)
  • 2 weeks (New Adult Fiction books; Non-Fiction & TV series DVDs/Blu-rays; Video Games; Music CDs; Magazines; Library of Things)
  • 1 week (Feature Film DVDs/Blu-rays/Hotspots)
  • 3 days (Adventure Passes)

Item limits for materials include:

  • 100   Books
  • 25     Music CDs, Magazines & Audiobooks (of each media)
  • 25     DVDs/Blu-rays (total)
  • 5        Video Games & Library of Things

Overdue fines are charged on materials that are not returned on time. All juvenile and young adult materials are fine free.  The fine rate is $ .10 per item per day for all other material.  At no time shall the amount of the fine exceed $5.00. Library of Things items may incur higher individual and maximum fines.  Fines are accumulated on scheduled days of operation.