Home - St. Johns County Public Library Logo

Policy Title: Books By Mail

The St. Johns County Public Library System (the “Library”) is committed to providing equal access to library materials and services for all residents. The Books by Mail (“BBM”) service enables homebound patrons to conveniently request and borrow materials from the Library’s collections and receive them through the U.S. mail.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the BBM service offered by the Library.

Scope

This policy ensures that the Library can effectively manage and deliver this specialized service to eligible residents while maintaining the integrity of its collections and resources.

Service Description

Books by Mail is a free service available to all St. Johns County residents who are unable to leave home due to temporary or permanent disability. Requested items are mailed to the patron’s home address free of charge in a special Free Materials pouch. The patron returns the materials in the Free Materials pouch through the USPS free of charge.

Eligibility

  • Books by Mail is available to St. Johns County residents only.
  • Residents must hold a SJCPLS card in good standing.
  • Library patrons must complete a Books by Mail Application and a Certificate of Eligibility to begin using this service.
  • Applications are available at the public service desk of any SJCPLS branch, online at sjcpls.org, or by calling the Books by Mail Coordinator at 904-827-6977.

Material Checkout

  • Most books, audiobooks (CDs and MP3s), and DVDs are available for BBM checkout.
  • BBM patrons may not be eligible for some specialized collections.
  • Oversized materials are not available to Books by Mail patrons due to the risk of damage during mailing.

Checkout Period

  • All books, audiobooks, and DVDs: 4 weeks

Imposition Of Fees

Books by Mail Patrons are responsible for returning items in the same condition as when checked out. The patron assumes responsibility for any damages that may occur during the use of library materials.

If items are not returned, returned damaged, or lost, including mailing pouches, the patron is subject to replacement charges and/or revocation of borrowing privileges. The Library is not liable for damage to machines used to play or view non-print items.

The most recent schedule of fees, fines, and charges is posted on the library website at www.sjcpls.org.

Effective Date: 11/19/2019
Approved by LAB: 05/08/2019
Approved by BCC: 11/19/2019
Approved by LAB: 06/12/2024
Approved by BCC: 08/20/2024
Last updated 06/04/24

St. Johns County Public Library System