LIBRARY POLICIES
2026 Holiday Closings
No library items will have due dates for the following dates. These holiday closings are observed by all members libraries of the Butler County Federated Library System.
2026 Holidays
January 1st – New Year’s Day Observance
January 19– Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 16 - President's Day (In-service day)
April 3 - Good Friday
May 25 – Memorial Day
June 19—Juneteenth
July 4– Independence Day
September 7– Labor Day
October 12– Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day – In-service Day.
November 11 – Veteran’s Day
November 26 – Thanksgiving
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 31- New Year's Eve
Tutoring Policy
- The dedicated days and times for tutoring at the Zelienople Area Public Library are Mondays from 3:00-5:00 and Thursdays from 3:00- 6:00 in the Community Room in the Children’s Library area.
- These dates and times are subject to change based on the needs of the library.
- This will foster an environment for learning while maintaining a positive experience for all other library patrons.
- The space is first come, first serve but can accommodate multiple people.
- The library staff is not responsible for supervising minors that are dropped off for tutoring or otherwise.
- The Zelienople Area Public Library is not responsible for notifying tutors, students and parents of weather related or other closures.
Mobile Hotspot Policy
- Borrowing Rules & Eligibility - Borrowers must be 18 years or older.
- Account Status – Patrons must hold a valid library card with an account in good standing (minimal or no outstanding fines).
- Household Limits – Limited to one hotspot per household at any given time.
- Loan Periods – There is a 2 week (14 days) loan period.
- Renewals – There are NO renewals on hotspots. A patron/household must wait
- 14 days from time they return a hotspot to the time they can check out another hotspot.
- Desk Returns Only - Devices must be returned directly to a staff member at the circulation desk. Dropping hotspots in a book drop can damage the internal components and will result in a fine to replace device.
- Proper Handling – Climate Care – Patrons must keep the device in a temperature-controlled environment and never leave it inside a vehicle where heat can damage the battery.
- Damaged Hotspots - will result in a $200 fine to replace device.
- Overdue fee per day - $15.00 will be charged per day for overdue hotspots.
Interlibrary Loan Policy
1) We only request titles/formats that the Butler County Federated System doesn’t currently own.
2) Any ILL charges incurred from another library may be passed on to the patron. Including but not limited to, damages, lost items, etc.
3) Only three ILLs may be requested at one time.
4) A renewal may be requested from the owning library via the lending library. Renewal requests from the borrower must be submitted a minimum of 7 days before the due date.
5) ILLs must be returned to the original lending library. Items may not be returned to the owning library, other BCFLS locations, or other New Castle District locations.
6) We do not lend any Reference materials. If available, printed materials not available for ILL lending will be photocopied
and sent to fill an ILL request. The first 10 pages will be free of charge. For each
page over ten, there will be a fee based on the library’s current photocopy fee.
7) Items published or newly acquired within the last 90 days are not eligible to be sent to fill ILL requests.
8) Items published within the last 90 days are not eligible for ILL requests by
borrowers. Requests may be saved and submitted after the 90 day window from publication has passed.
9) Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis as determined by the ILL Coordinator and/or Library Director.
10) The library will follow the Pennsylvania Interlibrary Loan Procedures Manual (2011).
Computer Usage
Public Computer & Internet Usage Rules & Regulations are available at the Library. Printing: $.20 a page for black and white copies, .50 per page for color copies.
Library Card
- Library cards are free to all Butler County residents. You must show proof of address to get card. Acceptable proof includes: up-to-date PA driver’s license, checkbook, rental agreement or utility bill. Patrons are asked to supply an identification number at registration.
- For children under 18, parent must present proof of address and sign for the child. Children can get their own cards. There is no age minimum for card.
- For those outside Butler County we offer two options:
- If you have current library card from library in your home county, present the card and show us the blue ACCESS PA sticker affixed to the back. We will then issue you card for free.
- If you do not have home library card you may purchase one from us for $20.00. This card is good for one year and must be renewed, with the fee, after a year. Such cards are kept on file here at the library.
- Replacing lost card will cost $2.50. Worn cards will be replaced at no cost.
Meeting Room Usage
Below is a summary of the Library’s meeting room use policy. For the complete policy, please visit the Library for a copy or call 724/452-9330 to have one mailed or faxed to you.
- Please call for availability of the room.
- No charge for non-profits organizations, but there is a suggested donation of $15.00.
- Fee for for-profit organizations: $40.00
- Time of scheduled meetings must correspond to regular library hours and the group or individual must vacate the meeting room by closing time.
- The meeting room is located on the library’s lower level. There is an elevator for handicapped access and restrooms adjacent to the meeting room.
- The library has one meeting room which seats 50 people. There are a limited number electrical outlets. A group using the meeting room may rearrange the tables and chairs, but then must return the room to its original condition prior to leaving. Walls may not be used for mounting or hanging pictures, displays, posters, etc.
- Refreshments may be served, but must be limited to soft drinks, one coffee urn, cookies and snacks. No cooking. No food removed from the room. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Smoking is prohibited.
- The library reserves the right to charge a fee for any needed repairs or cleaning. The library is not responsible for materials left on the premises.
- A representative is to check-in with library staff before each meeting and to check-out with a staff member before leaving after the meeting.
- Audiovisual equipment such as a large screen tv is available. Podium is available.
- Any advertisement for the meeting must include the following disclaimer: “The Zelienople Area Public Library is not sponsoring or endorsing this program or any goods or services offered”.
- Name, address or phone number of the library may not be used as the official contact or headquarters of any group, organization, or business.
- Events can reserved or canceled at the discretion of the director and trustees and can be canceled anytime for any reason.
Our Borrowing Periods
- As of January 2, 2022, all materials will circulate for three weeks with the exception of hotspots.
- Hotspots may be borrowed for 2 weeks only. No renewals for 2 weeks.
- Patrons can borrow up to 25 items per card.
- Materials placed on hold must be picked up within 3 business days.
Our Fees
Charges for lost items and non-residents:
- $2.50 replacement card.
- $20.00 for non-resident card.
- $2.00 handling for lost or damaged items plus cost.
Late Fees Are:
- 25 cents /day for all overdue books and audio tapes.
- $1.00 day interlibrary loan overdues
- $1.00/day all videos and A-V items.
- $15.00/day on overdue hotspots.
Fines $5.00 and over result in suspension of borrowing.