Who We Are

Library Mission Statement

The mission of the Madison County Library is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the community by welcoming patrons of all ages and backgrounds to pursue lifelong learning,  utilize access to technology, and enjoy recreational reading. We strive to provide equal access to information and offer the materials, programs and services to meet those needs. We especially recognize our responsibility to serve as a place for children and young adults to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries.

Loan Period:

Books, DVDs, CDs, and Magazines check out for 2 weeks.  Homeschoolers  have a 3 week check out. Reference and Genealogy materials do not circulate.  Paperbacks with a colored dot on the spine are checked out on the honor system and do not have a due date. Renewals may be made by telephone, e-mail, in person, or on-line at: http://madison.biblionix.com/catalog/

Library Cards:

A library card is free to any permanent resident or business owner of Madison County.  Please show two proofs of permanent address and have a reference. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with acceptable identification.  Children must be in first grade in order to be issued a card. 

Non-resident Library Cards:

Library cards are also issued to out-of-county residents. Just provide the same two proofs of permanent address and  reference.

Check-out Limits:

We allow 25 items total to be checked out per library card.  Only 6 audio/visual materials may be checked out at a time per card. 

Late Charges:

Books and magazines—5 cents per day per item with a maximum being the replacement cost of the items.  Videos, CDs, Audios, and books with audios—50 cents per day per item with a maximum being the replacement cost of the item. Fines do not accrue on days the library is closed. We do not accept trade-in books as payment. Postage for each overdue letter sent (50 cents) will be added to patron account.

Lost Materials:

Charges for lost or irreparably damaged items include the replacement cost of the item plus a $5.00 non-refundable handling fee. “Minor” damage such as crayon marks or tears that can be repaired and that do not interfere with the text are subject to a $5.00 damage fee. We do not accept trade-in books as payment, unless discussed with Librarian first. Evaluation of condition at discretion of the Librarian.

Computers: 

Public access computers with Internet and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a one- hour time limit unless arrangements are made with the library staff. Complete Computer and Internet Use Policies are available at the front desk.

Printouts/Copies:

Printouts and copies are 25 cents per side or 10 cents per side for church, school/student, community organizations, and if you bring your own paper, black & white only. Color copies and printouts are 50 cents per side. We only copy/print letter, legal or ledger size paper and will not print your labels, envelopes, or specialty papers.

We have a 50 copies/printouts per week limit per person and/or per document due to overages.

FAX:

Fax service is available for sending or receiving faxes. The cost is 50 cents per page to receive and $1.00 per page to send. The fax number is the same as our phone number, 936-348-6118.

IRS forms:

IRS forms are available when they are received by the library—we have no control over when the IRS sends them. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Copies/printouts of forms are available on www.irs.gov and cost 25 cents per side.

Interlibrary Loan:

Eligible patrons (18 years old and older and be in good standing for 1 year) may request that we borrow items from other libraries. There is a 3- item limit per month and there is a postage fee of $3.00, $3.50, or $4.00 per item based on weight to be determined when the item arrives that is to be paid when the item is picked up. When postage fees are in excess of $7.00 for large or bulky items, patron will pay half of postage fee.

Meeting Room:

A public meeting room is available for your group’s meetings.  Call for availability and details.

Special Collections:

We have an extensive genealogy and local history collection for in-house use only.  We do research for $5.00 per query and 25 cents for each photocopy (25 cents per side).  We also have a great collection of Spanish and Bilingual books for adults and children.

Summer Reading Program

Program for Kids for 6 weeks usually in June and July. Reading, games, crafts, and great prizes!