Fees and user guidelines

All locations of the Anders libraries (hereafter referred to as “library”) are open for everybody.  Anyone who follows the terms of use is allowed to use the library collections, services and user facilities.

An open WLAN network is available at the library. Since the network is not protected, library users are responsible for their own data and equipment protection. The library does not accept liability for any problems or damage caused to library users by the open network or equipment used in the library.

The library rents out spaces for various functions and events. The rental prices of these spaces are listed in the Payments appendix of these terms of use and on the library’s web page.

You need a library card to borrow library materials. You can get a library card by showing photo identification at the customer service desk and stating your name, address and social security number. This information will be saved in the library´s user register. Everyone has the right to examine data concerning themself in the database (Henkilötietolaki 523/1999, 10§).

A custodian is required for a person who is under 15 years of age or otherwise under legal guardianship, as well as for a community card (a school, day-care centre, an institution or other community). The custodian is the person in charge of the card and must prove their identity by presenting photo identification and stating their social security number and contact information.

The library card is a personal document whose holder (the card owner or custodian) is responsible for all material borrowed with the card. The first library card is free. A lost card and any change of address or name must be reported to the library without delay. The library user is responsible for any material borrowed with the lost card until the library has been notified of the loss of the card.

A library card and a PIN code gives the library user access to the web library. The library user receives a PIN code by presenting their library card and proof of identity.

Physical material and e-material is available for borrowing and use at the library. The library does not accept any liability for the contents of the borrowed material, the accuracy of the information or any damage caused to the library user by the material.

Loan periods:

• Books  28 days
• Audiobooks  28 days
• Books with over 30 reservations  14 days
• Books listed as short loan 14 days
• Magazines, CD-ROMs, CDs, LPs, cassettes 14 days
• DVDs and BluRays  14 days

The library bus and home library service may have different loan periods.

A loan can be renewed five times if it is not reserved. Certain materials cannot be renewed, for example short loans. Library users who do not meet the age limit cannot borrow age restricted films and games.

Material can be reserved in the library or in the web library. When the reservation is ready to be collected, a notification will be sent by email, text message or letter.  Reserving material is free of charge. Reserved material must be collected within 9 days of the sending of the arrival notification. Uncollected reservations may be subject to a penalty fee.

If the required material is not available in the library collections, an interlibrary loan from other libraries in Finland or abroad is possible. The interlibrary loan charges and the fee for uncollected reservations are specified in the Payments appendix of these terms of use.

Borrowed material must be returned by the due date, during the library´s opening hours. Fees for overdue loans begin to accumulate immediately after the due date.

The library user is responsible for returning borrowed material and liable until said material has been removed from their account. A receipt for the returned materials will be issued on request.

Material returned to the drop box outside the library remains the library user’s responsibility, until the returns are registered on the following day the library is open. Overdue items returned to the drop box also accumulate fees. You do not get a receipt when returning your loans through the drop box.

No overdue fees are collected for materials from the children’s and young adult department, but overdue reminder expenses are collected as usual.

The due dates are indicated on the receipt given to the library user when borrowing material. It is possible to receive a due date reminder by email. The library does not accept liability for the delivery of due date reminders. You will still have to pay your fees, even if you haven’t received a reminder due to technical issues or faulty contact information.

The library will send overdue reminders to the library user in accordance with the municipality’s customs. Refusal to pay your fees leads to them being handled by a debt collection agency. More information in the Payments appendix.

While visiting the library, library users may not disturb the other customers or the library staff in any way nor endanger comfort or safety in the library. Library users are responsible for handling all library materials and other property with care, so as to not damage them.

Using, borrowing and reserving the library´s own materials, as well as guidance and advisory services, are free of charge for library users. The library will charge fees for materials returned after the due date, for failure to collect reserved material, for the delivery of notifications and invoices, for interlibrary loans, for lost or damaged material and for prints and copies.

The library will not reimburse you for expenses that have already been paid. This includes returning lost material to the library after already having paid a compensation fee.

All costs and charges are listed in the Payments appendix.

Unpaid fees accumulate as debt in the library user’s account. Having unpaid fees exceeding 10,00 € automatically revokes your right to borrow. A user´s borrowing rights will be restored when the overdue material is returned, or lost or damaged material is compensated, and all accumulated fees are paid.

The Director of Library Services or their substitute may prohibit or ban a customer from using a specific library for a fixed term (max. 30 days) if the customer repeatedly and substantially disrupts the operation of the library, endangers its safety or damages library property, despite being told not to do so (Kirjastolaki 1492/2016, § 15).

Before issuing such a ban, the library user must be given a chance to speak on the matter and a public official must make an authorized decision of the loss of the right to use the library. The library user may submit a claim to revoke the decision in accordance with the Local Government Act.

These terms of use apply to you as customer of any Anders library.
The libraries in Halsua, Kannus, Kaustinen, Kokkola, Lestijärvi
and Toholampi are part of the Anders network.

You bind yourself to follow the libraries’ rules and regulations
by having a library card, agreeing to a guardianship
or when simply spending time at the library.

Everyone is welcome

You can use the libraries’ services, materials and spaces
as long as you follow user guidelines and rules of conduct.

In the library, you can use free WiFi,
i.e. a wireless internet connection.
When connected to the library’s WiFi,
make sure your device has virus protection.

In some Anders libraries,
you can reserve material without charge
and rent different spaces.

Library card and PIN code

You need a library card to check out material.
You receive a library card when you show ID
and give your contact information.
Name, social security number and contact information
is stored in the library patron register.

The library requires a custodianship for patrons under 15,
customers with special needs and for joint accounts.
The custodian must confirm their identity
with a valid ID and give their contact information.

The library card is personal.
You are responsible for all material
that is borrowed with it.
The first library card is free.

Notify the library if your library card goes missing.
Please also notify the library
if your contact information changes.
If your card goes missing,
you are responsible for any material checked out with it
until you have reported the card missing to the library.

You need a library card and a PIN code
to use the online library.
You receive a PIN code at the library
when you show your library card and ID.

Placing holds and borrowing material

You can borrow different materials from the library,
e.g. books, magazines, CDs and DVDs.

You can also borrow electronic books,
magazines and music on a computer or mobile device.

Check out times:

• Books 28 days
• Audio books  28 days
• Books with more than 30 holds  14 days
• Quick loan-books  14 days
• Magazines, CD-ROMs  14 days
• Music, recordings, films  14 days

You can renew a loan up to five times
if no one else has reserved it.

Quick loans and seasonal tickets for sports teams
cannot be renewed.

The library follows age restrictions for games and movies.
You can only check out age appropriate films and games.

You can place a hold at the library’s customer service desk
or online at Anders.finna.fi.
Reserving material is free of charge.
You can pick up your reservation
when you receive a pick up notice
via email, text message or letter.

You need to collect your reservation within 9 days.
The libraries in Kokkola charge 2 euros
if you do not pick up your reservation.

You can also request material as a long distance loan,
i.e. from another library,
if it is not in the Anders libraries.

Return date

When you check out material,
you get a receipt that tells you the return date.
Your loan expires on the return date,
and you must return or renew your loan
before it is overdue.

It is possible to get a reminder of the return date by email,
should you want it.

You still have to pay a late fee
even if you do not receive a reminder.

Returning material

Return checked out material by the return date by the latest.
You have to pay a late fee
for material returned after the return date.

If you return material through the book drop,
your loan is ended the next day the library is open.

User responsibilities

Treat material from the library
and other library property carefully.
Keep the library space tidy.

Do not disturb or threaten other patrons or staff.
It is forbidden to use narcotics or be intoxicated at the library.

Free and chargeable services

Using and borrowing the library’s materials,
placing holds and visiting the help desk is free of charge.

You have to pay a fee if

• you return material past its due date
• you do not pick up reservations
• you receive a late fee reminder or invoice
• you order a long distance loan
• you lose or damage material
• you print or copy

More information about fees is available in a separate brochure.

Loss of borrowing rights

You lose your right to borrow material
if you owe more than 10 euros to the library.

You regain your right to borrow
when you return overdue material,
pay your debt or replace any possible damage.

Library ban

The head of the library can ban a patron
from the library for up to 30 days.
You are banned from the library
if you do not obey rules and disregard warnings,
or if you pose a threat or cause damage.

The head of the library has a discussion
with you before you are banned.
You have the right to contest the ban.

The value-added tax on the following fees is 0 %.

• Overdue fine per loan / day (does not apply to material from the children’s and young adult department) 0,20 €
• Maximum amount / loan 10,00 €
• Library card: first card free, following card cost 2,00 €
• Failure to pick up or cancel a reservation before the last pick-up date (does not apply to material from the children´s and young adult department) 2,00 €
• Used books for sale 0,50 – 1,00 €
• Interlibrary loans from within Finland 10,00 €
• Interlibrary loans and copies from abroad according to the charge of the sender
• Interlibrary loans from Kokkola City Library 15,00 €

The fines begin to accumulate immediately after the due date.

The first overdue reminder is sent 21 days after the due date, the second overdue reminder 35 days after the due date and an invoice is sent 56 days from the due date. An overdue notice for reserved material is sent immediately after the return date. A second notice is sent after an additional seven days. An invoice for reserved material is sent 21 days after the second notice.

The handling charge for an overdue reminder is 2,00 € and 5,00 € for an invoice. For material from the children´s and young adult department, only the handling fees will be charged.

Overdue loans will go to a debt collecting agency three months from the due date. Their collection charges are paid by the library user. If the user does not return overdue loans after three requests, their borrowing rights are revoked until the items are returned.

Having fees of 10,00 € or more automatically cancels your right to borrow.

Lost or damaged material must be replaced with equivalent materials or by paying a compensation fee corresponding to the value of the material. DVD, BluRay and CD-ROM discs cannot be replaced with corresponding materials. Instead, the compensation for these is a price that includes a copyright fee.

The following fees include a value-added tax of 25,5 %.

• Plastic bag 0,50 €
• Copy / sheet, A4 and A3, 0,50 €
• Print / sheet, A4 and A3, 0,50 €
• 3D printing (only available at Kokkola City Library, cost according to size)  1,00 – 5,00 €

The following fees include a value-added tax of 25,5 %.

• Lukuseuran huone, meeting room 20,00 € / hour or 100,00 € / day
• Hongell-sali, meeting room 30,00 € / hour or 150,00 € / day
• Exhibition space for art exhibitions no charge
• Exhibition space for events 100,00 € / event
• Use of library space outside of opening hours 60,00 € / beginning hour