Checkout Policies

Books

Loan period: 21 days
Overdue fees: 10¢ per item per day
Can be renewed two (2) times

Audiobooks

Loan period: 14 days
Overdue fees: 10¢ per item per day
Can be renewed up to two (2) times
Limit four (4) audiobooks per patron

DVDs & Blu-Rays

Loan period: 3 days
Overdue fees: $2.00 per item per day
Can be renewed once
Limit four (4) DVDs/Blu-Rays per patron
Limit one (1) item from TV section per patron
Must be at least 18 years old to check out DVDs

Digital Loans

See our Ebooks & Digital Media page for more information about checking out ebooks, digital audiobooks, music, movies, and more.

A/V Equipment

HCMPL loans the following audio-visual equipment to patrons with established library cards in good standing:

• Digital projector
• Screen
• Sound system

Loan period: Overnight
Overdue fees: $5.00 per item per day
Cannot be renewed
Must be at least 18 years old to check out A/V equipment

Go Packs

HCMPL loans out educational, themed backpack kits. See our Go Packs page for more information about our Go Packs, including available themes.

Loan period: 14 days
Overdue fees: $2.00 per item per day
Can be renewed up to two (2) times
Limit one (1) Go Pack per patron
Must be at least 18 years old to check out Go Packs.

Cake Pans

HCMPL now loans cake pans. See our Cake Pans page for more information about our cake pans.

Loan period: 7 days
Overdue fees: $2.00 per item per day
Can be renewed once
Limit two (2) cake pans per patron
Must be at least 18 years old to check out cake pans

Seed Library

Free garden seeds will be available to all library cardholders starting March 8th, 2022.

The Seed Library includes different varieties of flowers and vegetables, including tomatoes, radishes, squash and more. Users may each choose up to 4 packets of seeds per month. Please sign on the checkout sheet so our numbers are accurate.

Quantities are limited, and seeds will be available on a first come, first served basis.

A valid HCMPL Library card is required to receive free seeds. Library cards are available for free to all Hopkins County residents with proof of residence.

The Seed Library will be available at the Main Branch of the Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library. We hope to expand in future years, depending on the success of this program.

Seed swaps and seed donations are welcome at anytime.

Board Games

• Board games must be checked out by an adult with a library card in good standing.
• Games check out for 14 days (2 weeks).  Limit of 4 board games at a time.
• Board games may not be renewed.
• For each business day the game(s) are not returned, there is a $2.00 late charge, not to exceed $10.00 per game.  For example, one game returned late at maximum cap = $10.00.  Two games returned late at maximum cap = $20,00.  Three games returned late at maximum cap = $30.00.  Four games returned late at maximum cap = $40.00.
• Replacement costs for lost/damaged games is based on the current purchase price of a new game.  Customers are responsible for any missing or damaged items and must pay for replacements before they can check out any additional materials or use of public computers.
• Games should be returned to the circulation desk and not returned in any of the outside book drops.
• Outdoor Games follow the same check-out policy as Board Games.

Board Game Policy, 11.17.2022

Virtual Reality Gaming Equipment

FAQ:

• What is Virtual Reality (VR)?  Virtual reality is a computer-generated, three-dimensional simulation of an environment that can be explored and interacted with in a seemingly real way by a person using a VR headset.
• When and where can I use VR equipment?  Virtual reality equipment made by Oculus VR will be available for use at the Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library Madisonville branch location during special programs and other events.  For a complete list of VR programs, check out our event calendar at https://publiclibrary.org/events/
• Who can use the VR headset?  Patrons must be age 12 or older to use the VR headset.  Library staff members, at their discretion, may deny any patron the use of the VR headset.  Note:  The Waiver of Liability Agreement must be signed before the Library’s VR equipment can be used. All patrons aged 18 or older must sign the Waiver of Liability Agreement.  A patron under the age of 18 must have this Waiver of  Liability Agreement signed at the Library by that patron’s parent or legal guardian.

Virtual Reality Gaming Policy

• To reserve or use the VR equipment, you must first complete an instruction orientation.
• VR equipment is checked out by supervisors only. If there is no supervisor available, you may be asked to return at a later time.
• The VR equipment can be reserved in 30-minute increments, up to a maximum of 1 hour per day.
• VR equipment must be checked out at the circulation desk and returned after use.
• HCMPL Programming has priority in reserving time.
• Requests for purchasing VR apps or software can be submitted to the Adult Programming and Marketing Coordinator via email.
• You are not allowed to log into your own Steam account to access your personal library for VR content. HCMPL is not responsible for your personal accounts.
• No eating or drinking in the Library at the time of VR session.
• HCMPL staff reserve the right to close the VR session at any time.

Safety 

• Always place the headset and controllers on a computer table or stand, never on the ground.
• Make sure controllers are secured to your wrist during use.  If you have any questions regarding use of the Oculus VR Headset, ask a supervisor.
• If you feel nausea or discomfort, take the headset off immediately and sit down.
• Do not use the headset when you are: tired; need sleep; under the influence of alcohol or drugs; hung-over; have digestive problems; under emotional stress or anxiety; or when suffering from cold, flu, headaches, migraines, or earaches, as this can increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms.
• Consult your doctor before use if you have a pre-existing medical condition including, but not limited to, epilepsy, binocular vision abnormalities, psychiatric disorders, or heart conditions.
• Patrons must stop using the VR headset immediately if they experience any discomfort whatsoever.  Patrons must also take frequent breaks from use of the VR headset.
• Patrons using the VR headset must obey all requests made by Library staff members, including requests to sit down or to stop using the headset.
• Waiver of Liability Agreement Must Be Signed Before Using Virtual Reality Gaming Equipment.

What else do I need to know about using VR equipment?  Use of the VR headset is associated with risks, some of which may not be known yet.  Reactions to a VR experience are unpredictable and may include dizziness, nausea, disorientation, eyestrain, seizures, bumping into objects or falling.  The VR headset may also transmit contagious conditions.

Virtual Reality Gaming Policy and Waiver of Liability Agreement, 11.17.2022