Adults

Patrons must have a photo I.D.,or some form of mail with a current name and address.

• Patrons who do not have verification of their address will not be allowed to check out  items from the library, but they may use library computers.
• Patron's cards will be mailed to their home address.

Children

Children must be 6 years old to receive a library card. The rules below apply until they are 18 years old.

• Children's applications must have the name of a parent or guardian who will be responsible for that child.  Preferably that person will be present to sign the child's application.
• If parents or guardians are not present when a child gets a library card, a postcard will be sent to the child's home.
• Children who receive cards without a responsible party present will not be allowed to check out more than three (3) items on that first visit.

Nonresidents

• Nonresidents may be issued cards following the same rules as other patrons.

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Books

• Books are checked out for two weeks and may be renewed for an additional  two-week period unless the item is on hold for another patron.
• Patrons may not have more than 25 items checked out at a time.

Movies

• Only adults (those patrons who are 18 years of age or older) may check out videos.  The limit is four (4) movies per household.
• Fiction videos may be checked out for two (2) days, and nonfiction videos may be checked out for two (2) weeks.
• Videos may not be renewed.  There is a $1.00 per day late charge for movies that are overdue.

Periodicals

• Only the most recent issue of a periodical cannot be checked out.  At Main Library these are in binders.  Checkout for periodicals is two weeks.
• Patrons may only check out five (5) magazines with the same title.

Newspapers

• Newspapers may not be checked out.
• Our archives contain regional papers for the past month.  The Kentucky Standard back issues are kept until microfiche copies of the issues arrive.

Interlibrary Loans (ILLs)

• Patrons must have a library card, not have an overdue item, and not owe a fine of more than $3.00.
• ILLs may only be made for books older than one year.
• ILL requests may be made over the phone.
• The fine for late ILL books is $1.00 per day.  Due dates for ILL books vary depending on the date that the lending library requests the book be returned.  The ILL Loan Librarian writes the due date on a special book sleeve.
• Branches may receive ILL requests if the patron is willing to pick up and drop off the book at the main library.

Patrons cannot check out materials if there is more than $3.00 on their account.  Patrons may use the computers if they pay a minimum of $.50 on their fine.

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 Request for Reconsideration of Materials

The library is a unique institution charged with being an unbiased repository of recorded expression.  While the Board members have delegated the responsibility for selection and evaluation of library materials to the Director and such staff as the director may designate, they have the legal responsibility for the collection and its protection under the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.  Patrons with concerns about materials should initiate the following procedure:

Complete a "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form.

• The completed form will be reviewed by the Director and the appropriate background material will be gathered.
• The Director will notify in writing his/her decision regarding the material in question and cite portions of the library selection policy as needed.
• The patron may request in writing a review by the board.  Upon such a request the Director will bring the matter to the attention of the board, along with his/her recommendation.

 

 

Mission Statement

 

 

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Library History

In the spring of 1946, a group of interested citizens met to establish Nelson County Memorial Library. The library opened part-time over what is now the Crystal Building with a staff of two and Operating fund of $3,220.

Eight years later, the library moved to the second floor of the old county building, current site of the Sutherland Building, with a collection of 6,000 books and a growing circulation: 14,148, up from the previous year's 12,835.

In 1967, Nelson County passed a 1 1/2 percent library tax and the Nelson County Memorial Library became a part of the state and regional system and changed its name in 1968 to the Nelson County Public Library. A five member Board of Trustees was appointed to oversee the operation of the main library, five branches and a bookmobile.

The library as we know it today was "created" on June 29, 1967 under KRS 173.710.  A petition containing the names of 51% of the number of people who had voted in the previous November election was certified by the County Clerk and presented to Fiscal Court, creating the Nelson County Public Library Taxing District.  Upon establishment, the library purchased the old Bardstown Post Office, built in 1914, and renovated it into the current library facility.  The new library opened for business in April 1970.  A couple of renovations, mostly for cosmetic purposes, have been made in the ensuing thirty-five years.

On September 8, 2005, the library board purchased the old Flaget Memorial Hospital  with plans to renovate the building for future use as Nelson County Public Library. We had outgrown the 90 Court Square building with its 3000 square feet and 10 official library parking spaces.  In November the library's application for a 1.3 million dollar loan from the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives was approved.  On June 16, 2006 a ceremonial groundbreaking took place on a 24,000 square foot facility that would have 73 parking spaces.  

Open house on the new library was held April 15, 2007. It was complete with the latest furnishings and features.  A beautiful stained glass window by Kentucky artist, Laura Mentor, tells the history and culture of our area in a glass tapestry to complete an outstanding structure.  The addition of a second community room, children's garden, and drive-up book deposit will be complete ;in the summer of 2008.

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Nelson County Public Library
Board of Trustees
2007-2008
 

Anita Cooper -President 3125 Yorkshire Drive Bardstown, KY 40004 Home: 3485921 Business: 502-348-5921 Fax: 502-331-0023 anitacooper@ewco-ins.com	Val Downs- Secretary 208 E. Flaget Bardstown, KY 40004 Work: 348-8065 Fax: 502-3489839 vdowns@mikebrooks andassociates.com
Patrick Hagan Burlington Court Bardstown, KY 40004 Home: 348-4182 Business: 502-331-8800 Fax: 502-331-8830 phagan@bardstowncable.net	Marlene Weir- Treasurer 2475 Whitesides Road Cox's Creek, KY 40013 Business: 502-348-5996 Fax: 502-348-8864 mweir@wilsonmuirbank.com