Obtaining a Library Card
Anyone who lives, works or owns property in Shenandoah County is eligible for a free library card, which is valid at any of the library system’s branches. Children may have their own card linked to a adult cardholder, who is responsible for the account.
Residents of Virginia counties adjoining Shenandoah County are also eligible for a free library card These include: Frederick, Warren, Page and Rockingham counties. All other Virginia residents may obtain a 12-month card for $10.00. Out-of-state patrons can obtain a 6-month card for $10.00
You may pre-register for a library card online, by filling out our Online Borrower Registration Form.
Circulation of Materials
All items check out for a period of 2 weeks. All items may be renewed up to twice, with the exception of equipment, experience passes, and items with pending holds. Renew by phone, online, or in person.
Up to 50 items may be checked out at a time. However, there are checkout limitations for certain specialty resources. Up to 12 materials holds can be placed per patron account, and will be returned to circulation after 7 days if not picked up. Holds must be checkout out to the linked patron account.
Materials may be returned to any of the SCL branches, or the book drop at the County Administration Building in Woodstock. A one-day grace period is given on all materials to accommodate items returned after closing time on their due dates.
Checkout Limits
Most patrons can check out up to 50 items per card. Pre-K cards (ages 0-4) have a limit of 10 juvenile print items. Student cards are limited to five print items per card. School cards are limited to electronic resources. Video games, DVDs, Literacy Bags, and Experience Passes are restricted to adult cards. The following borrowing limits apply:
- Graphic Novels--15 per card
- Regular DVDs--10 per card
- Television DVDs--6 per card
- Audiobooks--10 per card
- Music CDs--10 per card
- Juvenile Kit Books--10 per card
- Magazines--10 per card
- Baby Booster Boxes/Literacy Bags--2 per card
- Experience Passes--1 per card
Overdue, Damaged, and Lost Materials
Library materials are the property of Shenandoah County and are for use by its total population. A library card allows patrons to borrow materials at no charge if accounts remain in good standing. Fines and fees may accrue on patron accounts if items are not returned on time. Fines for all materials are 20¢/day per item.
If damage occurs to materials or their packaging while in your possession, replacement costs will be assessed and added to the borrowing account. The maximum charge is the item’s full replacement cost, plus a processing fee. The library automatically considers an item LOST when it is 39 days overdue, at which point the patron is charged the item’s replacement cost and a $2.50 processing fee. If an overdue item is returned before the system purchases a replacement, the replacement fee will be waived, and only overdue fines will remain. After 90 days, the costs will remain on the account with no eligibility for refund.
The Shenandoah County Library System contracts with Unique Management Services to collect lost materials and/or fines totaling $75.00 or more. All accounts reported to the agency are charged a $10 non-refundable service fee.
Privacy
Shenandoah County Library System respects the privacy rights of all its patrons. Library staff and/or volunteers will not reveal to anyone other than the registered cardholder any patron account information with the following exceptions:
- A responsible party is entitled to access items, due dates, and fines on accounts for which they are responsible.
- A responsible party is authorized to access and update contact or other personal information on accounts for which they are responsible.
- This policy does not restrict access to any information granted to parents or legal guardians of minors as authorized by the Code of Virginia.
- Registered patrons may designate other individuals who are allowed access to account information. This authorization will be noted in the account record and is revokable at any time by request of the patron.
- Accounts with unpaid fines or lost/damaged items may be reported to a collection agency to recover costs and/or materials associated with the account.
- Library staff and/or volunteers will release patron account information to law enforcement only if they provide a signed judicial warrant.
- The Shenandoah County Library System may use a third-party service to send email communication regarding account status, library programs and activities, or fundraising opportunities. Patrons may opt-out of these communications at any time.
Revised and Adopted 02-05-2026
Shenandoah County Library Board of Trustees
Next Scheduled Review, February 2026
Posting and Distribution of Materials Policy
The Shenandoah County Library has community resources display space for the posting of public notices. All public notices are confined to this area; notices posted elsewhere will be removed. All materials should be submitted to a staff member for approval and posting. Notices are limited to those of an educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable nature by groups in Shenandoah County and surrounding communities. The Library Director reserves the right to decline posting of materials deemed inappropriate under these guidelines, reduce material size, or remove unapproved postings. Postings are limited to 90 days or expiration of advertised services.