To borrow equipment, a user must have a good-standing Bossard Library card, be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and complete a lending agreement. Bicycles may be borrowed for up to three (3) hours at a time. No more than three (3) bicycles may be borrowed on a patron's card at any one time. All riders ages 18 and up must sign the lending agreement, regardless of whose Library card is used to borrow the bicycles. Due to limited availability, the Library's trike bicycle may be borrowed a maximum of one time per day per individual patron.
For library patrons under the age of eighteen (18), a parent or legal guardian must complete and sign a consent form along with the lending agreement and must accompany the minor for the duration of the bike rental period. On the consent form, the parent or legal guardian may designate up to three (3) responsible adults (such as grandparents) who may borrow a bike on behalf of the parent's or legal guardian's children. The designated responsible adult must accompany the minor child throughout the duration of the bike rental period.
Unless revoked, completed lending agreements and parental consent forms will be valid for a period of three (3) months, at which time new lending agreements and parental consent forms must be completed.
Bicycles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Minors (age 17 and under) must supply their own bicycle helmet and are required to wear this bicycle helmet throughout the lending period. The Library recommends that riders of all ages wear padding, but padding is neither provided nor required by the Library. For adults ages 18 and up, bicycle helmets are recommended, but these are neither provided nor required to be worn. All bicycles must be returned before dark and at least 1/2 hour before the Library's closing. In the event that the borrower needs to contact the Library during the lending period, the Library phone number is on the bicycle. Unreturned equipment will be considered theft and local law enforcement authorities will be notified to take appropriate action. Failure to return the bicycle at the end of the checkout period will result in suspension of bike privileges as determined by the Director or his/her designee.
The borrowing patron will not be charged for normal wear and tear to the bicycle. The borrower will be charged the full replacement cost for lost or damaged items such as the bicycle; lock and key; basket; odometer; as well as other miscellaneous bicycle parts. Returning a bike requires a review of the Book-A-Bike Safety Inspection Checklist. Routine maintenance weekly inspections of all bicycles will be handled by the Library. In addition, the Library will contract with a bicycle maintenance business for preventative maintenance of the fleet.
The Library will maintain statistics on bicycle usage (including frequency of use, demographics of users, as well as bicycle mileage).
Adopted 12/08/2015: Gallia County District Library Board of Trustees
Amended 04/12/2016: Gallia County District Library Board of Trustees
Amended 3/12/2019: Gallia County District Library Board of Trustees