About the Library

LaGrange College faculty, staff, and students are Lewis Library's primary borrowers. Students affiliated with the Colleges and Universities within the Georgia Private Academic Libraries (GPALS) qualify for borrowing privileges as Reciprocal Borrowers. The Lewis Library encourages borrowing of its resources by other patrons that fall under one of the following categories: LaGrange College Alumni, Clergy of Troup County, Community Users, or Library Courtesy Users (See the Library Community Users Policy). LaGrange College students, faculty and staff must present a current college ID card to check out materials. All other individuals (that fall under one of the aforementioned categories) wishing to borrow materials must provide current photo identification (see the Library Community Users Policy). 

Circulation Period for Books 

Reference materials, special collections/archival materials, and microforms do not circulate unless special permission is given by the Library Director. Items in the library are organized using a combination of Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal classification systems.

Overdue Materials 

Materials that are not returned by the due date are considered overdue and will receive the following overdue notices. 

• A first overdue notice immediately. 

• A second overdue notice will be generated on the 14th day after due date and a telephone call will be placed regarding the overdue item (s).  

• A third overdue notice will be generated on the 28th day the item is overdue and will constitute an invoice for the replacement cost of each overdue item and a $10 cataloging and processing charge per item.  Payment not received for the item(s) will result in a Banner registration hold placed on the account.   

Fines and Fees 

• No late fees will be assessed for materials that are overdue, with the exception of Chromebooks, Laptops, Charger Cords, and Charging Bricks. Materials that are returned damaged will be assessed by the Director of the Library and all applicable fees will be incurred. Any items that are lost by the student will be charged the retail price and a $10 cataloging and processing fee per item. Within reason, patrons may opt to purchase an identical copy of the lost or damaged item, and donate it to the library in lieu of payment. Item must be approved by the Library Director before purchase.

Lewis Library Specialty Users Policy 

The Lewis Library encourages borrowing of its resources by other patrons that fall under one of the following categories: LaGrange College Alumni, Clergy of Troup County, Community Users, or Library Courtesy Users. Please see the categories below on specific information needed to obtain a Lewis Library Specialty Card. 

The Lewis Library’s collection is purchased with a focus on the curriculum of classes at the college. It is not a public library, which means the collection is academic-based and does not cater to all ages. 

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that is provided for Specialty Users. This allows users to borrow materials from other libraries within the United States. The user would be allowed to borrow the item(s) for the length of time designated by the lending library. If a Specialty User does not return the item on time, they me be fined, blocked, and/or banned.

Patrons under the age of 15 must always have an adult guardian present with them in the library. Patrons older than 10 years old, are allowed to use the computers without constant adult supervision. Children under the age of 10 years old must always have an adult guardian with them. It is the responsibility of the adult guardian to monitor the content of website material the child is viewing. 

Alumni of LaGrange College  

LaGrange College Alumni are encouraged to use the Lewis Library.  An alumni is someone who has a degree from LaGrange College and has requested to be added to the Alumni Association Files and mailing list.  To obtain a Lewis Library Card, visit the Smith Circulation Desk to fill out an application. A library card with a bar code will be provided, and that card, together with a photo ID, will be required when checking out materials. 

Library privileges expire one (1) year from the date the Alumni card was issued. 

Clergy of Troup County  

Members of the Clergy in the Troup County area may be given “honorary” one (1) year membership at LaGrange College Library.  In receiving this benefit Clergy are encouraged to further support the library through annual contributions to the Lewis Library. A library card with a bar code will be provided, and that card, together with a photo ID, will be required when checking out materials. 

To receive the one-year honorary membership, Clergy must show proof of pastoralship or association with a denomination by presenting a church business card or letter of recommendation from a church official.   

Community User Library Card 

Members of the community are welcome to check out items from LaGrange College Lewis Library. To obtain a Lewis Library Card, visit the Smith Circulation Desk to fill out an application. You must show proof of a local address with a valid Government issued ID. A library card with a bar code will be provided, and that card, together with a photo ID, will be required when checking out materials. 

Library privileges expire one (1) year from the date the Alumni card was issued. 

Library Courtesy Card 

A library courtesy card is available for LaGrange College Board of Trustee members, retired faculty, and spouses of current LaGrange college faculty and staff.   The person requesting a courtesy card must fill out an application at the Smith Circulation Desk and present a valid government issued ID.   

• Must show proof of a local address with a valid Government issued ID. 

GPALS Reciprocal Library Borrowing Privileges  

The Lewis Library participates in a reciprocal library borrowing agreement with other colleges and universities that are a member of the Georgia Private Academic Libraries (GPALS). Students from participating libraries (see below) may checkout materials from the Lewis Library with a valid GPALS borrowing card and a current university/college ID. Students may check out up to 5 items at a time.

Overdue Material 

Materials become overdue on the due date printed on the borrower’s receipt. Borrowers will receive the following notices until the materials are returned. 

• A first overdue notice immediately. 

• A second overdue notice will be generated on the 14th day after due and a telephone call will be placed regarding the overdue item (s).  

• A third overdue notice will be generated on the 28th day item is overdue and will constitute an invoice for the retail price of each overdue item, a $10 cataloging and processing charge per item plus accumulated fines. Payment not received for item(s) will interrupt the user library privileges and may result in legal action.   

It is the responsibility of the borrower’s library to pay the lending library for all costs itemized.   If the borrower does not return the item(s) within 45 days from the “date due” an Invoice will be issued. 

The following GPALS institutions are members of the Reciprocal Borrowing policy: 

• Andrew College
• Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
• Berry College
• Beulah Heights University
• Brewton-Parker College
• Columbia Theological Seminary
• Covenant College
• Emmanuel College
• Georgia Central University, School of Theology
• Georgia Military College
• LaGrange College
• Life University
• Luther Rice College & Seminary
• Oglethorpe University
• Paine College
• Piedmont College
• Point University
• Reinhardt University
• Richmont Graduate University
• Shorter University
• Thomas University
• Toccoa Falls College
• Truett McConnell University
• Underwood University
• Wesleyan College
• Young Harris College