In order to provide our community with more varied computer access options within the Library, including the convenience of using computers and the internet in all areas of the main library building, Schertz Public Library provides in-house laptops to eligible patrons for personal use. Laptop borrowers must agree to the terms of the Laptop Borrowing Policy.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Borrower must be at least 18 years old.
  • Borrower must have a Full Service Library Card at Schertz Public Library.
  • Borrower must have registered for their Library Card at least one (1) month prior.
  • Borrower’s account must be in good standing (active with no blocks).
  • Borrowers are required to leave a physical, government-issued photo identification ID such as a driver’s license or passport at the circulation desk while borrowing a laptop. 
  • Borrower must read and sign a Laptop User Agreement on the first instance of checking out a laptop. Library staff reserves the right to request that the patron sign a new agreement at any future time. 
  • Patron laptop privileges may be suspended or revoked if the patron fails to return loaned equipment on time, or if patron violates the Laptop Borrowing Policy.

Limitations and Guidelines:

  • The Library has a limited number of laptops available on a first-come, first-served basis. Laptops may not be reserved in advance.
  • Only one laptop per borrower at a time is permitted.
  • The loan period for a laptop is up to four (4) hours. All laptops must be returned to the circulation desk by the end of the loan period. Time may be extended on request if no other patrons are waiting to use a laptop. Time will not be extended past 30 minutes before the library closes.
  • Laptops must be checked out at least one (1) hour before the Library closes. All laptops are due back to the circulation desk at least 30 minutes before closing.

Personal Files

  • Cardholder understands that all work and laptop settings are deleted from the device when the session is logged out, timed out, or when the laptop is rebooted or shut down. 
  • Cardholder understands that the Library is not responsible for any unsaved work or information left on the laptop. To ensure work is not lost, borrower must have a means to save their work on a personal flash drive (not supplied by the Library) or upload files to their personal cloud-based storage account. 
  • Library staff will not be held responsible for any lost personal files. The Library is not responsible for any damage to any device or corruption of data, including damage caused by mechanical malfunction or contamination caused by a virus while using library laptops.

Acceptable Use 

  • Cardholder will comply with the Library’s Internet and Library Computer Usage Policy and Guest Behavior Policy while using the laptop. Library staff reserves the right to revoke laptop borrowing privileges for any violation of library policies.
  • Laptop may only be used by the cardholder. Borrowers should not lend the device to others.  Borrower will be held responsible for any damages that may occur.
  • Laptops are to be used in-house only. This means that they may only be used in the building. Laptops must not be taken outside of the main library building, or into the following areas:
    • Foyer
    • Restrooms
    • Courtyard
  • Laptops may not be left unattended. If borrower needs to leave the main library building, or go to the foyer, restrooms, or courtyard, the laptop may be left with a staff member at the circulation desk with the understanding that the laptop’s check-in time remains the same. If the laptop is not picked up from the circulation desk before the borrower’s laptop session is finished, library staff reserves the right to refuse an extension of session time.
  • Borrower is responsible for checking the laptop’s physical condition, and ensuring it is in working order when it is checked out. Borrowers will report any damage or technical issues to staff immediately. 

Returning the Laptop

  • Laptops must be returned in person to the circulation desk. Do not place laptops in the book drop.
  • When returning, the borrower should be prepared to wait a few minutes while staff ensures the laptop and accompanying accessories are in the same condition in which they were checked out. Borrowers will report any damage or technical issues to staff upon return. Once this check is completed, the borrower’s ID card will be returned to the borrower. The ID will be returned only to its owner. 

Lost and/or Damaged Fees:

  • There is no fee for returning a laptop late; however, library management reserves the right to suspend or revoke laptop borrowing privileges for repeated late returns.
  • Cardholder is responsible for any damages, loss, or theft that occur while the laptop is checked out to their library account.
  • Laptops that are not returned on time will be considered stolen, and law enforcement will be notified.
  • If the laptop is damaged, lost, or stolen while under borrower’s responsibility, borrower will be charged the full cost of replacing the device, plus a $5 processing fee. Charges for lost and damaged equipment are as follows:
    • Laptop: $600
    • Power Cord: $20
    • Laptop Bag: $12