Indiana § 36-12-7-3 - Use of local library; fees; fines

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-12-7-3 — Use of local library; fees; fines, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 36-12-7-3. Use of local library; fees; fines

Sec. 3. (a) The residents or real property taxpayers of the library district taxed for the support of the library may use the facilities and services of the public library without charge for library or related purposes. However, the library board may:

(1) fix and collect fees and rental charges; and

(2) assess fines, penalties, and damages for the:

(A) loss of;

(B) damage to; or

(C) failure to return;

any library property or material.

(b) A library board may issue local library cards to:

(1) residents and real property taxpayers of the library district; and

(2) individuals who are not residents of the library district.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d), a library board must set and charge a fee for a local library card issued under subsection (b)(2). The minimum fee that the board may set under this subsection is the greater of the following:

(1) The library district's operating fund expenditure per capita in the most recent year for which that information is available in the Indiana state library's annual "Statistics of Indiana Libraries".

(2) Twenty-five dollars ($25).

(d) A library board may issue a local library card without charge or for a reduced fee to an individual who is not a resident of the library district and who is:

(1) a student enrolled in or a teacher in a public school corporation or nonpublic school:

(A) that is located at least in part in the library district; and

(B) in which students in any grade preschool through grade 12 are educated;

(2) a child receiving foster care services;

(3) a library employee of the district; or

(4) a student enrolled in a college or university that is located in the library district;

if the board adopts a resolution that is approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members appointed to the library board.

(e) A library card issued under subsection (b)(2) or (d) expires one (1) year after issuance of the card.

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-14-7-1.2.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.49. Amended by P.L.113-2010, SEC.164; P.L.84-2012, SEC.31; P.L.42-2018, SEC.46; P.L.88-2020, SEC.7.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-12-7-3

What does Indiana Code § 36-12-7-3 cover?

Section 36-12-7-3 ("Use of local library; fees; fines") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 36-12-7-3?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-12-7-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 36-12-7-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.