Yes they are, at least i think so too.
No but the library is free so theres no problem unless they dont have a specific book and they charge for holds(idk if this on does yet, only been once) or if you get a late fine which is easily avoidable anyway.
Tho still no allowance and wont be getting any soon since were having some money issues lately, birthday and Christmas money is annoying tho cause my birthday is october so theyre too close ~_~;;; but i have $150 from Christmas($88 after a yokai watch game and a piece to fix my 3ds....) so im using it to try to buy a ticket to an anime con for the first time, so that should be fun. ^^;
does your libraries in your area 'rent' books for free or something? that sounds like Hell tbh ~_~;;;