Circulation Policy
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this policy is to provide written guidelines pertaining
to the circulation of library materials for the Wilmington Memorial
Library. This policy is based on the need to make materials available
to all patrons on an equal basis and to ensure adequate access based
on the size and/or nature of the collection. In order to provide for
the return or replacement of library materials, this policy determines
length of loan periods, renewals, fines, etc. Eligibility to borrow
library materials reflects regulations established by the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners governing reciprocal borrowing. As a
member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), Wilmington
Memorial Library complies with circulation policies adopted by MVLC
which are included in this policy along with those specific to this
library.
In order to maintain positive public relations, exceptions to the following policy statements may be made when warranted at the discretion of the librarian.
LIBRARY CARDS
Library Patron Agreement: When a patron applies for a library card, he/she agrees to be responsible for all materials borrowed on this card, including any fines, fees, or charges. The patron agrees to notify the library if this card is lost or of any change in address.
Wilmington Residents: Any Wilmington resident is eligible to obtain a library card. A Wilmington library patron may use this library card in any MVLC library provided the patron is in good standing throughout the system.
Nonresidents: Residents of communities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have a right to borrow library materials from the Wilmington Memorial Library free of charge in accordance with the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 4.00. Residents from MVLC communities must obtain a library card from their hometown library. This card may be used at the Wilmington Memorial Library and any other MVLC library. Residents of communities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts whose hometown library is a member of another Massachusetts network may register at the Wilmington Memorial Library using their hometown library card. If applicant's hometown library is not on line, or the card is not "scanable", a Wilmington library card may be issued.
Out of State Residents: Out-of-state residents must pay an annual fee of $75.00 set by MVLC. The Town of Wilmington retains this fee. This MVLC library card entitles the borrower to use all MVLC libraries. Out of state residents who work in the Town of Wilmington may obtain a "local use only" card with no annual fee. A local use card limits borrowing privileges to Wilmington Memorial Library and does not allow interlibrary loan from any other library.
Organizations /Businesses: Local organizations and businesses may register for an institutional library card. The application must be signed by the head of the organization.
Identification: To register, patrons must present an acceptable form of identification showing name and current legal address. A driver's license, a Wilmington property tax bill or a utility bill with current Wilmington address are acceptable forms of identification. Children under age 14 are required to have a parent or legal guardian present when applying for a library card. Signature of parent or legal guardian is required on the application. Children age 14 and over must present acceptable identification or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with acceptable identification to obtain a library card.
Age: There is no minimum age requirement to get a library card.
Card Cost: There is no cost for the first library card.
Material Checkout Without a Library Card: Normally a patron is required to present his/her library card in order to check out library materials. If a patron has forgotten his/her library card, staff may require identification in order to check out any library material. Staff may also limit the number of items that can be checked out if the patron does not present a library card or any identification.
Card Replacement: The charge for replacing a lost library card is $1.00. A replacement card will not be issued if the patron is delinquent.
Expired Card: A library card will expire five years from the date of issue. If the patron is in good standing, the card may be renewed without charge. When a library card expires, borrowing privileges are suspended until previous registration information is reconfirmed. Acceptable identification may be requested.
Card Use: The patron's own library card must be presented at time of checkout. The charging of material on a library card belonging to another patron is discouraged but may be permitted under certain circumstances with the permission of that patron.
Confidentiality: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7, library records are confidential. Staff may not reveal to a third party the titles of items borrowed on another patron's card. These include requests by parents for information regarding materials borrowed on their children's library card. Parents who want to monitor the reading of their children should be encouraged to check out their children?s books on their own card.
Access to Minors: The Board of Library Trustees endorses the Library Bill of Rights which states that "a person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views." Consequently, the responsibility for what children or young adults may choose for their own use from the library's collection rests with their parents or legal guardians.
LOAN PERIODS, LIMITS AND FINES
The following lists the loan periods for types of material,
limits and fines
| Material Type | Loan Period | Limits | Renewals | Fines | Max. Fine |
| Books | 3 weeks | none | as needed | .05 cents/day | $2.00 |
| Hot Title Books | 1 week | one | none | .25 cents/day | $2.00 |
| Magazines | 1 week | none | as needed | .05 cents/day | $2.00 |
| Seasonal Books | 1 week | as needed | one | .05 cents/day | $2.00 |
| Circulating Reference Books | 1 week | none | none | .05 cents/day | $2.00 |
| Audio Books | 3 weeks | none | as needed | .05 cents/day | $2.00 |
| CDs | 3 weeks | none | as needed | .05 cents/day | $2.00 |
| Hot Title CDs | 1 week | one | none | $1.00/day | $2.00 |
| Videos | 1 week | none | as needed | .05 cents/day | $5.00 |
| DVDs General Collection | 1 week | four | one | .05 cents/day | $5.00 |
| Hot Title DVDs | 2 days | one | none | $1.00/day | $5.00 |
| Museum Pass | 1 day | one/day | none | $5.00/day | $10.00 |
Renewals: Patrons may renew library material in person, by phone, or online.
Payment of Fines: Fines which are collected for Wilmington items are treated as receipts to the Town of Wilmington. Patrons can pay fines at any MVLC library. Amounts under $10 may be kept by the accepting library. Amounts of $10 or more will be forwarded to the owning library. Payments can be made by cash or check made out to the owning library and attached to an MVLC receipt. Staff cannot waive fines due at any other MVLC library
Damaged or Lost Library Material: The patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his/her library card, and is liable for lost/damaged material. Parents or legal guardians are financially responsible for such fines or fees as incurred by a minor until she/he reaches 18 years of age.
Payment for Lost/Damaged Material: Payment for lost or damaged Wilmington library material may be made in cash or by check made out to the Town of Wilmington. Staff will issue a written receipt. If patron returns lost Wilmington item with our receipt, staff may issue a refund. Patron may arrange with the librarian to replace the material in kind in lieu of payment.
Bills for material owned by any other MVLC Library may be paid by cash or check made out to the owning library. Payment with MVLC receipt is forwarded to the owning library. Reimbursement is based on owning library's policy.
Replacement Cost for Library Materials: The patron will be charged the amount listed in the database which generally reflects the current replacement cost.
Overdue Notices: Email and paper notices are printed by MVLC central site according to the following schedule:
First Overdue Notice - 21 days after due date.
Second Overdue Notice - 42 days after due date.
Bill Notice - 63 days after due date.
Recalled Items: Patrons with any overdue "books in demand" receive a recall notice as soon as the book is overdue.
Patron Delinquency: When a patron is "delinquent," he/she cannot borrow any items from the Wilmington Memorial Library or from any MVLC library until his/her record is cleared. A patron will become delinquent when:
- an item(s) is 14 days (2 weeks) overdue.
- $3.00 or more is owed on material returned.
- $2.00 or more in accrued fines is owed on material that is not returned.
Homebound Delivery Service: Fines may be waived and renewals extended for patrons using the Friends of the Library Homebound Delivery Service.
RESERVING LIBRARY MATERIAL
Requests/Holds: Patrons may reserve library material in person, by telephone or online. When the library material is available, patrons will be called or they may sign up for email notification.
Reserving Museum Passes: Museum Passes are funded by various Wilmington organizations. Consequently, only Wilmington residents may reserve these passes in advance. During school vacation week, only one pass per family may be reserved in advance. Although a non-resident may not reserve a museum pass in advance, he/she may borrow the pass if it is available that day. The pass must be returned the next business day by 9:15 A.M.
RETURNING LIBRARY MATERIAL
Book Drop /Media Return: When the library is closed, the book drop and media return box are open for return of library material. Material placed in the book drop or the media return box will be considered returned on the next business day.
Claims Returned: If a patron claims to have returned or to have never checked out an item(s), he/she will sign a form attesting to this fact. Staff will note this information on patron?s record and clear patron?s account.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees June 17, 2003
Updated and approved by the Board of Library Trustees, June 28, 2005
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