Library Cards

The library's new borrower cards have arrived and are available for anyone who wishes to exchange their old single white card for the new card sets, which include one wallet-size card and two duplicate key tags. The new card option is being offered in order to make life easier for library users--while complying with Maine's strict confidentiality law. Using the new tri-part card, a patron can keep one card on their person while giving the two remaining copies of their card to other family members, a nanny or any other person whom they trust. For library patrons who have difficulty getting to the library during normal hours, this flexibility will provide a way to allow a spouse or other family member to pick up items that are waiting for them on the reserve shelf.New library card design

The Key to Library Services

At their May 12th meeting, the Town Council approved the library's revised circulation policy, which will go into effect fully with the introduction of the new library cards. Changes to the policy were designed to balance the library's legal obligation to protect the privacy of library records with the need to provide the best possible service to library users. State law requires that library records that contain information about what materials a library user has borrowed cannot be revealed to anyone other than the library cardholder without written permission. This law applies to children, as well as adults. It also applies to spouses--a husband may not have access to his wife's record, and vice versa. The new policy explicitly states that a library card will be treated as "the key to all library services." As such, the policy states that "the library will assume that any person presenting a library card is authorized to use it, unless that card has been reported lost or stolen." In other words, library patrons may, if they choose, give one of their library cards to someone else if they wish that person to be able to pick up reserves, borrow items, or otherwise have access to their library record. The new library card sets will allow patrons to make that choice, while still keeping a copy of the card themselves.

New Cards Are Optional

Upon receiving new cards, patrons will be asked to re-register, signing a statement that acknowledges the library's circulation policies with regard to use of materials and confidentiality. Library users who are not interested in getting a new card may continue to use their old card; however, as current registrations expire, all patrons will be required to complete a new registration form during their annual address check. No patron will be allowed to pick up library materials for another person without presenting that person's card whether it is an old-style card or one of the new library cards. A photo ID will still be an acceptable substitute for a person wishing to borrow materials on their own account, but will not provide access to the cards of other family members or friends.

Kids Get Their Own Card When They Turn 5!

Parents will welcome another significant policy change: children will now be able to get a library card when they turn 5 years old instead of having to wait until they turn 6. Patrons are advised that the new circulation policy discontinues the past practice of granting fine-free status to senior citizens. The library's Board of Trustees voted to do away with this special status in the interests of treating every adult library user equally. Read the library's complete circulation policy here.