Borrowing Policy
Borrowing Library Materials:
A valid library card must be presented in order to check out materials from the Levi Heywood Memorial Library. Click here to find out how to get a card. Network transfers (inter-library loans) must go out on the card that was used when requesting the item(s).
There is a bookdrop that is open during the hours the Library is closed. It is located to the left of the main entrance (clock-tower side of Library). Materials returned in the bookdrop will be checked in the next day the Library is open. Fines are not charged on Gardner items for days that the Library is closed. Network transfers are subject to the owning library's fines rules, hours, and policies.
Checkout Limits and Loan periods:
- Books (limit of 50 items per card) circulate for 21 days
- Magazines (limit of 6 per card) circulate for 21 days
- DVDs (limit of 4 per card, can only be checked out on an Adult card) circulate for 7 days, no renewals
- Music CDs (limit of 6 per card) circulate for 21 days
- Books on CD (limit of 6 per card) circulate for 21 days
- Art prints (limit of 1 per card) circulate for 21 days
- Museum passes (limit 1 per card, must be a Friends Member to borrow) circulate for 1 day, no renewals
Unless noted above, materials may be renewed on-line or in person for an additional 21 day period, assuming there are no holds on the items and no fines or lost materials blocking the card.
Fines and Overdue Notices:
- DVDs accrue fines at $1.00 per day with a $5.00 cap per item
- All other materials from the Adult collection accrue fines at $.10 per day
- Materials from the Children's collection accrue fines at $.05 per day
- Museum Passes accrue a fine of $10.00 when returned late
- Fines must be paid down below $3.00 to retain borrowing privileges
- Patrons who have provided an e-mail address will receive a courtesy e-mail notification approximately two days before materials are due reminding them of the due date. If materials are not returned an overdue notice will be e-mailed approximately 2 weeks after the due date.
- When an item is 4 weeks overdue the patron will receive a bill. At this time the patron's borrowing privileges will be suspended until the materials are returned or the replacement costs are paid. A $5.00 per item processing charge will also be added to each item set to "Billed."
- Items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the owning library's loan, renewal, and fines policies but may be paid at the LHML
Patrons are responsible for fines and costs of replacing lost or damaged items checked out on their card. It is important not to lend your card to anyone, or check out materials for use by another.