Hubbard Free Library

CIRCULATION POLICY

All residents of the communities that the Hubbard Free Library serves - currently Hallowell Chelsea, and Farmingdale - are entitled to a free card, which enables them to check out materials. Residents of other communities may obtain a card with a payment of $20 a year. Persons who reside outside the above communities, but have tax-paying businesses in them, may also have a free card. Note that as of July 1st, 2008, when funding from Farmingdale ceases, all Farmingdale cards will expire, and Farmingdale patrons will have to pay the $20 fee.

To obtain a card, we ask for some proof of residence - e.g., driver's license, a bill or letter sent to your home address. Children under 16 must have a parent or guardian sign their card. Cards do not expire (as long as the library is receiving funding from the town of residence), but an annual expiration date in our automated system will enable us to check that all contact information is current, when it comes up.

Materials go out for the following periods:

Books, Audio Books, Music CDS and Cassettes, Magazines: 2 weeks, with up to 3 renewals possible unless the item has been requested by someone else.

Videos and DVDs: 1 week, with up to 2 renewals possible, unless the item has been requested by someone else.

There is a check-out limit of 25 items, total.

For some time HFL has had a policy of no overdue fines except for videos; however, due to an ongoing problem with severely overdue items, as of Thursday, May 15, 2008 the following overdue fines will be in effect:

Videos/DVDs - $1 a day, $10 maximum.

Books, Audio Books, Music CDs and Cassettes, Periodicals - 5 cents a day, $10 maximum

Only days we are open will be counted, in calculating overdue fines.

If items are not returned at all, the cost of replacement will be added to the patron's record, and borrowing privileges will be suspended until payment is made. Note that in the case of minors, parents will be held responsible (as indicated on the card application which they sign), and a hold may also be put against their records.