Borrowing Privileges for the Athol Public Library

Why do I need a Library Card?

The Library has more than 50,000 books, magazines, periodicals, books on tape, videos, compact discs, and other items which are loaned to people who have a card. All you have to do is present your library card to borrow an item. When you take out any item from the library, you are responsible for returning the item on time and in good condition.


How do I get a Library Card?

If you are a new borrower, you may get a library card by presenting identification with your current address on it / or along with something that has your current address. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a permission card signed by a parent or legal guardian to borrow videos or to use the internet. Your first card is free, however to replace a card costs $1.00.


Are there any restrictions on what I can borrow?

In order to be fair and to provide the best service to all customers there are few restrictions. New cardholders may borrow up to 5 items at one time. After which, the borrowing limit is 15  items. The limit is 5 dvd/videos, audios, or compact discs, and 2 paintings per individual. Only one item may be borrowed without a library card in hand.


How long can I keep Library materials?

Most library materials go out for two weeks. Dvd/videos go out for 2 weeks, art prints for 2 months. Typewriters, A/V equipment, and museum passes may be borrowed for one day only. Renewals, either by telephone or in person, are possible if no one is waiting for the items. Generally, books and other regular materials can be renewed four times and videos and equipment can be renewed once. Interlibrary loan materials can not be renewed.



Does the Library charge fines?


The library does charge fines, in order to ensure that materials come back promptly for the next customers use. If you have outstanding fines or overdues, you may not be able to borrow additional materials.
Fines are as follows:
Regular library materials: 2 cents per day, ($1 maximum)
Videos: 1 dollar per item ($10 maximum)
Typewriters, equipment, museum passes: 1 dollar per day (no maximum)

Interlibrary loans:
10 cents per day for regular materials (no maximum)
$5 per day for audio visual materials (no maximum)



Returning materials

The book return next to the front door is for use when the library is closed. For your convenience, there is also a book return on the sidewalk in front of the library. However, to prevent damage to fragile items, we ask that you not put compact discs, equipment, paintings in the book returns. If you lose or damage library materials, you must pay for their replacement before you borrow additional items.