BORROWING AND RETURNING MATERIALS

Curtis Memorial Library lends materials in a variety of formats to meet the information and entertainment needs and interests of all community members. To assure equitable access to limited resources, borrowing limits are established by library administration and consortia agreements. These limits determine the number of items that can be checked out, the length of time items may be checked out, and the number of times items may be renewed.

LIBRARY CATALOG

The MINERVA catalog is the first place you should look for library materials. Curtis Library is a member of the MINERVA consortium, expanding access to resources for our patrons. You cannot use your Curtis card at other MINERVA libraries but you can request interlibrary loan items through the catalog to be sent to Curtis for you to pick up. You may broaden your search to the MaineCat catalog, if you cannot find what you are looking for in MINERVA.

LOAN PERIODS AND RENEWALS

The lending period for most library material is 21 days, with some variations. Items may be renewed for an additional loan period, unless they have been requested by another person. To renew an item by phone, call 725-5242. To renew online, click here to access your account with your last name and library card number, then click on your current checked out items, for the option to renew.

REQUESTS

Library cardholders are allowed 10 Minerva requests at a time.

ITEM LIMITS

The maximum number of materials that may be checked out at any one time is 50 (15 for 30-day cards).

BESTSELLER EXPRESS

Sponsored by Curtis Friends, Bestseller Express titles are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be checked out for 7 days, with a maximum of two titles at a time and no renewals.

RETURNING MATERIAL

Borrowers are responsible for returning library materials on or before the due date and in the same condition as when borrowed. Material can be returned at the Lending Services desk or the Bookmobile. We have additional book returns located adjacent to the Library’s Middle Street entry and at the Harpswell Town Office.

OVERDUE ITEMS & FEES

Curtis Library no longer charges overdue fees. However, borrowers will be assessed a replacement fee for lost, damaged, or un-returned items, equal to the cost of the item.

Library cardholders will receive email reminders when an item is 10 and 20 days overdue.

Once an item is 30 days overdue, it will be considered lost.  Borrowers will receive an email notice that cites a replacement fee billed to their account.

When a borrower’s account reaches $20 in bills, library privileges are suspended until items are returned or paid for. Replacement copies of items will not be accepted in lieu of payment.

If the lost items are returned before 45 days overdue, the replacement fee is waived.

If an inter-library loan item remains unreturned after 45 calendar days from the due date, the Library is obligated to pay the replacement fee to the owning library (with no option for a refund). If this happens, the cost of the item will be passed on to the borrowing patron – even if the item is eventually returned.

Cardholders may be reimbursed for replacement fees paid on lost Curtis Library items if the items are returned within 3 months from the date of payment.