Library Card Policy and Borrowing Rules
Library cards are issued to those aged 5 and above.
To apply for a new card or to update your account, please click here and follow the prompts. After that, simply visit the library at your convenience with a valid photo ID (and proof of address if your ID isn’t current) to sign the form and pick up your new card.
Students through Grade 12 may use their school and grade as ID/proof of residence. Children 5-13 years old will need a parent/legal guardian to sign their form.
Everyone, including children, need to be physically present to receive their new card. The form can be filled out at any time but to complete the process and receive a new card each applicant needs to come to the library in person.
Click HERE or scroll down the page for more library card and account info.
Shared Borrowing Agreement
Did you know that you can now use your Baxter Memorial Library card at several other nearby libraries? We have entered into a reciprocal borrowing agreement with Scarborough Public Library, South Portland Public Library, Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth, and Walker Memorial Library in Westbrook which gives our users walk in access to their collections, and their users the same access to ours! This provides the opportunity to check out available items directly from these libraries without waiting for interlibrary loans to arrive through the delivery system!
Having your card in hand is required, and your account must be in good standing. If you have questions before getting started, give us a call at 207.222.1190 or stop by the circulation desk.
Portland Public Library Cards
Did you know that all residents of Cumberland and York counties are eligible for a free Portland Public Library card and, with the 14-digit number it provides, access to their amazing online resources?
Baxter Memorial Library staff can issue a PPL card at the circulation desk.
Highlights of what PPL has to offer include:
– Genealogy information from HeritageQuest and Ancestry Plus
– Access to Mango Languages
– Access to more items through the CloudLibrary
– Auto Repair manuals
– Self-publish with Your Public Library and SELF-e
– Access to PPL Digital Commons
– Kids’ e-books from Tumblebooks Library
Library Accounts
A current library account in good standing is required to check out or renew library materials, as well as to reserve or request materials from other lending libraries. For all in-person transactions associated with a given account, a valid library card or valid photo identification must be presented.
To access a library account online or over the phone, the library card number must be provided.
To access or inquire about the status of any other patron’s account, including the accounts of children of any age, the card associated with that account is required. No alternative means may be used to access or inquire about the status of another patron’s account.
Replacement cards
For patrons 18 years and older, valid photo identification is required to replace a library card. Patrons aged 5-18 who do not possess photo identification will be asked by staff to verify personal information in their record. The patron must be present in order for a replacement card to be issued. A nominal fee will be charged for the replacement of a lost library card.
Non-Resident Library Cards
Non-resident households may purchase library card privileges by paying a non-resident fee. This fee is established by the Board of Trustees, approved by the Town Manager, and will be periodically reviewed and adjusted. A household is defined as any and all persons living at the same residence (house or apartment unit). Each household member may be issued their own library card at no extra charge.
Other Non-Resident Card information can be viewed in the Library Card Policy and Borrowing Rules document found above.
Borrowing Rules
Loan period
All Baxter Memorial Library items circulate for three weeks with the option to renew for two additional weeks if there are no holds on the items.
Although Baxter Memorial Library does not charge overdue fines, notices will be sent for items kept past their due dates. Library items more than two weeks overdue will result in a suspension of borrowing privileges until the overdue items are returned.
Loan limits
Patrons may check out up to four (4) video items owned by the Baxter Memorial Library at a time. All other circulating library materials are available on an unlimited basis.
Renewals
Library items may be renewed once for two additional weeks by phone, in person or online.
Returns
Library materials must be returned to one of Baxter Memorial Library’s book drops, either inside or outside the building. Patrons are encouraged not to place items in outside book drops that are blocked or full as the items can be damaged or stolen. Items returned to an outside book drop remain the responsibility of the patron until they are checked back into the library.
Lost or damaged library materials
As a condition of library use, the patron agrees to pay for any lost or damaged library items checked out to their library card. Replacement and/or mending costs are determined by the Library Director or their designee. Once an item is designated as “Replacement Cost Due” or “ILL Paid” (or similar wording), the patron must pay for the item; return of the item will no longer clear any fees that have been assessed. Replacement copies are generally not accepted in lieu of fees but may be presented for review by the Library Director or their designee on a case-by-case basis.
Reading History
Patrons can ‘Opt In’ to reading history by logging into My Library Account at minerva.maine.edu
More detailed instructions can be found Here
Baxter Memorial Library 