Circulation Policy
Circulation Policy
A. Issuing of Library Cards
Griffin Free Public Library issues library cards free of charge to the following groups: Auburn residents, Auburn landowners, and employees of Auburn businesses. All cardholders must be in 1st grade or older.
In order to be issued a library card, users must provide a photo ID. If photo ID does not establish eligibility for a free card, the user must also provide proof of residency (lease/mortgage, recent mail addressed to the user, car registration, etc.), proof of landowner status (most recent tax bill), or proof of employment in Auburn (most recent pay stub or official letter from employer on company letterhead). All items provided in application for a card will be examined and immediately returned to the user. Children’s cards will be provided upon presentation of a parent or legal guardian’s photo ID and/or appropriate documentation as listed above.
For those not belonging to one of those groups, library cards are available under the following conditions:
- Full-privilege cards are available for any non-resident or long-term visitor to the area. These cards can be obtained for a 6 month period for $20, or for one year for $35. Fees for cards are not refundable, cannot be prorated to shorter terms, and are not applicable to “upgrade” for longer periods.
Regular library cards are valid for three years from date of issue. Upon expiration, all cards can be renewed as long as the account is cleared of all overdue fines and contact information (phone/email/address) has been updated. Non-resident/visitor cards may be renewed with payment for another 6 or 12 month term. Library cards/accounts that have been inactive for five years may be deleted from the database unless they have any fines or blocks.
B. Use of Library Cards
In order to protect the private information of our patrons, all patrons are required to provide their library card OR a valid ID (containing both photo and name) in order to access their accounts. Information contained in library accounts is considered confidential (RSA 201-D:11) regardless of the age of the cardholder. For this reason, Griffin Free Public Library allows cardholders to create a “family” account.
In order to create a family account, the cardholder must authorize users to have access to the account. Only members of the same household are eligible to be authorized users. Regardless of the number of authorized users, or the specifics of any given situation, the named cardholder remains the sole individual responsible for all activity on their account, including all fines, fees, and charges. If desired by the cardholder, each authorized user will receive a separate card, which will allow them independent access to the library.
If, while holding an active library card, a user’s name, address, phone, email, or other personal information changes, the user is responsible for notifying the library of the change.
C. Lost Cards
A valid photo ID must be presented in order to receive a replacement card (or, in the case of minor children, the valid photo ID of a parent or legal guardian).
D. Use of Library Materials
Books, audiobooks, and magazines check out for a period of two weeks. DVDs check out for a period of one week. Museum passes check out for three days. Reference material is available for in-library use only.
Books and magazines may be renewed twice, for additional two week intervals, and DVDs may be renewed once for an additional one week interval, unless the item has been placed on hold by another patron. Renewals will generate a new due date based on the date of the renewal, not of the original checkout. Museum passes are not eligible for renewal.
E. Interlibrary Loan
Griffin Free Public Library participates in the statewide Interlibrary Loan system (ILL). Items not owned by Griffin Free Public Library, or that are otherwise unavailable, can usually be requested through this program. New, exceedingly popular, rare, or historical items may not be available. Griffin Free Public Library makes no guarantee as to the availability or condition of any item obtained through ILL.
Patrons are responsible for observing the due date provided by the lending library for all ILL. Failure to meet these dates may result in suspension of ILL service, billing for any fees incurred by the library, or suspension of library privileges.
F. Fines and Fees*
*In 2014, the Board of Trustees voted to indefinitely extend the no-fines program started in November of 2013. This program will be assessed on an ongoing basis, and may be ended at any time.
Under the no-fines program:
If items are two weeks overdue: Patron account will be blocked (no new checkouts or renewals allowed) until all items are returned or declared lost and paid for. This will include the New Hampshire Downloadable Books account associated with your Griffin Free Public Library card.
If items are six weeks overdue: Patron account will remain blocked. The library will assume that the items have been lost, and patrons will be sent a bill for the full replacement cost of the items. The patron may choose to return the items in lieu of paying for them, as long as the items have not been damaged. When all items are returned or paid for, the account will be reinstated in full.
In addition, for those who feel guilty about being late, there will be a conscience jar – a completely voluntary way to ease your mind and help the library at the same time. The amount you put in is totally up to you.
G. Confidentiality of Library Records
All information obtained in the creation of a library account is kept only for library purposes. All account activity, including checkouts and fines, is considered confidential, and will be handled according to RSA 201-D:11.
Approved by the Board of Trustees: December 1, 1999
Amended by the Board of Trustees: December 2, 2003
Amended by the Board of Trustees: February 22, 2007
Amended by the Board of Trustees: April 15, 2008
Amended by the Board of Trustees: September 10, 2009
Amended by the Board of Trustees: April 15, 2010
Amended by the Board of Trustees: November 9, 2010
Amended by the Board of Trustees: January 14, 2011
Amended by the Board of Trustees: June 27, 2013
Amended by the Board of Trustees: November 10, 2014 (effective Jan. 1, 2015)
Amended by the Board of Trustees: January 8, 2018
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