Borrowing Basics

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Getting Your Library Card

Your adventure with the library begins with a card! If you don’t have one yet, it’s easy to get started.

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Who Can Get a Card:

• Anyone who lives in North Brookfield or the surrounding areas is eligible for a library card.

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How to Get a Card:

• In Person: To receive a physical library card, visit the library during regular hours with a valid photo ID and proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement). Our friendly staff will set you up!

• Online (for Digital Access): If you’d like to start borrowing digital items immediately, you can sign up for an eCard online through the CWMARS system. With an eCard, you can access eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources right away. When you’re ready for a physical card, simply come to the library with proof of residency, and we’ll upgrade your eCard to a full membership.

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C/W MARS Library Cards:

• First-time C/W MARS Library Cards are issued free of charge.

• Replacement cards cost $1.00.

• Only one C/W MARS card is allowed per patron.

• Minors under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-sign the application and present proof of address.

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Important Restrictions:

• If you have an outstanding fine over $10 or a lost item on your existing card, a new card cannot be issued. Library staff will verify your account before issuing a new card.

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Borrowing Materials

We offer a diverse selection of materials for you to borrow, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and more. Here’s what you need to know:

Loan Periods:

• Books & Audiobooks: 3 weeks

• DVDs & Blu-rays: 1 week

• Magazines: 1 week

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Returns & Renewals

Returning materials is easy and convenient! Here's what you need to know about returning and renewing your items:

Return Options:

• In Person: Bring items back to the library during our regular hours.

• Book Drop: Use our 24/7 outdoor book drop located in front of the building (please avoid returning DVDs or delicate items in the book drop, as they could be damaged).

• Any CW MARS Member Library: You can return library materials to any CW MARS member library, not just Haston Free Public Library!

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Renewals: You can renew most materials online through your library account or by calling us. Here are the key details:

• Movies and Magazines: 1 renewal is allowed.

• Books: 1 or 2 renewals, depending on the lending library’s policy.

• Materials eligible for renewal will be automatically renewed, and no action is needed by the patron.

• You’ll receive an email notification confirming the renewal status of your checked-out items, so you know when your materials have been renewed successfully.

• If you prefer, you can ask library staff to place a hold for you or assist with renewing an item.

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Grace Period: There is no grace period for overdue materials. All books and materials are due on their due date unless renewed. You should check your account and/or receipt carefully for the due date, as library loan periods vary.

After an item is 30 days overdue, it will be assumed that the item is lost, and the replacement cost of the item(s) will be charged to your account. If you owe more than $10, you will not be able to check out additional materials until the balance is cleared.

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Accessing the Online Catalog and Placing Holds

The online CWMARS catalog allows you to view the availability of books and other materials, not just at Haston Free Public Library, but at all CWMARS member libraries. You can also place holds on (reserve) materials owned by any CWMARS library.

To access materials from any CWMARS library, make sure "All CWMARS Libraries" is selected in the search dropdown menu. When placing a hold, be sure to select which library you will pick up your item from.

If you prefer, a staff member can place an item on hold for you. Simply ask at the front desk, and we’ll assist you!

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Updating Your Account

Library card accounts are periodically updated. If you’ve provided your email address (either at registration or by updating your account online), you will receive an email notification when your account needs to be updated.

To update your account, simply visit the library with your library card, a photo ID, and proof of your current address. Our staff will assist you in updating your account to ensure it stays active and up to date.

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Cardholder's Responsibility

All Library cardholders (or parents/guardians signing for a minor cardholder) are responsible for abiding by Library policies and assume responsibility for all use of their card.

Once you sign up for a card, please:

• Report any changes: Notify the library if your mailing address, phone number, or other contact information changes.

• Report a lost or stolen card promptly: If your card is lost or stolen, let us know right away to avoid unauthorized use.

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Special Borrowing Programs

We offer a variety of services to help you access even more materials:

• Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Don’t see what you’re looking for in our collection? We can request it from another library!

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Questions?

Thank you for choosing Haston Free Public Library. We look forward to supporting your reading and learning journey!