Using the Library :

Borrowing, Loan Periods, Fines

Art Galleries & Exhibit Spaces

Book a Museum Pass

Bulletin Boards

Courtyard & Café

Meeting & Study Rooms

Fax/Copier Services

Internet

Make Yourself A VIP

Public Computer Use

Bookstore

Borrowing, Loan Periods, Fines

Library Cards
Library cards are issued free of charge to any Hingham resident. Residents of towns participating in the Old Colony Library Network may use their hometown cards, but must register in their home library before borrowing at the Hingham Public Library. Non-OCLN patrons may use a library card from their local library or, if they do not have their library card, current identification with proof of address will be required. Typically, adults are asked for a driver's license, but other forms of identification may be acceptable. Call the Library's Circulation Department to inquire. Hingham Public Library cards are individual cards, not family cards, and are, therefore, not transferable. Children and Young Adults under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian with them in order to obtain a card; children under age 13 are issued cards from the Children's Department. A Hingham Public Library card may be used to borrow from other Old Colony Library Network libraries. If a card is lost or stolen, notify the Library's Circulation Department immediately to prevent unauthorized borrowing. Lost cards are replaced at a charge of $1.00.

Loan Periods
Most materials, except for new or special materials, may be checked out for 14 days. Reference and historical materials do not circulate. There are no restrictions on the number of books that may be checked out at one time, though we impose reasonable limits to insure equitable access during peak demand periods for specific titles or subjects. There are restrictions on the number of audio-visual collections which may be borrowed at one time. Restrictions are posted at the Audio-Visual Department desk.

Renewals
Materials may be renewed a maximum of two times as long as no one else has requested them. New materials and all AV materials may be renewed once. Telephone renewals are accepted for all items eligible for renewal except Rental Books; Rental Books must be brought to the Library for renewal. Users with internet access may renew eligible items on-line.

Reserves
To request a book or other item not on the shelf, patrons may place a "hold" on the item. The hold may be placed by the patron via the directions on the public access terminals or through our catalog on the internet. Staff also can place your hold. Request slips also may be filled out at the main desk for items you wish the Library to consider for purchase.

Returns
Borrowed items may be returned at any circulation point in the Library. Book and AV drops for use when the Library is closed are located near the library´s main entrance.

Fines & Lost/Damaged Materials Charges
Effective March 4, 2004. Overdue fines are charged on the schedule below:

Materials Borrowed from Children´s and
Young Adult Collection

Charges for lost and damaged materials are based on the replacement cost plus accumulated fines.

Accumulated charges may result in suspension of borrowing privileges at the Hingham Public Library and throughout the Old Colony Library Network.

Rental Charges
The Rental Book collection provides popular titles for $1.00 per week with an overdue fine of .30 per day. Rental DVDs/Videos are loaned at $1.00 per day. Rental Books on Tape and CD are loaned at $1.00 per week with an overdue fine of $1.00 per day. The Audiovisual Department rents equipment. Contact this department for a current equipment and price list (781-741-1405, Ext. 2605).