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| FAQs |
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Boston Public Library Most Frequently Asked Questions Borrowing and Circulating Information |
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| 1. How can I get a library card? |
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Go to any branch of the Boston Public Library with photo identification that shows your name and address, and has your signature. The easiest form of ID is a Massachusetts Drivers License or State ID card showing your current address. Another alternative is to bring a letter that came to you in the mail, in conjunction with a form of photo ID that bears your signature such as a health card, student ID, or credit card. You may also bring a signed copy of your lease in conjunction with a second form of ID. |
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| 2. Where can I use my library card? |
At the Central Library in
Copley Square, at all neighborhood Branch Libraries located all around Boston and in member
libraries of the Metro Boston Library Network: the public libraries of Chelsea and Malden.
You can borrow a book from any library on this
list and return it to any other library on this list. If your library doesn't have the
book you want, you can ask to have it sent from another network library to your library. |
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| 3. How much does a library card cost? |
Your library card is free.
If you lose it, you will have to pay a $1 replacement fee.
It does not cost anything to use the Boston Public Library if you remember 3 simple rules:
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| 4. How long can I keep the books I borrow? |
You may have any material
that you borrow from the Boston Public Library for 21 days (3 weeks). If you keep it
longer you will have to pay an overdue fine for each day each item is late. |
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| 5. What if I don't have the money to pay for my overdue books? |
Bring them back as soon as
you can anyway! The fine stops as soon as the books are back at the Library, even if you
don't pay it right away, and someone else has a chance to use the books. You can pay the
fine a little at a time or all at once when you have the money. |
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| 6. How many books and other items may I borrow at one time? |
The Boston Public Library allows people to borrow up to 75 items at one time. However, DVDs are limited to 10 per person. Other libraries in the Metro Boston Library Network have different policies regrading the maximimum number of items. | |||
| 7. What if my dog chews my book? |
You are responsible for
returning library books and other material in good condition. When a book is damaged you
may have to pay for its repair or replacement. Talk to the librarian and explain what
happened. |
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| 8. What if I don't finish my book before it is due back at the Library? |
Bring the book back to the
Library and ask to renew it. If no one else is waiting for it and your
account is in good standing, you will be allowed to
borrow it for another 21 days. |
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| 9. What if I can't find my book to return it? |
If a book is overdue for
more than 30 days, the computer will think that you are not going to bring it back and
will charge you to replace it. If you find the book and bring it back, all you will have
to pay are the overdue fines, not the price of the book. |
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| 10. Is it okay to let someone else use my library card? |
No! Your library card is
yours. If you let your best friend, your older brother, or your younger sister borrow
something with your library card, you are the one who will be fined if the item is lost,
damaged, or kept overdue. Be sure to report a lost card immediately so that no one else
will be able to use it. |
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| 11. Do I have to have my library card with me each time I come to the
Library? |
You have to have your
library card, or some ID with your name and address, with you to take anything out of the
Library. You do not usually need your card to look up general information, attend Story
Hour, watch a movie, join the chess club, etc., but there may be times when you will be
asked to show your library card to use some materials inside the Library. Library cards are frequently required in order to make in-library computer reservations. Check with the
librarian at your local library for further information. |
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| 12. How long is my card good for? |
You will be asked to update your address every two years. If you do not use your library card for three years, you will need to re-register. Otherwise, your card will not expire. |
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| 13. How big is the Boston Public Library? |
Big enough to offer you
over 6 million books, 17 thousand magazines, 4,000 free programs, plus maps, music scores,
cassettes, CDs, and answers to millions of questions! If you have more questions about the
Boston Public Library, or your library card, ask at your neighborhood library. The
librarian will be glad to help you. |
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