Circulation Policy Revised August 2021
Middletown Public Library is a member of the statewide Cooperating Libraries Automated Network called Ocean State Libraries (OSL), which links over 50 public libraries in Rhode Island. Middletown Public Library FULL ACCESS cards may be used at other OSL libraries to borrow materials.
Items may only be checked out with a valid OSL card or a valid photo ID. Items can be held for up to 48 hours at the circulation desk for return pickup.
Obtaining a Library Card
ELIGIBILITY:
Any person who lives in or pays property taxes in Rhode Island is eligible to receive an Ocean State Libraries (OSL) card from the public library of their choice free of charge. One card is allowed per resident. Use of an Ocean State Libraries card is non-transferrable, i.e., can only be used by the person whose name appears on the card.
To obtain a free library card: A RI resident must present a valid RI ID or license with his/her current address or a valid photo ID along with verification of address, such as a bill, car registration, check-book, or lease.
Library cards expire every three years. Proof of Rhode Island residency is required to renew.
Acceptable ID for out of state residents who are currently attending school in RI would include a student ID, course schedule, or a tuition bill.
Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proof of residence. The cardholder or parent/guardian of a juvenile cardholder is responsible for materials borrowed on his/her card.
Out of state residents can purchase a one year FULL ACCESS card for $200 or a one year LOCAL USE ONLY card for $10. A FULL ACCESS card may be used at other OSL libraries to borrow materials and to place reserves. A LOCAL USE ONLY card can only be used at the issuing library. It cannot be used to place reserves, to access eZone materials, or to borrow an iPad, a tablet or a Roku streaming device.
Middletown Public Library and/or OSL reserve the right to deny checkout privileges (including renewals and holds) to anyone owing fines of more than $5.00 at any OSL library, and/or has material checked out that is overdue by a week or more.
If a card is lost or stolen, notify the library immediately. A fee of $1.00 is charged to replace a lost card for patrons who present a valid photo ID.
You may apply online for a library card here.
Loan Periods
| Material Type | Loan Period |
|---|---|
| Books, Audiobooks, CDs, Magazines | 3 weeks |
| Discount Passes - no holds/renewals | 1 week |
| DVD Series | 3 weeks |
| DVDs | 1 week |
| Express Collection - no holds/renewals | 1 week |
| DVD/BLU-RAY Browsing collection - no holds/renewals | 1 week |
| Fishing poles - no holds/renewals | 3 weeks |
| Tablets - no holds/renewals | 3 weeks |
| eZone Downloads | 1, 2, or 3 weeks |
| Freegal Music | Keep downloads |
| Hoopla Digital | 72 hours, 1 week or 3 weeks |
| Kanopy Streaming | 72 hours |
| RB Digital Magazines | Keep downloads |
Loan Limits
Certain materials have limits on how many items can be borrowed at one time.
| Material Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| DVDs | 4 |
| CDs and Audiobooks | 6 |
| Discount Passes | 1 per venue |
| Tablets | 1 |
| eZone Downloads | 8 |
| Kanopy Streaming | 6 per month |
| Hoopla Digital | 6 per month |
| Freegal Music | 5 songs per week |
Renewals
OSL libraries allow two renewals on most items. Renewals automatically occur when item loan limits allow, the item is not on hold for another cardholder, and the borrower’s card is not blocked by fines over $5.00, overdue or billed items. Material can also be renewed in person at the library, over the phone, or through the online catalog.
Fines and Fees
Fines are charged for overdue materials, including leased materials. Fees are charged for certain services, such as printing and making copies; replacement of lost items, including leased materials and replacement of lost cards.
Non-perishable food is accepted as payment for fines assessed on Middletown owned materials only.
At the discretion of the owning library, fees may be assessed for damaged materials. Exact replacement copies of lost items may be accepted in lieu of payment for assessed charges at the discretion of the owning library.
Overdue Fines
| Material Type | Per Day | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Print and CDs | $.10 | $6 |
| Express Collection | $.25 | $6 |
| DVDs | $1 | $10 |
| Discount Passes | $5 | Replacement cost |
| Tablets | $5 | Replacement cost |
Other Charges
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Lost Items | Replacement cost |
| Inter-library loan charges | Determined by the owning library |
Reserves (also known as holds)
Cardholders may place up to 25 reserves on circulating items owned by Ocean State Libraries from a personal computer or at the libraries’ WEBPACs. This service is not available to LOCAL USE ONLY cardholders. All discount passes and some libraries’ audio visual materials are excluded.
Materials from universities and out of state libraries may be requested through the Reference Department. A small fee for postage may be charged.
Cardholders may choose to be notified either by email or with an automated phone call when their reserved item arrives. For instructions on setting up text message notification click here. Reserved material is held at the Circulation Desk for 7 days. A hold is cancelled and the item is placed back in circulation if not picked up within the reserved time.
Cardholders may reserve up to 6 eZone downloads. This service is not available to LOCAL USE ONLY cardholders. Reserved eZone downloads are held for 3 days