Frequently Asked Questions
This area has answers to common questions about the library.

How can I get a library card?
Who can borrow what?
How can I renew my materials?
What are your overdue fines?
How does the library handle lost or damaged library materials?
Are computers available for use at the library?
How do I book the meeting room?
How to I suggest a good book for the library?
Do you close for school snow days?
Do you need volunteers?

How can I get a library card?         go back to top
Registering at the Scituate Town Library is easy, free and takes only a few minutes at the Circulation Desk. You must have some form of identification with your local address (driver's license, mail, pre-printed bank checks, a lease or car registration). Cardholders are responsible for all materials borrowed on their cards. There is a $5.00 replacement fee for lost cards.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany children.

With a Scituate Town Library card, you may borrow materials at any of the 25 libraries in the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN). Materials borrowed from other libraries are subject to the owning libraries policies and fines.

Who can borrow what?         go back to top
The Scituate Town Library does not limit the number of books that can be checked out. Videos are limited to three videos per household and CD's are limited to 6.

The Friends of the Scituate Town Library maintain a rental collection of popular books that are in high demand. The rental fee is $1.00 for three days with an overdue fine of $.25/per day.

Most materials circulate for two weeks. The exceptions are:

Children's videos 3 days, all other videos 7 days
Back issues of magazines 3 days, all other magazines 7 days
Some Reference materials overnight loan

Books can be renewed twice, if no one is waiting.

Scituate residents have access to books not only from other OCLN libraries, but also from libraries throughout the state. Books can also be requested from libraries outside Massachusetts. To place an interlibrary loan request, see the Reference Librarian for assistance.

How can I renew my materials?         go back to top
You can renew materials checked out to you over the phone, in person or online. Because of confidentiality issues, inquiries about your specific library account should be made in person.

Please note that videos and magazines are not renewable.

Materials borrowed from other OCLN libraries are subject to the owning libraries' policies concerning renewals. Our staff will be glad to contact the owning library to see if the items you have can be renewed.

What are your overdue fines?         go back to top
Books .05/day 3.00 maximum
Rental books .25/day replacement cost
Videos 1.00/day replacement cost
Museum passes 5.00/day replacement cost
Computer software 1.00/day 25.00 maximum

Items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the fines imposed by the owning library.

How does the library handle lost or damaged library materials?    back to top
The library charges for the replacement of lost or damaged titles.

Materials borrowed from other libraries are subject to fines, fees and charges for lost items imposed by the owning library.

Are computers available for use at the library?         go back to top
Currently the Reference Department has 7 computers connected to the Internet. These computers also have some CD-Rom resources available for use in the library. The Internet computers are first come, first served. Residents can use the Internet for thirty minutes per day.

Please see the Internet Use Policy posted on the web page.

The Friends of the Scituate Town Library have provided two PC's for the public to use. The computers have Microsoft Word, and Excel. There is a $1.00 per hour fee charge for these computers.

How do I book the meeting room?         go back to top

1. The lower level meeting room (seating 125) is available during regular library hours to non-profit organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities.
2. Meetings cannot be scheduled more frequently than once per month or for periods exceeding four hours per meeting. Meetings must be concluded by 8:45 pm to allow the library staff to secure the building.
3. All meetings are open to the public.
4. No admission fees may be charged.
5. The meeting room cannot be used for the promotion of individual political candidates.
6. Town Boards and Committees may use the room free of charge. All others are asked to donate $10.00 per meeting. The fee is payable prior to the meeting.
7. Any request to serve refreshments must be submitted to the Board of Trustees in writing.
8. All users are responsible for arranging tables and chairs to meet their needs.

Meeting Room Applications are available at the Circulation Desk. All users are required to read our policy and reserve space ahead of time.

How to I suggest a good book for the library?         go back to top
The library always considers patron requests. Please speak to the Reference Librarian or a Circulation Desk staff member about it.

Do you close for school snow days?         go back to top
The Scituate Town Library closes when other town offices, not the schools, close due to hazardous winter weather. Announcements regarding the library closings are made via radio on WATD.

Do you need volunteers?         go back to top
Volunteers are encouraged to speak to the Director about current projects.