Policies

Carver Memorial Library Mission & Policies

Honoring Searsport’s heritage, the Carver Memorial Library is an anchor for the community and a vessel for life-long learning by providing access to information, ideas, and technology.

Lending Periods

New books: 2 weeks, 2 renewals
Books: 4 weeks, 2 renewals
Audiobooks: 4 weeks, 2 renewals
Videos: 1 week, 2 renewals
TV series: 2 weeks, 2 renwals
Magazines: 1 week, 2 renewals

Note: materials borrowed from another library (Interlibrary Loans) are subject to the policies of the lending library and may differ from above rules. They may usually be borrowed for 2 weeks. Interlibrary loans by mail are limited to one checked out at a time; borrowers may also have one pending. Additional mailed titles have a $5 fee to cover postage.

Juvenile Borrowers
Juveniles under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign off on their application.

Juveniles may borrow any item from our collection. It is the guardian’s responsibility to oversee reading choices.
Juveniles may borrow whenever they are at the library, including times when the guardian isn’t present.
Juveniles’ borrowing information is kept as confidential as possible while respecting the guardian’s financial obligations.
If a juvenile 12 or over has an overdue or damaged item, we contact him/her directly for the first 2 attempts to get it back. After that, we will involve the guardian for collection.
Juvenile patrons may borrow up to 10 items at a time, including no more than 2 audiovisual items.
Upon turning 18 and presenting a photo ID, a Juvenile account will be converted to an Adult account.

Public conduct

Library users are welcome to:

Use our materials gently. Take them home to enjoy by using your library card.
Read, study, and spend time at the library.
Speak in conversational tones.
Ask the library staff if you have questions or for assistance.

Children: Parents and guardians are encouraged to be involved in their children’s selections and to model and teach appropriate library behavior. Patrons are responsible for the material selection choice, safety, and behavior of children or dependents in their care.

Disruptive behavior is not permitted and may result in suspension of library privileges.

The Library Board of Trustees endorses the principles of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom To Read statement.

Land Acknowledgement
Carver Memorial acknowledges that it is located on the traditional land of the Wabanaki and Penobscot peoples, past and present, is grateful for their strength and stewardship, and commits to continuing that care going forward. The Library honors the history of the land and people of the area, shares stories, and welcomes everyone, now and into the future.