Cornwall Library guide

OVERDUE AND LOST/DAMAGED MATERIAL POLICY

The Cornwall Free Library has established the following policy for overdue items owned by the Library as long as they are returned to the Library in good condition. In lieu of fines, voluntary contributions to the "Conscience Box" to support the Library’s operating budget are welcomed and gratefully accepted. A suggestion contribution of $.10 per day is calculated by our automated return system.

LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS

A fee for replacing an item that is lost or damaged beyond repair will be charged. An item is considered lost when it has not been returned to the Library within three weeks after its due date. The fee will be the cost of replacing the item at its current retail price.

Out of print fees are:

Hard bound items from the adult collection incur a fee $25

Paperback books from the adult collection $10

Books from the children’s collection $15

Magazines incur a fee of $5.00

Receipts will be issued upon fee payment. After payment of the fee, a damaged item may be kept by the patron. Upon request, a fee refund will be issued for lost items that are later found and returned to the Library in good condition only if the item has not been replaced by the Library.

The Library is not responsible for any damage to a patron’s electronic equipment, including VCRs, DVD players, audiocassette tape or in-car players, CD players, etc., incurred while playing Library provided material.

Parents and/or guardians are responsible for all materials borrowed from the Library by their children under the age of 18.

SUSPENSION OF BORROWING PRIVILEGES

If a patron has overdue material on his/her card, the Library will make two (2) attempts to reach the patron, during the three weeks after its due date. At the time of the final notice, the patron’s borrowing privileges will be suspended until the overdue material is either paid for or returned.

The Library personnel will make every effort to handle suspension of borrowing privileges with the utmost courtesy and discretion. Such suspension of borrowing privileges is not meant as a punitive measure. Rather, suspension is viewed as a necessary measure in order to sustain availability of Library materials for all patrons.

Library Guide

Who may borrow?

• Cornwall residents (1st grade and up) with a valid Cornwall library card.
• Anyone with a valid library card issued by a Connecticut library.

What may be borrowed?

• Books and books on tape may be borrowed for three weeks.

• Videos and DVDs may be borrowed for two days; children's for seven.

• Upon request, the librarian will place a reserve on an item out on loan and notify you when it is available.

• Upon request, the librarian will borrow an item from another Connecticut library through the Interlibrary Loan system and notify you when it is available.

• When the library is closed, materials my be returned to the box at the front entry.

Collection

The library has about 12,500 adult books, 5,000 children's books, 500 books on tape, and 500 videos. Cornwall authors are well represented, and the collection of art books is especially fine.

Catalog

The catalog is available on the computers in the library and is accessible on the Internet. Access Cornwall Library Catalog.

Computers

Internet access (including e-mail) is available on four computers. You may use your own laptop through our open WiFi network.

Programs

• Story hours for preschoolers are scheduled in eight-week sessions -- check for the times.

• A Summer Reading program for children is held every summer.

• Special events for adults and children appear on the calendar.