Library Services & Policies

Registration for Library Cards:
1.
a. Individuals qualify for a resident library card if they can prove residence within New London .
b. Out-of-state individuals may qualify for a non-resident library card for an annual fee of $10.00.
c. College students who can prove residence in New London will be issued a resident library card good from September 1 to June 1.

2. Identification for Library Cards:
a. Adults (age 14 and older) applying for a library card must show any one of the following:
i. A currently valid driver's license or Connecticut State I.D. card; or
ii. A social security card with any official document with name and address, such as a lease or utility bills.
b. Children (under 14 years of age ) must be able to print their names and must have their parents provide identification and proof of residence and countersign their application forms. Children may borrow two print items from the Adult Collection at a time.
c. Students must show their local college or Academy identification card.

3. Registration Period:
a. The registration period for resident library cards is two years.
b. Students are registered from September 1 to June 1 of the academic year.
c. The registration period for non-resident library cards is one year.
d. Cardholders may lose their library privileges if their accounts are delinquent.

Circulation of Library Materials:
1. Library materials circulate for the following periods:
a. VHS videotapes and DVDs: seven days.
b. Instructional videotapes: seven days.
c. Magazines, pamphlets, new fiction, new non-fiction, compact discs, and records: fourteen days.
2. Fines
a. A charge of $2.00 per day is made for all overdue videotapes, DVDs, compact discs, and museum passes.
b. A charge of $0.10 per day is made for all other overdue adult materials.
c. A charge of $0.05 per day is made for all other overdue children's materials.
d. Maximum fines are:
i. For videotapes, DVDs, compact discs, and museum passes: $10.00.
ii. For other adult books and magazines: $2.00 if returned within four weeks of the due date, or $4.00 if returned more than four weeks after the due date.
iii. For other children's materials: $1.00.
iv. A replacement charge will be made for all materials either lost or destroyed by the cardholder. The actual cost of replacement will be determined by the actual cost of the new replacement item, plus any shipping, handling, or package costs, or by the cost indicated in the item record, or as listed in Books In Print , or by the material cost of the item.

(Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees - June 28, 1994
Revised - October 16, 2001)

Library Code of Conduct:
The Public Library of New London will maintain an environment that is attractive, comfortable, and conducive to learning, enjoyment, and a free exchange of ideas.

To meet those ends the library prohibits:
- Physically or verbally abusive behavior.
- Sleeping in the library.
- Loud voices or disruptive behavior, including loitering or inappropriate sexual behavior.
- The usage of cellular/digital telephones in the library.
- Destruction or defacing of library property and/or the property of patrons. Incidents will be handled at the discretion of the library commensurate with the amount of damage. Minors found damaging property will have their guardians contacted. Police will be notified when extensive damage occurs.
- Smoking in any part of the library.
- Food or beverages in any part of the library.
- Usage of the restroom for unconventional purposes. Bathing, shampooing, and the washing of laundry is strictly prohibited. Use of restrooms is limited to one person at a time, with the exception of a parent or guardian accompanying children or persons with disabilities.
- Patrons entering nonpublic library areas unless specifically asked and escorted by library staff.
- Leaving children under eight years of age unattended in the library without adult supervision.

Persons who fail to comply with this code will be asked to leave the library. Police will be notified if necessary.

(Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees - May 15, 2001)