Library Cards

Library cards are free to residents and taxpayers of Belfast, the children of Waldo County 18 years of age and younger. Others may purchase a card for an annual fee of $35.00. Seasonal cards good for six months may be purchased for $20.00. To apply for a library card one must present a valid ID and proof of residency. We only take cash or check for payment.

Circulation Period and Limits

Most library material can be borrowed for three weeks, with three renewals permitted. Material with holds placed on it cannot be renewed.
Different borrowing rules apply to special items like park and museum passes, telescopes, and other types of equipment.
There is a limit of 25 items checked out on a library card. There is a limit of five books from the New collection and five DVDs.

Renewals

You may renew items yourself by using our online catalog (MINERVA), or you may renew items at the front desk or by phone. If you renew by phone, please be prepared to give us your library barcode number. As long as there are no reserves on an item, it may be renewed up to three times.

Fines and Other Charges

Overdue fines are not charged. If an item is not returned within 60 days after the due date, the replacement cost as determined by the library is charged. The replacement cost is also charged for an item determined to be damaged. Borrowing privileges are suspended if $5.00 or more is owed.

Holds/Reserves

Patrons may place a hold on an item either by themselves through the catalog or by asking staff for assistance. Items to be picked up will be held at the main floor Circulation Desk for one week.

Interlibrary Loan:

Patrons may place a request for an item located in another library either by themselves through the catalog or by asking staff for assistance.
Most interlibrary loan material can be borrowed for three weeks, with one renewal of two weeks permitted. If an item is not returned within 60 days after its due date, the replacement cost is charged. Replacement cost is determined by the owning library. Some libraries charge a processing fee in addition to the replacement cost.

Return of Materials

Please return borrowed items at either the Main Desk located on the First Floor or, for after hours return, at the book drops located at the front entrance of the Library. (Please note the separate slot for video returns.)