Borrowing Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I register for a library card?

    2. In order to have full borrowing privileges at the Maine State Library, you must register for a library card, either in person or online.

    Requirements

    1. You must be a Maine resident to receive a library card.
    2. You must pick up your card at the Maine State Library if you wish to check out materials.
    3. You must provide a valid ID with your current Maine mailing address: i.e. Maine drivers license, checkbook, car registration, Maine ID card, hunting or fishing license, etc.

    We will provide you with an online database access number if you only want to access those databases. You will not have to pick up your card at the State Library. Fill out the online form.

    Your borrowing privileges go into effect immediately after you complete the requirements.

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  2. How long may I keep an item?

    3. The first time you check out library materials, you get three weeks.

    • You may renew items twice.
    • The first renewal is for two additional weeks, and the second is for one week.
    • You may not renew if someone else requested your item.
    • If your account has been billed for delinquency, you may not renew
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  3. How can I use my library card online?

    4. You may manage your patron account and request items in Ursus, the Maine State Library catalog.

    You may also request items from MaineCat the statewide shared catalog.

    Your library card barcode also serves as a password for the MARVEL databases and some databases specific to the Maine State Library.

    Managing Your Account

    • Renew materials
    • View checked out items
    • View fines
    • View the status of your requests for library materials from other Maine libraries
    • Save and re-run searches
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  4. Who can use my library account?
    • You are the only person who can use your library card.
    • A department of a State Agency may acquire a group use card for work purposes by contacting the Director of Reader & Information Services Division
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  5. If I cannot make it to the library, can I mail my items back?

    6. Yes. We also have a convenient drop box in front of the library.

    If you need to send via US Postal service our address is:
    Maine State Library
    C/O Circulation Department
    64 State House Station
    Augusta, ME 04333-0064

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  6. How much do late fees cost?

    7. The library does not charge a daily late fee.

    • Three overdue and billing notices are sent to you.
    • If you ignore the notices, a $10.00 (per item) processing fee is charged, and borrowing privileges are suspended until the fee is paid.
    • If an item is not returned you will be charged a minimum of $40.00 which includes the $10.00 processing fee.
    • Fees paid will not be refunded even if the book is found. * The $10.00 processing fee remains even if the item is found and returned to the library before the item is paid for.
    • Any book returned damaged will result in a minimum fee of $40.00 (per damaged item) and borrowing privileges will be lost until the book is paid for.
    • The library does not accept replacement copies for lost or damaged books.
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  7. How many items can I check out?

    8. You may check out up to 25 items.

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  8. May I check out magazines?

    9. Magazines do not circulate. You are welcome to make photocopies of articles from periodicals, or you may find articles or browse full issues on MARVEL!: Maine's Virtual Library.

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  9. How do I renew an item?

    10. You can renew items:

    • In person
    • Call (207) 287-5600
    • Online; "View your own patron record" in URSUS. You will need your library bar code, which is printed on the back of your library card.
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  10. Do I need a library card to use interlibrary loan (ILL)?

    11. We require that individuals and agencies register for borrowing privileges for Maine State Library items and those acquired by interlibrary loan (ILL).

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  11. Can interlibrary loan (ILL) be sent to my State House Station (SHS) address?

    12. Articles will be sent through interagency mail or sent to your State of Maine (SOM) email account as an external link.

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  12. Is there a limit to the number of books that I can request through interlibrary loan (ILL)?

    13. There is a pre-set limit of 15 interlibrary loan (ILL) items at any one time for all Maine State Library patrons.

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  13. Is there a limit to the number of articles that I can request through interlibrary loan (ILL)?

    14. Please limit the number of articles for work or personal use to 5 per month.

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  14. What if I have more questions on borrowing or interlibrary loan?

    15. Please contact the Reference staff.

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