Trustees debate Hubbardston borrowing policy: library cards, replacement fees, CWMARS access, museum passes and fine-free approach

Summary

Trustees discussed details of a draft borrowing policy including application requirements for library cards, replacement-card practice (historical $1 fee), how Hubbardston cards relate to CWMARS membership, loan periods and renewal rules, museum-pass return rules, a fine-free policy for local materials, and interlibrary loan limits and fees.

Trustees of the Hubbardston Public Library spent the meeting reviewing the draft borrowing policy and proposed wording on who may get library cards, how to apply, replacement-card practice, museum-pass handling, lending limits and loan periods, digital content, fine-free rules, and out-of-system interlibrary loan procedures.

The draft states that adults, teens and school-age children who are residents of Hubbardston are invited to apply for a library card and that parents or guardians of applicants under 18 must sign the application if the minor is obtaining a card for the first time. The trustees discussed clarifying how children without standard ID (for example, underage applicants) complete the application in practice and whether a separate "who can apply" heading would help readers.

On proof-of-address: the draft lists an ID with photo (driver s license, college ID, passport) plus additional documentation when the ID does not list a current local address (rental agreement, bill, mail showing name and address or a postcard mailed from the library). Trustees asked staff to refine the phrasing so it is clear to applicants.

Card validity and network access…

Trustees debate Hubbardston borrowing policy: library cards, replacement fees, CWMARS access, museum passes and fine-free approach

Summary

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