Library Frequently Asked Questions…
1. Library
Hours and Location
Where is the Library?
What is that other building in the center of town that says “Pelham Library”?
What are the hours of operation?
Why isn’t the Library open more on weekends?
How do I contact the Library?
What is FLiP?
2. Library
Usage
Is there a photo copy machine I
can use?
Is there a fax machine I can use?
Is there a public telephone I can use?
Is there a public meeting room?
Are there computers for public use?
How do I get a library card?
Can my child get a library card?
I lost my library Card. Can I get a replacement?
How many books/DVDs/videos can I check out at once?
Can I check out magazines and newspapers?
When are my books/DVDs/videos due back to the Library?
I am not quite done with my book, but it is due tomorrow. Can I renew it?
My books were due last week – what are the fines and fees?
I lost the book I checked out. What do I do?
How do I suggest a book or other materials for the Library’s collection?
Does the Library sell books?
Does the Library accept book donations?
Does the Library accept magazine/newspaper donations?
Can the Library release patron information?
Can I bring in a cup of coffee or a snack at the Library?
Can I use my cell phone in the Library?
3. Services and Programs
I am new in Pelham. What does
the Pelham Public Library have to offer me?
What is Interlibrary-loan?
Does the Library have a children’s Storytime?
Are there programs for teens/young adults?
What kinds of programs are offered for adults?
What resources are available online?
Can I access the online databases from my own computer?
Can I download audiobooks online?
Does the Library have passes to local museums and parks?
Is there a bookmobile?
4. Library Policies
Access for Patrons with
Disabilities
Children’s Policy
Confidentiality
Events and Exhibits
Lost and Found
Volunteer Policy
Library Hours and Location:
The Pelham Public Library is the 2-story building located
in the Village Green. The official address is Pelham Public Library, 24 Village
Green, Pelham, NH 03076.
What is that other building in
the center of town that says “Pelham Library”?
The old building in the center of town that says “Pelham
Library” is the former library. It was built in 1896 and served as the town’s
library until 2003, when the new building on the Village Green was opened.
Currently, the old library serves as the home for the Pelham Historical
Society. For more information on the Historical Society, please visit
http://www.pelhamnhhistory.com
What are the hours of operation?
Monday 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday 1 pm – 8 pm
Friday 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Sundays – closed
The library is also closed on public holidays. A
complete schedule is available here.
Why isn’t the Library open more
on weekends?
We do our best to accommodate the community with the hours
we have available. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, we are limited to
the number of hours we are able to provide staffing for. Currently, our staff is
limited to four (4) full time staff members who do their best to serve the needs
of patrons.
Our telephone number is: (603)635-7581
Our website is:
www.pelhamweb.com/library
You can send email to:
librarydirector@pelhamweb.com
FLiP is the acronym for Friends of the Library
in Pelham. This is an organization that supports the library in a number of
different ways including, but not limited to, volunteering, fundraising, and
book sales. Membership information is available at the Main Circulation desk,
or by emailing
pelhamflip-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .
Library Usage:
Is there a photo copy machine I can use?
Yes, we have a photo copy machine available to the public
on the first floor. Copies are $.15 a piece. The copy machine takes small
bills and change.
Is there a fax machine I can
use?
Fax service is available to library card holders. The fee is $1.00 a page and .25 for every page after. The library does not receive incoming faxes.
Is there a public telephone I
can use?
The Library does not have a telephone for public use.
However, a public phone is available at the police station.
In an emergency, please ask a librarian to make a phone
call for you.
Is there a public meeting room?
The Molly Hobbs room is available to groups to use as a
meeting place. The room must be reserved in advance of use. If you/your group
would like to reserve the room, and have not previously done so, a
representative for your group would need to complete a Meeting Room
Application. The application will then be forwarded to the Library Director for
approval.
Are there computers for public
use?
Yes, we have 12 computers available for use. You do not
have to be a library patron to use the computers. However, you do need to sign
in before using a computer, and you may be asked to show valid picture
identification.
Computer use is free of charge. Each computer is connected
to a printer. There is a charge of $.10 per printed page. You may pay the fee
at the Circulation Desks.
Computer usage policies are available in a binder at the
circulation desks on the first and second floors.
The Library is also WI-FI capable; you are welcome to bring
in your laptop.
Library cards are free of charge to Pelham residents or
persons who work or go to school in Pelham. Please ask one of the librarians to
register for a card. If you do not live or work in Pelham, you may have
borrowing privileges for an annual fee. Please ask a librarian for more
details.
Can my child get a library card?
Children aged 6 and older are eligible to receive their own
library card.
I lost my library Card. Can I
get a replacement?
Yes, replacement library cards are available for $2.
Please ask one of the librarians to assist you.
How many books/DVDs/videos can I
check out at once?
As long as you are a member of the Library in good
standing (no fines due or lost materials), you may check out as many materials
as you like.
Can I check out magazines and
newspapers?
Magazines are all available for checkout. The most current
issue available is displayed in the front of the rack. Six months of back
issues are available under the shelf. Two years of magazines are archived on
the second floor of the library.
Newspapers are not available for checkout. The latest copy
is on the top of the newspaper shelf, the previous week is stored below.
Newspapers are archived for 2 months.
When are my books/DVDs/videos due
back to the Library?
When you check out your materials, the librarian will give
you a receipt that lists the date on which each item is due back to the
Library. All materials are due back two weeks from the date of check out.
If you lose your receipt, you can visit the Library website to access your
account or you can call and ask the Librarian.
I am not quite done with my
book, but it is due tomorrow. Can I renew it?
We want you to enjoy the materials offered at the Library.
You may renew an item unless another patron has requested it.
You may renew your materials in person, on the phone, or by logging into your
account online. If your materials are overdue, you will not be able to renew
them online you will need to call or visit the library.
My materials were due last week
– what are the fines and fees?
The fine schedule for
materials is $0.10 per day/per item. The maximum fine is $5.00 for a single
item, or $10.00 total for a single account. There is a one day grace period
before fines begin to accumulate.
Museum passes that are checked out carry a fine of $5.00 per day.
I lost the book I checked out.
What do I do?
If you have lost a book or
video, you have two choices. You may either purchase a replacement copy of the
same edition for the Library at your expense, or pay the cost for the Library to
replace it.
How do I suggest a book or
other materials for the Library’s collection?
If you are interested in making a suggestion about
materials to buy for the Pelham Public Library, talk to a librarian about
materials you’d like to see in the Library’s collection.
Materials donated by patrons which are not needed for our
collection are available for purchase in the library. There are a variety of
children’s books and videos/DVDs available for sale on the second floor of the
Library, by the YA computers. On the first floor, there is a bookshelf of books
for sale from the adult collection located across from the copy machine. Monies
collected from the sale of these items are used to support programming for our
patrons
In addition, the Friends of the Library host a book/bake
sale twice a year. Be sure to watch for announcements of this sale, as it is a
great way to pick up books at a great price!
Does the Library accept book
donations?
The library welcomes donations of books, DVD’s, unabridged
Audiobooks, etc in good condition. We cannot accept out of date encyclopedias,
text books, old magazines, readers digest condensed books, abridged audiobooks
or anything in poor condition.
Materials that have been donated will be assessed and
either added to our collection, added to the book sale, or further donated to
Got Books.
Does the Library accept
magazine/newspaper donations?
We do not accept
“individually” donated magazines/newspapers (i.e. a single month’s edition). We
do accept gift subscriptions for items we do not currently own.
If there is a certain magazine/newspaper that you would
like to see at the Library, or you would like to donate a subscription, please
contact the Library Director.
Can the Library release patron
information?
The Library considers ALL patron information to be
confidential and therefore does NOT release any patron information. If you have
questions or concerned, please contact the Interim Library Director, Carol Roberts at
croberts@pelhamweb.com, or by calling 635-7581 x3060.
For more information about the Pelham Public Library’s
confidentiality policy, please consult the binder at the Circulation Desk on the
first floor of the Library.
May I bring in a cup of coffee
or a snack at the Library?
We would like you to be as comfortable as possible while at
the library. Therefore, if you have a coffee or soda, etc. you may have it in
the library, provided it has a cover to prevent spillage.
Young children are also allowed items such as sippy cups, or small snacks under
their parent’s supervision.
We do not allow outside food to be brought into the Library.
May I use my cell phone in the
Library?
We want everyone to enjoy the resources at the Library.
Therefore, we ask that you restrict cell phone use to the vestibule of the
Library, or outdoors.
Services and Programs:
I am new in Pelham. What does
the Pelham Public Library have to offer me?
The Pelham Public Library offers a variety of
resources and services. Patrons may check out print books, audio books,
magazines, DVDs and videos. If there is an item that you would like that is not
in our collection a librarian can assist you in making an interlibrary loan
request.
In
addition, the library also provides other services, such as our Museum Pass
Program, which grants patrons free or reduced admission for several area
museums.
All members
of the public may use our quiet study areas, computers, resource materials,
magazines or newspapers. Our librarians are available for reference assistance,
computer help and other resources.
All are welcome to attend the programs at the library.
Interlibrary Loan is a cooperative service
among libraries for borrowing materials. Items requested are located, ordered,
and, if available for loan, shipped by the State Library Van Delivery Service.
ILL services are offered to all patrons who have a current library account. No
requests for items published in the last six months will be accepted.
Does the Library have a
children’s Storytime?
We do have regular storytimes for children of
all ages. There is a calendar of children’s programs available at the library
and on our website:
http://www.pelhamweb.com/library/children’s_services.htm.
Are there programs for
teens/young adults?
We do have a number of opportunities for teens and young adults throughout the
year. There are special promotions as well as volunteer opportunities in
the Children’s Department. Stay tuned for a new Teen Blog and upcoming
Teen Programs. We are planning a lot for you this Fall 2010!
What kinds of programs are
offered for adults?
We currently have an ongoing Scrabble group which
meets on Monday afternoons from 1:30-3:00pm and also on Thursday evenings from
5:30-8:00pm.
We sponsor an
artist of the month program where a local artist’s work is display for viewing
and often times for purchase
There are
adult programs planned weekly. See the Adult
Services webpage for more details.
What resources are available
online?
In addition to accessing our collection online
we also subscribe to a number of online services and databases. You are able to
use the services provided by Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, Biography Resource
Center, EBSCO, Newsbank and WorldCat services. Each of these resources require
a user ID and password. A librarian can give you the codes and passwords upon
request. Call or stop by the library for more information.
Can I access the online
databases from my own computer?
Yes you can! There are links that you can access
directly from website. You will need to contact the library to receive
the codes and passwords to access the sites.
Can I download audiobooks
online?
Yes!!! The Pelham Public Library is part of
the State Library’s audio book program. You may access the audio book download
site by logging onto
http://nh.lib.overdrive.com.
From there
you can download the free software and the over 3000 titles that are available
through the state. If you have any problems, please ask a librarian for
assistance or see instructions here.
Does the Library have passes to
local museums and parks?
We have reduced and
sometimes free passes to several local museums. ALL passes are one pass per
person per day. Disposable passes are valid only for the day marked on the
pass. Reusable passes MUST be checked out and returned. Reusable passes which
are returned late will be assessed a $5.00 fine. Here is a listing of the
passes available with their corresponding information.
Year Round Passes:
Museum of Science, Boston: Admits 4 people for
$5.00 per person. This does not include any special exhibits, the Planetarium,
or the IMAX theatre. This pass is disposable.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston:
Admits 2 people for $5.00 each. This does not include any special exhibits.
For an additional $8.00, each person can upgrade to the special exhibition
pass. This is a disposable pass.
Zoo New England: This
pass admits 2 adults and 4 children for $2.00 each. The pass may be used at
Stone Zoo in Stoneham, or the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. This is a reusable
pass and MUST be returned to the library.
Seasonal Passes:
New England Aquarium, Boston:
This pass is only available Sept.-June. The pass admits 4 people at $8.00 per
person. This does not apply to the IMAX or any other special exhibits. This is
a disposable pass.
Merrimac Repertory Theatre,
Lowell: This pass is only available Oct.-May, Wednesday-Sunday. Pass is
good for the purchase of 2 tickets at $10.00 off the original price of the
ticket. This is a reusable pass and must be returned. A $5.00 late fee will be
assessed if it is returned late.
No, we do not have the
resources to provide this service at this time.
Library Policies:
Access for Patrons with
Disabilities
The Pelham Public Library is 100% ADA
compliant. We welcome the opportunity to assist all of our patrons. The State
Library also has a number of programs for the optically/physically impaired
which we can provide to our patrons. If you have a disability and are
interested in any of the programs we have through the state, please speak with a
librarian.
The library is committed to the safety and well
being of all our patrons. Therefore, parents are asked to adhere to the
following guidelines concerning children in the library:
Children under the age of 9 may not be left unattended in the library and
must be directly supervised by a responsible adult 16 years of age or older.
Children between the ages of 9-11 may not be left unattended in the
library and must be supervised by a responsible adult over the age of 16.
Children over the age of 11 may use the library unattended provided that
their behavior is not disruptive. Disruptive children, older than 11 may be
asked to leave the library premises after 1 warning.
Parents are
responsible for the actions of their children in the library whether or not the
parent is present. Parents will be responsible for any disturbance or damage
done to the library by their child.
ALL transactions between staff and library
patrons-regardless of age or relationship-whether conducted verbally (in person or over the
phone) or in writing- are strictly confidential. All personally identifiable
information created, received, or maintained by the library that is considered
sufficient to identify an individual are confidential. All printed material
that is deemed confidential shall be either manually, or electronically shredded
to ensure patron privacy.
The library wishes to provide for the public as many
attractive, educational, and cultural exhibits as possible at the library. All
hobby, craft, or art exhibit is welcome, but must first be approved by the
Library Director. No organization or person shall be permitted to place in the
library any box, receptacle, or canister which solicits donations, etc.
If you would like to display your work at the library,
please speak to a librarian who can assist you further.
There is a lost and found box
located in the vestibule of the library between the inside and the outside
doors. For paper materials there is a file kept at the Main Circulation Desk.
Volunteers are a vital part of the workings of the
library. They generally provide support services to the paid staff or work on
special projects. They cannot be used to establish new services or to replace
paid staff. Any person interested in volunteering must complete an interest
form and return it to the librarian. Please feel free to ask a librarian for
more information if you are interested in volunteering.
