Policy Regarding Library cards issued by the Taunton Public Library

Massachusetts residents are eligible to receive, free of charge, a TAUNTON PUBLIC LIBRARY card for the privilege of borrowing materials, and to use the personal computer stations, including the Internet, upon presentation, in person, of identification and proof of current residency. Library cards are not required to use the typewriters, copy machine, or SAILS terminals. Library cards are required to charge out all materials, reserve and use the Internet and public access computers, reserve and charge out museum passes, and place holds on materials. The Taunton Public Library is a member of the SAILS library network. All holders of SAILS cards must abide by the rules of the library from which they have registered, and also by the rules of the individual libraries from which they may borrow materials.

All library cards are free and available to individuals that can satisfy the identification requirement. Replacement of lost or damaged cards is $1.00. The library has the right to suspend privileges when library policy and regulations have been broken. Borrowing privileges will automatically be suspended throughout the SAILS system when overdue/lost charges exceed $10.00.

Section A: Adults

All patrons over the age of 18 must show a picture i.d. and a current address. In most cases a non-expired driver’s license with current address is sufficient. Another type of picture i.d. and one piece of official documentation with a current address will be accepted in lieu of a driver’s license. Official documentation would include a utilities bill, welfare/medical card, student i.d., bank statement, check book,—but not canceled mail. If no picture i.d. can be provided, two pieces of official documentation will be needed.

Patrons over the age of 18 will be required to fill out and sign, a library card application agreeing to the rules and regulations of the Taunton Public Library, and their responsibility for all fees and charges made against this card. This application will be kept in the library files.

Patrons requiring assistance, who have satisfied the identification requirement and acknowledge their responsibilities as a patron of the Taunton Public Library, can be assisted by a library staff member in filling out and signing their application cards.

Section B: Children

Adult cards are given to children beginning in grade 6.

Children in grade five and lower, including children too young for school enrollment, are given children’s cards.

Children may fill out their own library card application however.

Patrons under the age of 18 must have a parent, legal guardian, or any other family member of legal age present. The adult must show a picture i.d. and a current address. In most cases a non-expired driver’s license with current address is sufficient. Another type of picture i.d. and one piece of official documentation with a current address will be accepted in lieu of a driver’s license. Official documentation would include a utilities bill, government assistance/medical card, student i.d., bank statement, check book,—but not canceled mail. If no picture i.d. can be provided, two pieces of official documentation will be needed.

The signing adult‘s address, telephone number and relationship to the child must also be recorded on the child’s library application form.

Children of divorced parents are eligible to receive two separate cards reflecting the two different addresses of their parents. Please check with the Circulation or Children’s department if this is your case.

Section C: Non-Massachusetts Residents

Individuals who permanently reside out of state, including tourists, and individuals who permanently reside out-of-state but are residing in Massachusetts temporarily, such as College Students, Foreign Exchange Students, and Migrant Workers can receive a Taunton Public Library card as long as the proper forms of identification for their permanent address are presented.

Individuals with a temporary address in Massachusetts and/or a Massachusetts place of employment will be asked to include this information on their application cards.

Section D: Education - Cards and Tours

Elementary school students are eligible to receive library cards through school/class tours under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Teachers must call the Children’s department for the specific registration procedures and to schedule a tour date.

Teachers of Adult learners in the Taunton area are encouraged to incorporate library skills into their adult education and English as a second language classes. Tours can be structured to familiarize your students with basic library services. It is imperative that you call ahead to book the tour. We cannot accommodate class tours on the spur of the moment and tours will not be conducted without prior arrangements

Classroom visits by members of our staff can also be arranged if you would to prefer a more in depth approach on a particular area of library service.

Section E: Special Circumstances

If an adult patron is under the care of a legal guardian, this guardian must sign the library card application as well. This guardian is responsible for helping the adult patron follow the rules and regulations of the Taunton Public Library and will be responsible for all fees and charges made against this card. This application will be kept in the library files.

In the case of a homebound/nursing home resident requesting library membership, but unable to apply in person: Library personnel involved in the book delivery program will bring the application to the resident. Identification and proof of address will be verified by the library staff member at the nursing home site and the card will be issued at that time.

Any disabled and homebound individual requesting their own card OR signing as a parent/guardian for a child under the age of 18, will be asked for their name, address, and telephone number. A library application will be mailed. Once the completed application is returned to the library, a follow up call will be made to verify the information. The library card will then be mailed to the patron.

Approved by the Taunton Public Library Board of Trustees

December 21, 1994

Revised September 16, 1996, Second Revision October 18, 1999

Third Revision 5/23/2001, Fourth Revision November 21, 2004, Fifth Revision 11/20/06