Borrowing Items

Please bring your library card with you when you come to the library. It makes the check out procedure so much faster and more accurate. If you've checked out anything without your card recently, you're aware of how many more steps it takes the staff to bring up your record on the computer. So please make it a point to have your card with you when you come and have it out and ready to hand over when you get to the check out station at the front desk. It makes life simpler for both you and the staff.

• --Most items check out for 2 weeks and may be renewed twice for a total of 6 weeks. Telephone renewals are accepted. Materials may also be requested or renewed online by going to http://www.hampsteadlibrary.org and clicking on the link to the catalog. You will need to enter your 14 digit library card number and a PIN. You'll see exactly the same search screen at home that you see when you use one of the catalog computers at the library and there will be online instructions for how to place a hold on something.

• --Items reserved for another patrons or "New" books may not be renewed.

• --Videos and DVDs are checked out for 7 days and cannot be renewed.

Vacation Loans Now Available

In years past people have asked for extended loans while they are away on vacation but the old circulation system at the Hampstead Public Library couldn't be set up to accommodate this request. However - the new system can provide extended loans, up to a maximum of six weeks instead of two. Certain types of materials aren't eligible for vacation loans: books from the 'New Books' shelves, videos and DVDs or any item that has a hold on it. But most of the collection may be borrowed for an extended period. Just tell the person at the desk who is checking out your books that you need an extra week or two or whatever up to no more that six weeks in all. Feel free to take a few library books with you when you go on your next vacation!