Circulation Policy

General Overview

RPL provides fair and equitable access to library resources for all its patrons. The purpose of these policies is to ensure that every patron has an equal opportunity to benefit from the library’s services.

Library Cards

The primary tool for borrowing circulating materials, accessing online library databases, placing holds, and using the library’s public computers and printers is the library card. RPL is a member of the North of Boston Library Exchange, Inc. (NOBLE) and abides by NOBLE’s Borrower’s Card Policy, which is available to patrons upon request. If a patron is not eligible for or chooses not to have a library card, guest passes may be used to access computers on a short term basis.

Who Can Get a Card?

Just about everyone! All current residents of Revere (e.g. individuals whose home address is in Revere) are encouraged to obtain a library card from the Revere Public Library. Massachusetts residents who live in communities that are part of the NOBLE library network are encouraged to obtain a library card from their home libraries, but may instead obtain a Revere library card if they wish. Everyone in Massachusetts is eligible to receive a library card from the Revere Public Library, however some resources are only available to Revere residents, such as museum passes. 

What is Needed?

A current valid photo ID showing name and legal residence is required to receive a RPL card. Children lacking photo ID may have a parent or guardian with valid ID fill out the application for them. Applicants lacking an ID that shows their current address may substitute a mailed utility bill, bank statement, or check that lists their address.

What Can They do with the Card?

A valid library card grants the patron borrowing privileges to circulating collections at both the Revere Public Library and all NOBLE member libraries, access to online library resources, such as Libby, OverDrive or Hoopla (depending on place of residence), use of in-library computers and printers, museum passes, and the ability to request materials via interlibrary loan.

Cardholder Obligations

Upon accepting a library card, the patron agrees to take responsibility for all materials borrowed with  that card, including any fines, fees, or charges. The patron also agrees to notify library staff if the card is lost, stolen, or if the patron changes address. Patrons should not let others use their card.

Obligations to the Patron

RPL is obligated by State law (MGLA Ch.78, Sec.7) to maintain the patron’s privacy. Library staff will not discuss details such as borrowing history, account addresses, and contact information over the phone. In the event that law enforcement representatives present a valid subpoena or search warrant, library staff will only provide the specific information requested. Please note that this means the library cannot reveal to parents the titles of materials their children have checked out. Parents wishing to monitor their children’s reading habits should take an active role in their child’s material selection and borrowing activities.

How to Borrow?

To borrow physical materials from the library, such as books, CDs, or DVDs, simply present both the materials and a valid library card at the library’s Circulation Desk on the main level or Children’s Desk. To borrow materials, a patron must be in good standing – that is, no long overdue items or $20.00 or more in fines and fees on their account from any library. 

Borrowing Materials Owned by Other Libraries

Patrons should be aware that materials owned by other libraries may have different loan periods, number of potential renewals, and overdue fee schedules than those owned by the Revere Public Library. 

Borrowing Without Your Card

Registered patrons lacking their physical library card may borrow materials provided they have a valid photo ID whose current address matches the address the library has on file. Children lacking their library card will need an adult present with a valid photo ID. In the rare instance the library loses connectivity to the online integrated library service (Evergreen server at NOBLE), then only patrons with library cards may borrow materials until service is restored. 

Card Replacement

Patrons should report and replace lost cards in order to prevent unauthorized use of the card by a third party. A replacement card costs $2.00 at the main circulation desk.

Fines

Revere Public Library is fine free to encourage patrons to return any and all materials regardless of their due dates.  Please note, not all libraries have the same fine policies. Items checked out through the Revere Public Library that belong to another library are still subject to fines. It is the patrons responsibility to return all items in a timely manner to avoid any penalties.

Loan Periods

Patrons should be aware of due dates for borrowed items:

Item Type	Loan Period	Renewals (adds an additional loan period from date of renewal)
CD Audiobook	21 Days	2
Book	21 Days	2
DVD	7 Days	0
Summer Reading	21 Days	0
Magazines	7 Days	2

Renewals

Patrons may renew items up to their renewal limit provided no other patron has placed a hold on the item. Renewals may be done in person at the library, online, or via the phone. When calling, patrons should have the material to be renewed or their library card available. Patrons in good standing who wish to keep an item belonging to the Revere Public Library but lack further renewals may do so upon physically bringing the item back to the Circulation Desk. The material will be checked in and, provided no other patron has requested it, checked out again immediately to the patron.

PINs

All patron accounts include a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for use on noblenet.org. With a PIN, patrons may renew items, order items from other libraries, and place items on hold – all from home. Patrons may reset their own PINs online if their online patron account contains an email address (the new PIN will be emailed to them). Patrons may also reset the PINs in person at the library with a valid photo ID. PINs may not be reset over the phone.

Damage

Any damage beyond normal wear and tear to an item is the responsibility for the patron who borrowed it. Patrons who notice damage to an item before borrowing it (loose binding, ripped pages, etc.), should bring it to library staff attention. A “Conditioned Noted” bookmark will be filled out and should be kept with the material(s) being checked out. This ensures that the damage is accounted for prior to the patrons request, and will not be held responsible for the damage. Library staff will inform the patron of the cost of repairing or replacing damaged materials.

Lost/Missing

Lost or missing materials should be reported immediately to the library in order to prevent being charged the replacement cost for the item(s).

Returns

Borrowed materials may be returned inside the library at the main circulation desk or at the Children’s Room desk. We encourage patrons to return their materials to the corresponding areas (i.e. adult material returned to the main desk and childrens material returned to the Children’s Room desk) Additionally, there is a book drop located outside the children’s entrance at the back of the library. The library accepts returns of any material owned by other NOBLE member libraries without risk of additional late fees. Likewise, Revere material may be returned to any NOBLE library without risk of additional late fees. The library does not accept materials belonging to libraries outside the NOBLE network. 

Claims Returned

Should a patron claim that an item still on their account was returned, library staff performs a search for it, and will encourage the patron to do the same at home. If the item is discovered at the library, then it will be checked in. If the patron recovers the item, they should return it to the library immediately. However, if the item is not found, the patron is responsible for replacing the item. If the patron insists that they returned the missing item, library staff will mark it ‘Claims Returned.’ Patrons with multiple instances of Claimed Returned materials on their account may lose their good standing status and borrowing privileges. The library recommends patrons check their account status online frequently. Also, library staff can print an itemized list of all materials borrowed on a patron’s account upon request.

Reserving Materials Owned by the Library

Patrons may reserve material to be held for them at the library by placing a hold on it. A patron must be in good standing and have a valid library card to do so. Such holds can be placed online, over the phone, or in person at the library. Library staff routinely gather held materials from the library’s collections throughout the day. Materials on the hold shelf are unable to be borrowed by any patron other than the one who requested the hold.

Ordering Materials in the NOBLE network 

Materials owned by NOBLE member libraries may be reserved just as those owned by RPL. It may take anywhere from two to five business days for material to arrive at the library provided there is no waiting list for the item.

Ordering Materials from Libraries Outside NOBLE

Patrons wishing to borrow materials from libraries outside of NOBLE may order them themselves via the Commonwealth Catalog or request staff do it for them. Commonwealth Catalog may be accessed via https://commonwealthcatalog.org/.

Notification

The library notifies patrons with valid email addresses linked to their account automatically via email when a requested item is placed on the library hold shelf provided they establish these options when opening an account. Patrons may request to be notified by phone call or text. Patrons may change their method of notification at any time.

Circulation Policy (cont.)

Hold Duration

Materials are held under the requestor’s name on the Hold Shelf for seven (7) business days. After that time, they are returned to their home library or shelving location.

Picking Up Items On Hold 

Patrons may collect held items from the library’s Circulation Desk located on the main level. The library card used to reserve the material is required. Patrons may make arrangements for relatives or caregivers to pick up materials for them by calling the Circulation Desk and asking that a note be placed on their account to that effect. Patrons unable to access the main level due to physical restrictions can request a staff member to gather their items after presenting their library card or valid ID. 

Copyright

The U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101 – 810:  Fair use allows for the use of copyrighted works for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, or research. Libraries are permitted to make reproductions of copyrighted works for preservation and replacement purposes. And under copyright law, libraries can aid in the transformation and reproduction of copyrighted works for users with disabilities. As libraries advocate for user rights and access to information, it’s crucial to continue to address the emerging challenges posed at the intersection of technology, society, and law.