Borrower Cards
Resident and Non-Resident Users From Certified Massachusetts Libraries
Residents of Sturbridge and Non-Resident Users are eligible to borrow circulating materials from the Joshua Hyde Public Library upon presentation of a current, valid library card. A borrower assumes full responsibility for all use made of the card. By accepting the card, the borrower agrees to comply with all Library rules and regulations; to pay all fines; and to be responsible for any loss or damage to materials.
Library Cards
In order to obtain a borrower's card from the Joshua Hyde Public Library, adult patrons and children 12 or older need to:
present a valid ID (driver's license or any postmarked item that has been received at their mailing address);
indicate proof of their current mailing address;
provide year of birth, telephone number and email address (if available).
Children under the age of 12 may obtain a card with their parent or legal guardian’s permission. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior, safety, and welfare while their children are in the Library or on Library grounds. This includes their children’s access to library materials and electronic resources. Library staff will not limit access to any resources for anyone, including children and teens.
It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to monitor the use of Library resources by their children and teens, and to determine whether to place their own restrictions on the materials accessed. The Joshua Hyde Public Library encourages parents and guardians to talk to their children and teens about the kinds of materials they believe are suitable for borrowing or accessing.
All borrowing procedures and fine allowances will follow C/W MARS guidelines.
Replacement cost for a lost card is $1.00.
Any patron who forgets to bring their library card and can present a valid ID with an address that matches their library patron record may be allowed to borrow materials
Residents of other Massachusetts' communities with a state-certified public library may be granted borrowing privileges after presenting a valid ID and providing the same information necessary for obtaining a Joshua Hyde Public Library library card.
Out-of-State Residents
Out-of-state residents who do not pay local taxes may apply for a card after paying an annual fee set by the Board of Trustees. Persons living outside Massachusetts may obtain a borrower's card by using their employment address as well as their permanent residence address.
Residents of Massachusetts Uncertified or De-Certified Public Libraries
In accordance with the State's Minimum Standard for Public Service (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 78, Section 19B 1 & 6), the Joshua Hyde Public Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to the residents of the Commonwealth who reside in towns who also meet the standards.
Such reciprocity is not possible when a library ceases to provide services or reduces its hours below a reasonable level for the size of the community it serves.
It is, therefore, the policy of the Joshua Hyde Public Library to discontinue borrowing privileges to residents of communities that terminate library service or are de-certified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
The Library Board of Trustees, Library Director, and municipal executives of the affected community will be notified in writing by the Joshua Hyde Public Library Board of Trustees when reciprocal borrowing privileges have been terminated.
The Joshua Hyde Public Library Board of Trustees agrees to provide reinstatement of borrowing privileges to all affected borrowers once a library has been re-certified.