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Library Card FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


How do I get a library card?
 
Any resident of Massachusetts can get a library card.  For details, see our Getting a Library Card page. 

How do I request items?

It's easy to request items that are not available in the library.  Read our Getting Materials page to find out how.
 

How long will you hold my requested items?

We hold requested items for 7 days.

If you cannot pick up an item in time, please call the Circulation Department at 508-647-6520 with your library card number. In some cases, we can extend the pickup date by a few days.

How many items can I borrow?

You can borrow up to 150 items.

Please note: "New" Feature Films on DVD and TV Series are limited to 4 per household.

How do I renew items?

Online:
  1. Go to My Account.
  2. Enter the 14-digit barcode number from the back of your library card, with no spaces.
  3. Enter your PIN.
  4. Click Submit.
  5. Check the boxes next to the item(s) you would like to renew and click the Renew Selected Items button OR click the Renew All button.
  6. You will see the question, "The following item(s) will be renewed, would you like to proceed?"  Click on the YES button.
  7. In the STATUS column, you should now see the message "RENEWED Now due [new due date]" in black next to items successfully renewed. Any items that were not renewed will show a message such as "HOLD" or "TOO MANY RENEWALS" next to the due date.
Normal late fees will be assessed for each item that was overdue at the time of renewal. You will see a link for unpaid fines and bills listed at the top of the page. If you reach Minuteman's $5 limit before all items are renewed, the rest of the renewals will not be successful.

In Person:

Bring your library card, photo id or the item(s) to be renewed to the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor. We will be happy to renew your item(s).

By Phone:

Call the Circulation Department at 508-647-6520 with your library card number.

How do I pay for a lost item, and can I get a refund if I find it?

If you are sure that you have lost a library item, call the Circulation Department at 508-647-6520 (for adult or young adult items) or the Children's Department at 508-647-6522 (for children's items).
 
You will be billed for the list price of the item plus a processing fee. You may pay the bill in person with cash or a check -- be sure to ask for and retain the receipt. Or you can pay online with a credit card using "My Account" -- again save the receipt record. (Staff at our desks are not equipped to accept credit cards; you must pay online if you need to use a credit card. Your library account will be credited instantly.)

If you find the item within 90 days of the payment, you can return it to the library and request a refund, which will be issued by check. You must bring your receipt to request a refund. We cannot issue refunds after 90 days.

Replacement copies of adult and young adult items in lieu of payment will not be accepted.
 
The Children's Department has strict guidelines regarding replacement copies. If you have lost a children's item, call the Children's Department at 508-647-6522 to discuss your options.

I know that I returned an item, but it is still on my account. What do I do?

If you returned the item late in the previous day or in the outside book return, give us a few hours to check it in.  If it is still on your account later in the day, call us at 508-647-6520 or email dredington@minlib.net, explaining the situation.  We will give the item in question a status of "Claims Returned" and search our shelves for it.  If the item is found, you will not be charged overdue fines.  If it is not found, we will waive the replacement cost for your first two "Claims Returned" items.

If you have more than two "Claims Returned" items, you will be billed the replacement cost for the third item and any subsequent "Claims Returned" items that are not found in the library.
 
If you have had two "Claims Returned" items, we advise that you return items directly to a staff member in the library.  You may want to ask for a receipt so that there is no question that all of your items were checked in properly.

Please be aware that we can only mark our own library's items "Claims Returned."  If you returned an item that belongs to another library, you must call that library to explain your situation.  See MLN's "About Member Libraries" page for contact information for other MLN libraries.

Please do not leave library items on top of or sticking out of a book return box, or on the ground if the box is overflowing. It is better to return the item late than to leave it where someone could easily steal it.

What is a PIN?
 
A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a combination of letters and/or numbers that allows you to view and change your library account information via the Minuteman catalog.
 
With your library card barcode and a PIN, you can log in to the catalog from home or work to:
  • View a list of items you currently have checked out
  • View a list of your current requests
  • See the amount of your fines
  • Renew items that are due, almost due, or even slightly overdue
  • Request items or cancel requests
  • Change your PIN
  • Update your email address to be notified by email when items are ready to be picked up or overdue
  • Keep a list of books you have checked out in the past
  • Create a wishlist of books you'd like to read in the future

You also need your PIN to use the library's computers and to connect to online databases.


Why do I need a PIN?
 
  • Privacy: Your borrower record is private. If you don't mind other people being able to see what you check out, that is your decision. But as librarians, we are genetically programmed to try to keep that information from anyone but you.
  • Security: The PIN helps protect your account from mischief or malice. If we didn't require a PIN, a co-worker who happened to see your library card could request books in your name, cancel your own requests, and find out what you are reading. Your PIN and account information are entered on a secure https web page, and are encrypted as they travel over the Internet.

How do I get a PIN?
 
If your account does not have a PIN, you can assign yourself a PIN online.  Your PIN should be a combination of letters and/or numbers that you can remember, but that a casual acquaintance couldn't figure out easily.  The PIN must be at least 4 characters long.
  1. Go to My Account.
  2. Enter the 14-digit barcode number from the back of your library card, with no spaces.
  3. Click Submit.
  4. Re-enter your barcode number.
  5. Enter a PIN twice in the boxes provided.
  6. Click Submit.

If you are unable to create a PIN online, bring your library card to the Circulation Desk or call the Circulation Department at 508-647-6520. 


How do I change my PIN?
 
If you know your PIN, and want to change it (for example, to make it more private), do the following:
  1. Go to My Account.
  2. Enter the 14-digit barcode number from the back of your library card, with no spaces.
  3. Enter your current PIN.
  4. Click Submit.
  5. Click "Modify PIN".
  6. In the pop-up window, enter your old PIN once, then enter your new PIN twice.
  7. Click Submit.
  8. Click "Close Window".

If you are unable to change your PIN online, bring your library card to the Circulation Desk or call the Circulation Department at 508-647-6520.


What if I forget my PIN?
 
If you have a current email address listed in your library account, you can reset your PIN online.
  1. Go to My Account.
  2. Click on "Forget your PIN?".
  3. Enter the 14-digit barcode number from the back of your library card, with no spaces.
  4. Click Submit.
  5. Check your email for a message from the Minuteman Library Network, and follow its instructions to reset your PIN.

If you are unable to reset your PIN online, bring your library card to the Circulation Desk or call the Circulation Department at 508-647-6520.