Borrowing Materials and Interlibrary Loan

We are proud to announce that as of November 13, 2019, we have library cards!  We now can register you, but we don’t ask that you remember your barcode number; you may still give us your name at the circulation desk, or you can hand us your card to access your account. The 14-digit barcode number you will receive on the back of your library card is your entry into a number of our online services (see BORROW and LINKS on the Home Page for more details). There are no fees for opening a library account. Children under 14 may register as an Independent Child.  New Hampshire has one of the strongest library patron confidentiality laws in the country and that law applies to all, regardless of age.  A parent may sign a form giving a child under age 14 permission to have his/her own library account, acknowledging that all information about overdues, lost books, etc. will be shared only with the child.  If you would like to discuss the options for providing your child with their own library account, please see a librarian. If you would like to register for a new account, please fill out this form.

Books, magazines, audio books on CD, and DVDs are lent for 2 weeks.  We do not charge overdue fines.  We’ll call you if someone has requested a book you have overdue.  We do have a pink piggy bank into which you can put “conscience money” if you are feeling a wee bit guilty about an overdue item!

Interlibrary Loan requests are accepted by phone, email, in person, or via this online form.  The New Hampshire State Library maintains the database of the materials (books, CDs, and DVDs)  in all NH public libraries, some high school libraries, and public New Hampshire colleges. Lyme patrons may access this database, but requests for these books must be made through the patron’s local public library.  These books are delivered to the Lyme Library on Mondays and Wednesdays via a van service organized by the New Hampshire State Library. Additionally, if the item requested is not in the New Hampshire Interlibrary Loan System, the library uses the State’s Interlibrary Loan protocol, first requesting the book from public, then private, libraries in New Hampshire, and then public and private libraries outside the state.  Some out-of-state libraries have fees associated with Interlibrary Loan. Lyme Library staff will advise a patron if the cost exceeds $10.00.

The library is accessible to all. The library will also deliver any library materials, including audio, video, and large print titles upon request. Additionally the New Hampshire State Library administers the Talking Book Program for New Hampshire residents who are physically unable to see, handle or process printed material comfortably.  More information about this program is at www.nh.gov/nhsl/talking_books or call the Lyme Library. We are more than willing to help connect all patrons with accessibility equipment and features that make it easier to use library materials.