Borrowing Information for Merrimack Library Card Holders
As a member of the GMILCS, Inc. consortium, Merrimack Public Library is able to extend borrowing privileges to include materials from other participating libraries in the area (for cardholders in good standing). The extension of these privileges and responsibilities may vary based on individual library policies.
For questions about library cards, borrowing, or lending items from the Merrimack Public Library, please contact our Patron Services Department.
Phone: 603-424-5021
Email: circulation@merrimacklibrary.org
Eligibility
To apply for a Merrimack Public Library Card, please visit the library in person with a photo ID and proof of address, employment, or educational enrollment. First-time registrants may also preregister online.
Library cards are issued at no charge to:
- Merrimack residents age 5 and older.
- Merrimack property owners.
- Anyone employed in Merrimack.
- Anyone attending school in Merrimack.
- Non-profit institutions located in Merrimack.
- Current members of the Greater Merrimack Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce who are members of the library's Work + Life Book Group.
- Non-residents: Those who do not qualify for a card as per the conditions above may purchase a card for $100.00 per year with valid ID. Non-Resident cards expire yearly.
Lending
There is no limit on the number of items borrowed on a card provided the user account has less than $10.00 in fees and is in good standing. Most items circulate for 2 weeks, with the exception of:
- Hot Books (copies of newer, popular items; circulate for 7 days)
- Selected newer releases of DVDs (circulate for 7 days)
- Library of Things items
Returning
Cardholders are responsible for the timely return of library materials. There are several places to return your items:
- Inside the library at our Circulation Desk (during business hours)
- At the exterior book drop by the shed as you exit the parking lot
- At the remote book drop at the Merrimack Fire Department Station #2, located at 196 Naticook Road (Note: Please DO NOT return ILL items to this book drop!)
- Any participating GMILCS member library (with the exception of ILL items)
- Library of Things items must be returned inside the library at the Circulation Desk
Fees
All borrowing is free (with the exception of certain ILL loaned items). As of January 2022, the Merrimack Public Library is no longer collecting overdue fees on any Merrimack Public Library materials. The Library automatically renews most borrowed library materials up to two renewals. Items that are not returned after reaching their renewal limits will be marked as overdue, and notices and bills for overdue items will be sent according to the schedule found here.
Lost or Damaged Materials:
Borrowers are liable for the repair or replacement cost of any item that is damaged, lost, or stolen while in their possession, or checked out on their library card. Replacement costs will be assessed for lost or damaged items.
Library Card Expirations & Renewals
All library cards expire at set intervals, regardless of use. A valid photo ID and proof of eligibility are required to renew a library account. Cards can be renewed in person at the Circulation Desk or online via our Online Card Renewal Form. Accounts that have been expired for more than 3 years with less than $10.00 in fees are automatically deleted from our database. See our Circulation Policy below for a list of documentation to verify eligibility.
Resident Library Cards: Resident cards expire every 3 years and can be renewed with proof of residency. Residents can renew their cards over the phone for a limited membership extension, during which time they are expected to provide proof of residency in person or online for full renewal.
Non-Resident Cards: Non-Resident cards expire every year and can be renewed with proof of employment, property ownership, or educational enrollment.
- Non-residents who are unable to provide proof of employment, property ownership, or educational enrollment may purchase a yearly membership and can renew their cards with a valid photo ID and payment of $100 (in cash, check, or online).
Library Card Replacements
Members in good standing are eligible for 1 free replacement card per membership year. Thereafter, a $5 fee is charged for each replacement within that membership year.
Regarding Temporarily Unavailable Items
Some items are temporarily unavailable to borrow because they have a status of "Checked out", "In-process", or "On-order". Cardholders may still request the item by placing a hold request online, in person at the Circulation Desk, or via telephone. However, there may be a waiting list for popular items. In the event that materials are not available for immediate checkout (due to varying library policies), please visit our Circulation Desk to be assisted via Interlibrary Loan.
