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Mason Library - About

Circulation

In Brief

KSC students may borrow books for a period of six weeks. Faculty may borrow books for a period of one year. Keene Public Library patrons and most other patrons may borrow books for a period of four weeks. Media (videos, DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks) circulate to students and to the public for seven days. Most items may be renewed once. Patrons can view their records and renew materials online. Any borrowed item is subject to recall after two weeks if another library patron requests it. The first time a patron borrows a Green Bike or laptop computer, he/she must complete an agreement which will be kept on file in the library. Borrowers of Green Bikes must be over 18 or have parent/guardian permission. For most items there is a grace period. See: Mason Library’s Mission and Values

Access

Mason Library is open to any individual who wishes to use materials inside the library building. Almost all materials are available on open shelves for self-retrieval. Selected materials are kept in protective storage and may not be available to all library users (Archives & Special Collections), or may be available for limited use (Course Reserves).

Non-Circulating Materials

  • Reference books
  • Periodicals (magazines, journals, newspapers)
  • Children’s Literature Festival materials
  • Archives & Special Collections

Who may borrow materials

 

Renewals

Patrons can usually renew books or media for two additional loan periods if there are no holds or recalls on the item. Patrons can view their records and renew materials online.  

For additional information see Borrowing Policies.

Exceptions

  • Course Reserves – Course faculty select the loan period for reserve materials.  Items on reserve may be borrowed for 1 or 3 hours, or for 1, 3, 7, or 28 days; no renewals.
  • Laptop Computers – KSC students only; 3-hour loan period; no renewals.
  • Green Bikes – 1 semester; no renewals.

Overdue Materials

Patrons are expected to return borrowed items by their due dates. Course Reserves are fined at the rate of $1.00 per day, except for 1-hour or 3-hour loan periods which are fined at $1.00 per hour. The maximum overdue fine for any item is $10.00. 

Recalls

If the Library recalls an item, it must be returned by the date specified on the recall notice. A fine of $1.00 per day accrues until the item is returned. Items are subject to recall after two weeks.

Responsibility

Patrons are responsible for returning borrowed materials by their due dates. The Library sends overdue notices as a courtesy only. Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their accounts, including liability for loss, theft, or damage. Patrons will be billed for damaged or un-returned library materials checked out to them. Unpaid fines and replacement costs will be transferred to KSC students’ accounts. 

Mason Library provides the public access to designated materials and equipment, and prohibits activities that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. Patrons are expected to refrain from engaging in activities that make other library users uncomfortable and which could be interpreted as violating their rights. Examples include, but are not limited to, engaging in illegal activities, leaving children unattended, or creating a disturbance to others. Mason Library complies with Library Bill of Rights. For more information see Mason Library Privacy Policy and Procedures below.

Suspension of Privileges

Patrons who have accumulated charges of $20.00 or more will have their borrowing privileges suspended. Borrowing privileges will be reinstated when charges are reduced below $20.00. Mason Library enforces KPL policy on suspending privileges for KPL patrons who have been blocked due to accumulated charges.

The Charles and Judith Hildebrandt/Cohen Center Collection

This collection of books, DVDs, and children’s materials is located on the first floor of Mason Library and is open for use by any library patron. A small portion of the collection is non-circulating.

Who May Borrow CCHGS Materials

  • All patrons who are eligible to borrow Mason Library Materials. See who may borrow materials
  • New England teachers, schools and organizations (video resources)