Library Cards
A library card MUST be presented at time of check out in order to borrow materials.
Thompson Residents
Library cards are free to all Thompson residents of any age. Proof of residency and/or photo identification is required. Cards are issued for a term of 3 years, and will be renewed in person upon the verification of current address/telephone information.
Children’s Library Cards
A child of any age, including infants, may obtain a library card by having his/her parent fill out an application card. The child’s parent or guardian will be responsible for any materials borrowed on this card.
To encourage the love of reading, the Library does not charge fines on juvenile material borrowed on a child’s card.
The following may not be borrowed on a child’s card:
- musical CDs
- videos & DVDs
- art
- cultural attraction passes
- daypacks
The status of a child’s card will be changed to adult upon the individual’s 18th birthday.
EIS/Approved by the Library Board of Trustees 2/17/00
AMB/Revised by the Library Board of Trustees 10/19/06
Temporary Cards
A temporary card will be issued when a patron can not provide proof of residency. The patron may borrow no more than 2 books for a two week period. A letter is mailed to the address provided, which the patron must then bring to the Library to have their privileges extended.
Out of Town (ConnectiCard)
Under Section 11-31 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, any Connecticut resident with a valid card issued by his or her home public library may borrow from any other public library in the state. The Thompson Public Library will not issue cards to out of town residents.
Out of State
A card will be issued to out of state residents with proof of residency for use at the Thompson Public Library only. Effective January 1, 2009 – Adult patrons will be issued a card for an annual fee of $35 with proof of residency. Card is for use at the Thompson Public Library only. Patrons meeting any of the following exceptions will be issued a card at no charge. Exceptions include: children attending any Thompson school, Thompson property owner, or is employed in Thompson. Proper verification is required.
Seasonal
A card will be issued to seasonal residents with proof of local and home residency. This card is for use at the Thompson Public Library only. The card is free.
Teachers
The Library offers a card with an extended loan period for use by local educators in an effort to share resources, support the educational curriculum and to encourage our youngest patrons to read.
Materials on Teacher Cards circulate for 45 days, with no renewal. Fines will accrue on overdue materials. Please see below for fine rates.
The card is for use exclusively at the Thompson Public Library. The card is valid for one year, and may be renewed in person. Verification of a current teaching position within the Town of Thompson may be required.
The following item types may not be borrowed on a teacher card: Videos, DVDs, audiobooks and NEW adult material. Teachers wishing to charge out these types of material must do so using their individual library card.
The Library reserves the right to recall material at any time.
EIS / Approved by Library Board of Trustees 2/17/00
AMB / Revision Approved by Library Board of Trustees 1/25/07
AMB / Revised by Library Board 11/30/06
Replacement Cards
The first time a card is replaced, a $2 fee will be charged. The second and subsequent requests for a new card will be charged $5.
Lending Periods
Three week loan period
- Books, audiobooks, musical CDs
- Magazines – current issue of weekly magazines do not circulate
- Chilton’s car repair manuals – $10 deposit per book required, returned at check-in
Fourteen day loan period
- Non-fiction movies
- e-readers
Seven day loan period
- Fiction movies
- Daypacks
Three day loan period
- Cultural attraction passes
System down time
In the event the computer system is unavailable/”down”, patrons will be able to borrow a limited number of items per family and a valid library card must be presented at time of check out.
Item Limits
- Audiobooks: Adult titles must be borrowed on an adult card.
- Passes and daypacks: Limit one per family per day. Must be borrowed on an adult card.
- Movies: Limit of 10. Must be borrowed on an adult card.
- Musical CDs: Must be borrowed on an adult card.
Renewals
With the exception of movies & cultural attraction passes, all items may be renewed once for an
additional loan period allowed unless on hold for another patron.
Fines
- Books, magazines: no fines
- Movies, passes and daypacks: $1.00 per day per item, not to exceed $10.00 per item
- Audiobooks, musical CDs: .25 per day per item, not to exceed $5.00 per item
- e-readers: $5 per day, no maximum
Fines are not charged on days the Library is closed.
Patrons owing $5.00 or more in fees will be blocked from using their Library card.
Homebound patrons are not charged fines.
Payments
We appreciate our patrons resolving any fees owed to the Library. Please note the
following: checks will only be accepted for amounts OVER $5. Checks are to be made to the
order of Thompson Public Library. Also, patrons will be assessed a $20 fee in the event a check
is returned to the Library/Town from any banking institution due to insufficient funds.
AB / Approved by the Library Board 11/30/06
AB / Revision approved by the Library Board 5/15/08 RE: Out of State Patrons
AB / Revision approved by the Library Board 6/6/08 RE: Movie loan periods
AB / Revision approved by the Library Board 6/19/08 RE: Item limits
AB / Revision approved by the Library Board 2/19/09 RE: Movie limits and fines
AB / Revision approved by the Library Board 12/19/2013 RE: Book & magazine fines