Your FREE library card allows you access to a wealth of services at the Haverhill Library and throughout the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium of over 30 libraries. Haverhill residents may borrow books, magazines, CDs, games, videos, and DVDs from our library and, in most cases, from other consortium libraries also. Your card allows you to access information about your own library account and also access a large variety of online databases from outside the library, using the Internet, including Freegal (free music downloads), and OverDrive (eBooks and eAudiobooks).
Requirements for Obtaining a Library Card
- ALL library card applications require identification showing your name and correct address. ID is also required when asking staff to look up your library card number.
- ALL library cards expire after 3 years. This gives the library the chance to ensure that cardholders’ contact information is correct and that all accounts continue to meet eligibility requirements. Proof of address is required in order to renew your library card.
- Haverhill Residents: May obtain a card free of charge. Children must apply with a parent or guardian. Haverhill students 13 and older may apply without a parent or guardian present.
- Other Massachusetts Residents: Must show their hometown library card. The Haverhill Public Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to residents of the Commonwealth who reside in communities that offer state certified library services. It is the policy of the Haverhill Public Library to discontinue borrowing privileges to residents of communities without certified public libraries and to discontinue interlibrary loans to such libraries. Some exceptions may be made when a library is not certified because of situations beyond the community’s control such as natural disaster or other mitigating circumstances as determined by the Board of Trustees.
- Haverhill Taxpayers, Business Owners, Teachers and Municipal Employees: Must show proof of special status.
- College Students: Students attending Northern Essex Community College or Northpoint Bible College must verify full-time status, have student ID, and proof of their permanent address.
- As outlined in the State Aid to Public Libraries Program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Haverhill Public Library must comply with requirements regarding use of its collection that are stated in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 19A B and further defined in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (605 CMR 4.00)
Borrower’s Responsibilities
- For All Materials: Any use of your card is your responsibility. Please don’t let others use your card.
- Lost Library Card: If you lose your card or it is stolen, please report it to the library immediately. You are responsible for any use of the card until the library has been notified.
- Overdue Fees: The Haverhill Public Library does not charge late fines for overdue materials, except in the case of late return of Laptops, Hotspots, and Kindles ($5.00 per day)
- Lost or Damaged Materials Fee: Current price, if still available. (If not, then a standard price which varies by the type of material.) Patrons will not be required to pay overdue fees that have accrued if paying for the item.
- Return of Materials: ALL borrowed materials may be returned through the Automated Return book drop just outside the main entrance near the parking lot. When the library is closed, returns can also be put in the book drop at the main entrance. If the book drop is full, please return borrowed materials when the library is open.
- Renewals: You may renew an item online, by phone or through a self-check machine. To renew online go to the library’s website. Choose “My Account” from the menu at the top of the page, then log-in with your library card number and PIN. (Please note: the PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number when your card was issued, unless you specified otherwise.)
- Bestsellers: Duplicate copies of best sellers are only available off shelf. These books may not be reserved or renewed.
- DVDs: DVDs are checked out for a 7 day loan and may be reserved. They may be renewed in person at the library or through patron’s online account.
- Holds: If an item we own is currently on loan to another patron, you may place it on hold either in person, over the telephone, or online using our Online Catalog. If you want an item we do not own, we will try to borrow it for you from another library. You will be notified when the item arrives at the library. Ask a staff member to place holds for you, or show you how to do it yourself.
- Suggest an Item for Purchase: The Haverhill Public Library will make every effort to purchase any materials that you request. We welcome your suggestions!