Often-Asked Library Questions

How do I get a Salem Library card?

If you live in Salem, just come to the library and bring your ID and something with your correct address on it, like your driver's license or a piece of mail you've received. You will need to fill out and sign a short form. Once you have your Salem card, you're on your way to borrowing at other public libraries in Connecticut.

How old does a child have to be to get a library card?

Typically, children get cards when they're about five or six years old.  If you want a card for a younger child, that's all right, too.  Any child under age of fourteen must have a parent or guardian sign their application.

Suppose I don't live in Salem?

You need to go to the library in the town where you live and get a card there first.  Then you bring that card and your ID to the Salem library and we will enter you in our system.  This will be easier if you have the 14-digit barcode which most public libraries in Connecticut are now using.

Why do videos go out for only two days?

Many of the videos we have are in high demand, especially the newest ones, and some of the videos are here for only a month or so and then go to another library.  Also, most videos can be watched in only a couple of hours, so there is no need for a long loan period.  If necessary, they may be renewed once, unless someone is waiting for them.

How do I reserve a book or video?

If the book or video you want is out when you visit the library, ask at the desk to be put on the waiting list for it.  You may also call and leave a message on our voicemail system asking to reserve it.  Please leave your name and phone number in case we have any questions.

Why doesn't someone answer the phone at the library sometimes?

The library staff is not always able to answer the phone when you call.  We may be away from the phone or helping patrons who are in the library.  Please leave us a message.  We have a voicemail system to accept your messages, and we check it frequently and return calls as necessary.

May I renew materials by telephone?

Most books and movies may be renewed once if no one is waiting for them.  To renew your materials by phone, please leave a message on our voicemail, including your name and phone number and what you want to renew.  It is not necessary to list all the titles you want renewed, just tell us "my movies" or "the book which is due today."  If the materials are checked out to different family members, please tell us this in your message.  If there is a problem with your renewal, we will call you back.

What do we mean by CLC videos?

Salem Free Public Library is a member of the Connecticut Library Consortium.  They run several cooperatives to which we belong, and we get audiovisual materials on a temporary basis.  We currently get VHS videos and DVDs for a month at a time.  Books on tape and CD, Foreign Language and Independent films, and Playaway audios are here for three months.  At the end of their time here, they go to other libraries in the cooperative and we get different ones.  It is important that these materials be returned to us on time to go on to the next library.

Why are video fines so high?

Our video fines are $2 per day per video for videos not returned and checked in by the day after they are due.  For example, if a video is due on Wednesday and is returned and checked in on Thursday, it will not incur a fine.  If it is returned in the video drop after we close on Wednesday it will be checked in on Thursday and will not incur a fine.  If it is returned in the video drop late in the day on Thursday, it may not be checked in until Friday, and it will incur a fine.  If you are returning a late video when we are open, please bring it inside to make sure it gets checked in promptly.  The maximum fine per video is $10.  In cases where you have extremely large fines, we can usually negotiate them, especially if you have a hardship or an emergency.  Frequently we will forgive fines if you make a donation to our Video Donation jar.  Please remember that videos are FREE at the library as long as they are returned undamaged and on time.  Also, please do NOT come to the library in dangerous weather to return your videos.  Call and leave a message to renew them.

What happens if I lose or damage a library book?

If you think you have lost a book or other item, let us know. We will allow you some extra time to look for it. If it is really lost or badly damaged, you will be expected to pay for it or replace it. If you pay for a lost item and then find it within a reasonable length of time, you may return it for a refund unless we have already replaced it.

Can I send or receive faxes at the library?

We can send faxes for you, and you may have faxes sent to our fax number, which is currently 860-859-9961.  The charge is $1 per page whether it is being sent to a local, long distance, or toll-free number.  If you are having a fax sent here, make sure they include your name and number on the cover page so that we can call you when it comes in.  It is a good idea to alert us that you have a fax expected.

What happens if I don't return borrowed materials and fail to pay my fine?

If you have long overdue items and/or large fine balances and do not make arrangements to take care of them, you risk losing your borrowing privileges until your account is cleared up. In extreme cases, we advise neighboring libraries that you have lost your borrowing privileges, and you may not borrow from those libraries until your privileges are reinstated at Salem.

What if I need a book that the Salem Library doesn't have?

You may borrow at other libraries in the state with your Salem Library card if it is  up-to-date and has the 14 digit barcode.  If you are planning to go to another library and your card has expired, please bring it in for us to update for you.  If the book you want is not available in this area, it may be possible to get it for you on Interlibrary Loan.  You may ask us to obtain it for you, or you can place your request online at iconn.org.  You will need to sign in with your 14-digit barcode.  Contact us at the library if you need help placing your request.  Keep in  mind that it is not always possible to get the materials you want.  This is particularly true of audiovisual materials and new books.  Most libraries will not lend books less than 6 months old, and some do not lend videos at all.

What kind of books do the Friends of Salem Library want for their book sale?

They want books which people will buy. They don't want books which are damaged, dirty, or moldy.  In general, they don't want old encyclopedias, textbooks, Reader's Digest Condensed Books, or magazines.  They will accept, in addition to books, records, CDs, music cassettes, software, games, videos, and audio books.

What happens to books that I donate to the library?

Some may find a home in the library collection. Others will go to the book sale. Items which don't sell at the book sale may be passed on to another sale or be given to Goodwill, an organization such as a women's shelter, or area prisons. Items which are in poor condition or unusable may be discarded.

Can I get a tax receipt for donating items to the library?

On request, you can get a receipt which says, for instance, that you donated three bags of assorted paperback books, or a nature encyclopedia, or whatever.  We do not set any value on items donated.