Circulation Policy

Circulation Policy

Hartland Public Library

Adopted: Sept. 11, 2007

Revised: July 8, 2025

1. General Information

   The Hartland Public Library and its collection is available for use by residents and by part-time residents as well as residents of other Connecticut libraries who hold a valid library card. Library materials are the property of the Hartland Public Library. Library cards are issued to identify users of library materials and to provide a means of recovering materials that have not been returned. Loan periods are designed both to allow adequate time for borrowers to use the materials and to provide timely loans of materials that are in demand. Borrowers assume responsibility for payment of fees or fines for materials nor returned on time or those that are lost or damaged. Borrowed materials can be returned to either the East Hartland book return or the West Hartland book return.

2. Confidentiality of User Records

   Circulation records, overdue/fine records, and patron registration records contain information that are confidential in nature as defined in Connecticut General Statues Sec. 11-25(b). A parent or legal guardian may view records if a patron is a minor under the age of 18. Records are also reviewed by library staff during patron transactions and for record maintenance.

3. Library Cards

   A. Eligibility and Registration

   Eligibility for a Hartland library card is based on a person’s primary residence. Any person who shows verification of identity and proof of residence within the Town of Hartland may receive a card. One of the following items may be presented at the time of library card registration.

   • A Connecticut Driver’s License

   • A Connecticut motor vehicle registration

   • A current telephone or utility bill

   • A current item of mail with street address that has been delivered to their home

   • A lease agreement, rent receipt, or property deed

   • A checkbook with name and address imprinted

   • A student report card, school schedule, or school ID

   B. Children under 12

   For applicants under the age of 12, a parent or legal guardian with proof of residency must be present to co-sign the application. Exceptions to this may be if the library visits the school sight for library card sign-up day or similar situations.

   C. Temporary Residents

   Short-term residents, such as Hartland Pond summer residents, may be issued a temporary library card upon proof of local residency and acceptable identification. The registration period will be temporary and determined at the time of application.

   D. Home-bound Residents

   There is no home-bound service available at this time.

   E. Renewal of Library Cards

   Cards with or without barcodes must be renewed at time of expiration. Patrons not barcoded will be issued a card with a barcode. Patrons may be asked to present identification for address verification. Payment of outstanding fees and fines should be resolved before a library card is renewed. No Hartland resident will be served at neighboring libraries without a valid and non-expired library card.

   F. Responsibility

   A library card user is responsible for all materials checked out on his/her card or the cards of children under the age of 12 for whom the patron has assumed responsibility. If a user allows others to borrow materials using a personal library card, these materials are the responsibility of the card owner. Lost cards should be reported immediately and the user is responsible for all materials checked out. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for a lost card. The library does not necessarily charge fees when such charges result from the death, hospitalization, or serious illness of a cardholder.

   G. Loan Periods

   All library materials are loaded for a three (3) week loan period plus one three (3) week renewal period. The renewal should be made at the end of the first and original loan period.