OSL CARDS
Your card can be used at any OSL (Ocean State Libraries) library. You are responsible for all materials
charged on your card. You should have your OSL card with you to check out
materials, and you should notify the library immediately if it is lost or
stolen. There is a $1 replacement fee.
RETURNS
You can return most OSL items to any OSL library. Exceptions may be: videocassettes,
records, audio-visual materials and equipment. Ask the loaning library what
their policies are in this regard.
OVERDUES AND
FINES
If you owe fines of $5 or more, OSL policy denies borrowing privileges. The
library that owns the material determines the fine.
POLICIES AT
OTHER LIBRARIES
When you use another OSL library, ask about their circulation policies. Rules
at each library may vary.
POLICIES AT
THIS LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Cross' Mills Public Library endorse the ALA "Library
Bill of Rights." Access to information in the Cross' Mills Public Library
will not be abridged because of age, race, religion, national origins, or
social or political views. The library complies with the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
All items (except one-week periodicals and videocassettes, and three-day circulating reference materials) are loaned for a THREE-WEEK period at Cross' Mills Public Library. Materials from other OSL libraries may have different loan periods which must be honored. Renewals may be made in person or by phone, unless there is a hold (reserve) on that item.
Materials may be returned to the desk during library hours. When the library is closed, all materials EXCEPT AV equipment may be placed through the book return to the right of the front doors. All items must be wrapped or secured with elastic.
Overdue penalties are assessed at ten cents a day per item on three-week loans and periodicals. Other overdue items are fined one dollar for each day late, except videocassettes are at two dollars per day and videocassettes returned not re-wound incur an extra fifty-cent fine per video. All payments for overdue materials left in the book return are expected upon the next visit.
Borrowers are financially responsible for any lost or damaged materials. Maximum overdue fines are $6 per adult item and $3 per juvenile item. Failure to return materials when due, and/or failure to pay fines when due, will result in loss of borrowing privileges (reinstatement upon compliance).
Although we are public in name and function, formally we are a privately-held association which was chartered in 1913. You are a legal member of this body if you are an adult card holder with Cross' Mills Public Library as your primary library. Members can become Trustees if they are 21 years or older, have time to serve ten hours a month, and have some relevant experience or are willing to learn. Forms are available at the desk.
The Board of Trustees holds monthly business meetings at the library on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 PM. Every association member is invited to attend. The Board establishes policy, hires a Director/Librarian, works to assure adequate funds, and in general acts as library advocates.
Volunteers perform many important services in this library. They enjoy being a valuable community asset. You could, too! Ask at the desk or call during library hours. We welcome your interest.
Cross' Mills Public Library encourages donations of all kinds. Estate planners should investigate ways of including the library. We are building our Endowment Fund.
Nearly 2/3's of our yearly operating funds come from local tax dollars. In FY 80 the Town of Charlestown met 91.6% of our costs. When you pay your Town taxes this year, you only pay about a penny per dollar for the library. Where else can you get so much for so little?
You can borrow more than just books at Cross' Mills Public Library. Jigsaw puzzles, puppets, games, CDs and audiocassettes are all available for three-week loans. The loan period for videocassettes and periodicals is one week; these cannot be renewed. Museum Passes are also available.
Kind donors have made it possible for Cross' Mills Public Library to loan a Polaroid 600-series camera, a 35mm slide projector.
Tired of your purchased videocassettes? Donate them to the library and others will be able to enjoy them. Your home video player should be cleaned after every 100 hours of use. You can borrow Cross' Mills Public Library's video head cleaning cassette. A $1 donation helps buy cleaning fluid.
Photo copies and computer print-outs at Cross' Mills Public Library cost only 15¢ a page.
Vacation borrowing privileges may be granted to patrons leaving the Charlestown area for longer than the regular loan period, simply make your request known at check-out.
We do not have a full-time designated reference librarian, but we are all happy to help you learn to use the many resources of the library.
If the book you
want is not on the shelf, place a "hold" on it. You will be on a
waiting list for the next available copy, either at Cross' Mills Public Library
or from another OSL library. It's easy and fun to do it yourself on the computer,
or you can ask the staff to explain this service. If a book is not in OSL,
don't despair! Ask at the desk.
