Borrowing materials
How do I check out materials?
Use your card to borrow books, e-Books, audiobooks, movies, music, games, and magazines, and also use the Library’s online resources and public computers. Once you have selected materials to borrow, bring them to the Lending Desk and present your card.See the chart below for lending periods and overdue/lost item fees.
How do I renew my items?
Renew items in-person, by phone, or online. For assistance, visit or call the Lending Services Desk at any location during open hours. You must provide the barcode of your card to renew on the phone.
Most items can be renewed twice if no one has placed a hold. If you owe more than $5.00 in fees, you must speak with Lending Services staff by phone at (207) 871-1700 x730 or in person to renew. You cannot renew online if you owe more than $5.00.
Please note: For items with a 3-week loan period, you may renew any time after the first week you have it out. However, the new due date will always be 3 weeks from the renewal date, not from the original due date. You may renew videos with a 7-day loan period after the first four days, and the new due date will be calculated from the renewal date.
Where can I return my items?
Return items to any location or into the book drops located at each. Items returned after closing will be checked in on the next business day. Please do not put money in the bookdrops.
Checkout & Return Policies
Adult Items | Max # | Loan Period | Renewals | Overdue Fees | Max Fee/Item |
Books | 6 items/ topic | 3 weeks | 2 | 25¢/day | $10 |
Audiobooks & Music CDs | 6 items | 3 weeks | 2 | ||
Magazines | varies | varies | varies | ||
DVDs | 6 items | 7 days | 2 | 25¢/day | |
Videogames | 1 item | 7 days | 2 | ||
MaineCat Item (from other Maine libraries) | local library rules | 3 weeks | 1 | varies | |
Downloadable e-Books |
3 titles | 2 weeks | Re-download, retains last page read |
none | none |
Downloadable e-audiobooks |
3 titles | 3 weeks | Re-download | none | none |
Children & Teen Items | Max # | Loan Period | Renewals Allowed | Overdue Fees | Max Fee/Item |
Books | 6 items/ topic | 3 weeks | 2 | 10¢/day | $2.50 |
Audiobooks & Music CDs | 6 items | 3 weeks | 2 | ||
Magazines | varies | varies | varies | ||
DVDs | 6 items | 7 days | 2 | 10¢/day | $2.50 |
Videogames | 1 item | 7 days | 2 | $1.00/day | $10.00 |
MaineCat Item (from other Maine libraries) | local library rules | 3 weeks | 1 | varies | $10.00 |
Downloadable e-Books |
3 titles | 2 weeks | Re-download, retains last page read |
none | none |
Downloadable e-audiobooks |
3 titles | 3 weeks | Re-download | none | none |
We charge overdue fees on open days only, up to the maximum for that type of item (see chart). If you owe more than $5.00, you may not borrow or renew materials or use public computers until the fees are paid. If an item is not returned or is returned damaged, the Library may bill you for its retail value plus a $10 processing fee.