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Patron Guidelines

A library card must be presented when checking out any materials from the library.

Patrons should not re-shelve materials used in the library, but rather, leave them on a table or at the circulation desk.

Book and Audio Policy

  • Up to six (6) books or audios per person may be checked out at one time.
  • The loan period is two weeks (14 days).
  • Books may be renewed twice, once by phone or e-mail and twice online. 
  • There are no overdue fines, only overdue books.  Those with overdue books will not be allowed to check out more books, or use the computers and/or e-books.

Video Policy

  • One (1) VHS or DVD per adult card, or two (2) per family card, may be checked out at a time. 
  • Up to four (4) additional videos can be checked out for $1.00 each.
  • The loan period is four (4) days.
  • Videos may be renewed once by phone or email.
  • There is no fine for overdue items.  Items not returned must be paid 

Reference Materials: Items in the Local History Room and the Reference Area must be used in the library and are not available for check out.

Inter-library Loans: Inter-library loan can be requested for items not in the library's collection. There is a $3.00 charge per item to cover processing costs.

Care of Materials

Patrons are expected to use library materials in the manner that is intended and appropriate. Patrons may not write or otherwise mark in or on library materials. Abuse or damage of any Library materials will require full restitution and may lead to termination of all Library privileges and/or criminal charges. All barcodes, spine labels, dust jackets, due date cards or slips or any other identifying labels must remain on/with Library materials. Marking in or on library materials or removing any identifying labels will result in at least a $1.00 fine per item.

Patron Safety and Consideration

  • Parents may not leave children unattended at any time or any where in the library.
    Children may not run in the library, play on the stairs, or climb on bookshelves.
  • Disruptive patrons will be asked to discontinue any inappropriate behavior, then, to leave the library. Police will be called if necessary.
  • Patrons' food and drink are allowed only in the Otha Spencer Reading Room and the Maude Noyes Johnson Meeting Room.
  • Personal cell phone use must be conducted in a manner so as not to disturb other patrons.
  • In the case of an emergency, all patrons must follow the instructions of the library staff.

Library Cards

Information required for a library card application includes accurate and current name, address, and phone number. For adults, age 16 and older, one form of official identification, such as a driver's license, must be presented at the time of application. New residents whose current address is not shown on the driver's license must also present a document with current address, such as a phone or utility bill. For children 15 and younger, parents must provide their information and are responsible for their children's library materials and any fines that accrue. Patrons must inform the library of any changes in contact information.

Either a family card or an individual card will be issued and can be used only by the individual(s) to which it is issued. Should there be a change in the status of the individual (such as a family whose children want their own cards or related individuals who want a family card), replacement cards will be issued, and all prior cards will be voided. New cards will be issued until 20 minutes prior to closing time.

One item may be checked out on the first use of the library card. After the return of that item, normal borrowing policies apply.

Replacement library cards cost $3.00.

Borrowing privileges will be restricted for failure to return materials, damaged materials, or unpaid fees. Falsifying information will result in the termination of privileges.

Privacy Policy

The Commerce Public Library respects the privacy of its patrons. Information that is gathered from patrons is limited to that which is needed to operate the library and is kept confidential.