Why would I want a library card?

Your Pittsfield Public Library card offers you quality library services and resources. Use your card to borrow books, magazines, audio books, and videos from your library. You may request from a wide variety of materials from over sixty libraries in Maine. With your library card you can also access Digital Maine Library, the state library's powerful subscription e-resources from your home, office or school computer.

Who can get a library card?

Pittsfield residents and property owners may have a free card since Pittsfield property taxes support the operation of the library. Pittsfield teachers may have a courtesy card for curriculum support. Others may borrow materials upon payment of an annual fee. The current fee for non-Pittsfield residents is $25.00 for an individual, or $50.00 for a family. A special card is available for students under age 18 for $10.00. The town of Palmyra will pay for their residents to have a library card. The towns of Burnham and Detroit will reimburse the library card membership fee for their residents.

How do I get a library card?

Come to the library with photo ID and proof of current address (bill, checkbook, lease agreement, piece of mail) when applying for a library card. Library staff will create a library account for you and give you a plastic library card, which you will need to bring with you when you want to borrow library materials. Your library card will also allow you to access your library account online, as well as request items from your library or other libraries.

When can my child get a library card?

Children may get a library card in their own name when they and their parent agree the child is prepared for the responsibilty. Parents are financially responsible for all items borrowed on a child's library account. However, due to Maine's state statute on privacy of public library records, parents may not have access to a child's library account unless the child gives his or her permission, or unless the parent presents library staff with the child's library card.

What if I lose my library card?

The fee for replacing a lost card is $2.00.

How do I access my library account?

You can access your My Minerva library account from any computer using your library borrower number on your library card. You can see when your items are due, renew them and request more.

How long can I keep library materials?

Books, audiobooks, videos and magazines circulate for a period of three weeks. Some specialty items may circulate for one week or less. Most library materials may be renewed if no one is waiting for it.

What if I can't find what I want in the library?

Items not available in our collection can usually be obtained from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan. If they are not available from a Minerva or MaineCat library, ask a library staff member if you can get if from a library in another state.

What are my rights and responsibilities?

You have the right to use all the materials and services of the library. You are responsible for bringing your card when visiting the library. Do not loan your library card or materials to anyone. Please notify the library if your name, address, email or telephone number changes. You are expected to return library materials promptly and in good condition. Late fee is ten cents / day, maximum late fee per item is $2.00. BORROWING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED if library materials are not returned or charges are not paid. It is the library policy to charge the replacement cost of lost or severely damaged materials. Patrons owing fines of $5.00 or more will be restricted from borrowing items until the balance is less than $5.00. Restricted patrons are still welcome to use the library facility and all of its resources.

What is the difference between Minerva and MaineCat?

Minerva is a consortium of 65 libraries that share the same catalog and circulation system.
MaineCat Statewide Catalog combines and links more than 100 library collections contained in 10 large online library systems, including Minerva, the University of Maine, and the catalogs of Colby, Bates and Bowdoin Colleges. A single search scans more than 3,400,000 unique titles and nearly 7.6 million items.

Programs & Services

When is Story Time? What is Fun STEM Time?

Preschool story time is held on Mondays at 10:30. Fun STEM time is geared for preschool and older and is held at 1:30 on Thursdays when school is not in session, and at 3:30 during the school year.

Do you have book discussions for adults?

Yes. Please ask about the current book discussion series.

Do you have a fax machine?

No. Fax service is available at the Pittsfield Town Office, Danforth's and the Credit Union.

Is the library wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The side entrance has a special parking space, an entrance equipped with automatic doors and there is elevator to access both floors. Restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. If any help is needed reaching library materials, a staff member is happy to help.

Can my group meet in the library?

A community room is available for meetings, programs and exhibits hosted by community groups or individuals. Call us at 487-5880 for room availability. Ask at the library for the Meeting Room Policy and the Meeting Room Application.

Computers

Do you have computers for public use?

The library has four computers available for general use, including Internet and office programs. You may sign up to use any of the public computers for one 30 minute block of time. If no one else is waiting, you may continue to work in 30 minute increments.

Do I have to have a library card at your library in order to use the computers?

No. Anyone may to use the library's public computers.

Can I reserve time on your computers in advance?

No, but you may call the library before you come to check on availability.

Do you have wireless internet access?

The library offers free wireless internet access that is available inside and immediately outside the building. Your computer or other wireless device should automatically detect our network, which is called Pittsfield Public Library Wireless Network.

Can I print from your computers?

Yes. Black-and-white printed pages are 15 cents each. Double-sided pages are 25 cents each. We cannot print color copies. We recommend that you use the "print preview" command prior to printing from web pages so you know how many pages are going to print.