Using the Library - Getting a Library Card
Adults may obtain a library card filling out a form and presenting identification (driver’s license, mail, tax bill, etc.) with a current local address.
Children (ages 5-17) may obtain a card with the signature of a parent or guardian.
Non-residents of Massachusetts may obtain a SAILS card, with proper identification, valid for one year. There is a charge of $75.
Teachers may obtain a Teachers card which allows for extended borrowing time.
There is a $1 charge to replace a lost card.
Registration Form (downloadable PDF)
Your Wareham Free Library card:
- Gives you access to the SAILS Library Network
- Allows you to reserve and renew items in person, by phone, or online
- Allows you to borrow books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, and magazines
- Gives you access to public computers at any Wareham Free Library location
- Provides you discounted (or FREE) museum, historical site, zoo, etc. passes
Your use of the Wareham Free Library is private and confidential, as stated in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7. We do not share information about library patrons with any outside organization or government agency.
If you would like to sign up for a digital library card, click HERE.
How long can I keep library materials checked out?
Library books, magazines, and audio books are charged out for two weeks, with two renewals allowed if there are no holds on the item. Items will automatically be renewed unless they are on hold for another patron or have exceeded two renewals already.
Library DVDs are charged for one week with one renewal allowed if there are no holds on the item. These items will automatically be renewed once unless they are on hold for another patron or have exceeded their renewal already.
Fishing Poles are charged out for one week and a $5 refundable deposit is required.
What if what I want isn’t on the shelf?
You can place a hold on any item that is:
- Available at your local library – It will be held one week for pickup
- Available at another library – An available copy will be sent to your library for free
- Currently checked out to someone else – You will be placed on a waiting list to receive the item when it is returned.
How many items may I reserve?
You may reserve up to 20 items (books and other materials).
How do I place a hold?
- Log in to your Library account
- Search for the item in the Library Catalog
- Click the Place Hold button
- Choose a Pickup location
- Click Confirm to complete the hold
This puts you on the waiting list for the item. A quick video tutorial is available here, explaining the process for placing a hold on a library item in SAILS.
How will I know when an item is ready for me to pick up?
You will receive a text, email, or phone call to alert you when a hold becomes available. The method of contact was chosen by you when you registered for a library card if you wish to change your contact information, call the circulation desk at (508) 295-2343 and dial 0.
How can I manage when my holds arrive? How do I cancel a hold?
You can suspend holds to better control how many items become ready for pickup at the same time. You can also cancel holds that you no longer wish to have.
Oh no! My materials are due back today. What do I do?
Materials may be returned during regular library hours at the Main Library, the Spinney Branch, and any other SAILS Library.
For your convenience, materials can also be returned 24 hours a day in the book drops at the Main Library and the Spinney Branch.
Oh no! My materials were due back last week. Do I owe money?
Overdue Fines and Service Fees
- Lost cards - $1
- Overdue fines will not exceed $10 per item
- Item/juvenile or Item/adult - 10 cents per day
- Juvenile Videos/DVDs - 10 cents per day
- Adult Video/DVDs - 25 cents per day
- Video games - 25 cents per day
- Museum Passes - $5 per day (lost pass replacement fee is $50)
- Photocopier
- 15 cents per BLACK & WHITE page
- 25 cents per COLOR page
- Computer printing
- 15 cents per BLACK & WHITE page
- 25 cents per COLOR page
- Faxes - $1 per page
- Scans - $1 per page
Damaged Material
All library materials are inspected upon return. Those materials deemed by the library staff to be damaged, but not destroyed will be repaired in-house free of charge. Those materials deemed destroyed/unusable will be discarded and the borrower will be assessed a damaged/lost materials fee. The charge will be the retail or default price, plus a $2 handling charge.
Lost Material
Lost materials fees are the retail or default price, plus a $2 handling charge. Items will be assumed lost if overdue for 14 days or more.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Items
Replacement of an item in lieu of payment may be approved on a case by case basis by the Library Director.
Suspension
Borrowing privileges will be suspended when overdue fines and/or fees have reached the $10.00 maximum.