Borrowing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about borrowing from the library? Or curious about loaning periods and late fines? Find all of that information below, if you find your question is still not answered don’t hesitate to contact us or ask a librarian!

Item TypeLoan PeriodDaily Late FeeMax. Late Fee
Books, magazines, pamphlets, CDs, audio books, playaways14 days$0 $0
Juvenile materials14 days$0 $0
DVDs (Adult and Juvenile)7 days$0$0
DVDs (Multi-disc DVD sets)14 days$0$0
Museum Passes2 daysup to $5$25
Commonwealth Catalog28 days$1$10
Interlibrary Loanvaries$1$10

Late fees are charged when items are kept beyond the due date. This is to encourage prompt return of the items so that someone else may borrow it.

Most items can be renewed three times if no one is waiting for them. The renewal period is the same length as the original loan period (see chart above). Material may be renewed in person, by phone or online using the My Account feature. Note: Interlibrary Loans and Commonwealth Catalog items may not be renewed.

Items may be returned to any Falmouth Public Library location or any other CLAMS library. The bookdrops are open at all times. When possible, it is requested that items be brought to the service desks during open hours. This prevents wear and tear to the library’s materials. Items from any CLAMS library may be returned through Falmouth Public Library.

Books, audiotapes, videotapes, DVDs, compact discs and magazines may all be borrowed. The most current issue of a magazine title may not be borrowed until the next issue becomes available. The limit to the number of items borrowed is fifty.

The Library accepts cash or checks. We cannot accept credit or debit cards at this time.

If you know you will need items for an extended period, ask a librarian for a vacation loan. Note:Vacation loans are not available on items with holds or on Interlibrary Loans.

Yes! When you place a request on a book, video or other library material, your name is put on a list of people waiting for the item. You can request that the item be sent to any CLAMS library. When the item becomes available, you will be contacted by phone or mail. For more information on reserving library materials and items click here.