Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the library? Want to know what sort of services we offer? Looking to learn how to locate a book that we might not have? You'll find those answers here. If you cannot find what you're looking for here, or elsewhere on the website, please feel free to contact us via phone or email and we'll do our best to help you find the answers that you need. Use the links below to quickly move to the section that has the question and answer you're looking for.
Patron Questions
How do I sign up for a library card?
If you want to sign up for a library card, all you have to do is come into the library, request a card application, fill it out, and we'll get you put right into our system.
Who can sign up for a library card?
With few exceptions, anyone can sign up for a library card. Children under five cannot sign up for their own card, and children over five need a parent or guardian's signature to sign up for their own, but beyond that, signing up for a card is completely free to anyone.
Do I have to live on Islesboro to get a library card?
No, you do not. However, we do require you to have a local address that we can contact in the event of an overdue or missing item. If you're only renting a place for the summer, for example, you can get a temporary number using the address of the rented property.
Do I have to have a physical card or know my number to check out materials?
If you are attempting to check out materials in person or are requesting a hold, no. We do not issue physical cards unless it is directly requested by the patron, but knowing your number is the quickest way for us to access your patron account. If you don't know your number, we can find your account via last name. However, if you want to take advantage of our digital services, such as the Kanopy streaming service or the Cloud Library, you will need to have your library card number in order to create an account. If you don't know your number, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help you find that information.
Can I check out materials on someone else's account?
In general, no, you cannot. Exceptions are made for children who do not have their own account who have their parent's permission to use their account, or if we have express written or recorded permission that someone is allowing a friend or family member to utilize their account. However, the person associated with the account will be considered responsible for any materials checked out under their name.
Does my account expire?
If you are a local patron, no, your account has no expiration date and will continue to be available to you until such time as you request its closure. If you are a temporary renter, your card number will be valid up to a predetermined point, often the point when your rent time ends.
Can my account be closed?
While your account will not expire if you are not a temporary patron, you can request the closure of your library account if you want. Doing so will bar you from checking out materials in person, and keep you from using our digital services unless you open a new account. Please note that you are not guaranteed to have the same library card number if you decide to close your account. Accounts can also be closed at our discretion for issues including (but not limited to) consistent loss of materials, serial disrespect of library property, or poor treatment of library staff or other library patrons.
Catalog and Materials Questions
Is there a limit to what I can check out at one time?
There is a general limit of ten items per account. That means you can check out any combination of books, movies, "thing library" items, audiobooks, etc., so long as there are only up to ten total items checked out under your name at any one time.
How long can materials be checked out from the library?
That depends on what you are checking out. Books and audiobooks can generally be checked out for up to two weeks at a time. Most other items, including movies, technology items, or items from the "thing library", can only be checked out for one week at a time.
If I haven't finished a book, do I have to return it?
No, you can request a renewal for a book, if you need to. Renewals will give you an additional two weeks on books and audiobooks, or an additional one week for most other items. However, material can only be renewed up to twice before they must be returned, and if a hold or request has been put on the material you have checked out, we won't be able to renew it and the material will have to be returned at the end of its current checkout period.
What are the consequences for overdue materials?
We do not issue late fees at our library, but heavily overdue materials can result in your account being limited until the overdue materials are returned.
What happens if the material is lost or damaged?
If library materials are lost or damaged, the borrower will be held responsible for paying for replacing the materials. A patron can also be barred from checking out further materials until payment is resolved.
How can I find a book that I'm looking for?
If you are looking for a specific material, you can check our online catalog to see if we have what you're looking for, or you can ask a member of our staff to help you locate it.
What if the library doesn't have what I'm looking for?
It is an unfortunate reality that we cannot hold everything within our limited physical space, and so we might not always have the materials our patrons are looking for. If that is the case, however, we can still help you find it through several services. If we do not have the book physically, patrons might be able to find the material that they are looking for via our digital services, such as the Cloud Library (ebooks and audiobooks) or the Kanopy streaming service (films and documentaries). We can also locate physical books or films via inter-library loan, where we borrow the book from a neighboring library (though please note that inter-library loans can take some time to arrive, depending on how long it takes to locate the material, and how far away it is being shipped from).
Can I return materials from a different library?
Unless the material in question was procured via an inter-library loan by us, no. If you have checked out material at a neighboring library, you are responsible for returning the material to that neighboring library.
Computer and Wireless Questions
Do I have to be a Patron to use the wireless internet?
If you are using your own device within the library, no. The wireless network at the library is open and free to use for everyone, but you will be expected to abide by our Acceptable Use Policy concerning internet usage. However, if you wish to make use of the public computers at the library, you will have to be a library patron.
Are there usage limits for library computers?
In terms of time limits, users are expected to use a library computer for an hour at a time. If more time is needed and there isn't a line of others waiting to use the public computers more time can be requested from library staff. In terms of limitations of what you can do on our computers, as per our acceptable use policy, they cannot be used for anything that would circumvent state or federal law, or to access illegal or illicit materials. While you can use our computers to access digital services such as your email or social media accounts, please keep in mind that they are public computers; failing to log out of those accounts does run the risk of someone else having access to your personal information. While we do our best to make sure any sensitive information is removed from our computers periodically, patrons should also be aware of their own digital footprint when using communal technology.
Does the library have a printer I can use?
Yes, the library offers printer and copier services. The printer is wireless, so you can print to it using your own devices, in color or in black and white. There is a small fee for this service: 30 cents per color page, 15 cents per black and white page.
Does the library have a fax machine I can use?
The library does not have faxing capabilities at this time.
Donation Questions
Does the library accept donations?
Yes, the library will accept physical book or film donations, and we accept them all year round
What can I donate to the library?
The library will accept donations of physical books, DVD or blu-ray films, jigsaw puzzles, or useful tools or items for our "thing library." However, it is expected that any item donated is in good condition, is in working order, and is relatively clean. We will not accept books with excessive water damage, mold, or ripped pages; DVDs and blu-rays without their cases or that are excessively scratched will not be accepted; items given for the thing library that show signs of heavy use, are damaged, or do not come with all necessary parts or pieces will not be accepted. We will also not accept items like periodicals or textbooks.
Can I make bulk donations?
Yes, we will accept donations in bulk, but we ask that any patrons looking to donate larger collections of materials contact us first so that we can get an idea of how much is being donated and what condition it is in. If bulk collections include potential donations to our "Thing Library" collection, we will have to see them in person before determining whether we will take them.
What can be donated to the "Thing Library"?
Our "Thing Library" is a place for toys, items, and tools that a person may have occasional use for, but might not necessarily need all the time, or might not be able to afford. Some examples of items already in our collection include a metal detector, a telescope, a seed spreader, hedge and branch trimmers, a sewing machine, a fruit crusher, and a cider press. Items of this nature are welcome, so long as they are of working quality, good condition, and are relatively complete in terms of all their parts. However, we will not take computers, though we will accept computer-adjacent hardware, such as mice, keyboards, drawing tablets, keypads, shortcut remotes, and so forth.
Does the library accept monetary donations?
Yes. If you wish to make a monetary donation to the Alice L. Pendleton library, you can do so via the Friends of the ALP Library, which is our local fundraising group. You can learn more about the Friends here.
Event Questions
What sort of events happen at the library?
Our library is a community space, and as such, we do our best to host, put on, and accommodate as many events with as varied a breadth as possible. From open forums and discussions on local interests and issues, to classes centered on learning new hobbies or technologies, to talks with published authors, to recipe swaps and after school programs, you can be assured that the library will be hosting at least one at some point that will appeal to your interests. Or, you can host your own event and share your interests, expertise, and passions with the rest of our community.
Where can I find out about upcoming events?
There are multiple ways to learn about current and upcoming events at the library. Our website has its own event calendar that has all schedule upcoming events listed on it. You can also find our events listed on the monthly town calendar and hear about them via the town's mailing list, which you can sign up for via the town's website. You can also find more information about the scheduled events via our staff as well.
Where can I find out about upcoming events?
There are multiple ways to learn about current and upcoming events at the library. Our website has its own event calendar that has all schedule upcoming events listed on it. You can also find our events listed on the monthly town calendar and hear about them via the town's mailing list, which you can sign up for via the town's website. You can also find more information about the scheduled events via our staff as well.
Are the events at the library free to attend?
Yes. No event taking place at the library requires payment to attend. Some events will have suggestions on items you might want to bring with you (such as recipes for the occasional recipe exchange) and age recommendations for events aimed at certain audiences, but the library will never require a monetary donation or payment to attend or participate in our events.
Can I host an event at the library?
Yes, you can! If you're interested in hosting your own event, or a series of events, feel free to contact a staff member of the library to schedule a time to go over potential dates and details. You can also request use of our meeting room for private meetings or presentations.