Following is a list of questions and answers about some of the basics of using your library. If there is a question you don’t see on this list, please let us know. Your question may benefit others. Remember that the Kirkland Town Library is your library and we want you to feel comfortable using the library whether you are browsing the stacks or accessing the library from home and afar.
Library Cards
How do I get a library card?
You can apply for a card by printing out the card application, or you may apply for one at the library. If you print the form, you may mail it or bring it to the library to receive your card. The Kirkland Town Library does not charge for library cards. Your library card can be used at any of the Mid-York Library System Libraries.
How do I get my child a library card?
You may print and return the card application or come in and apply at the library. Children 12 years of age or younger use the youth application. This must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Can I sign up for a library card online?
Adults now have the option to sign up online here.
After filling out the form, you will receive a temporary 6 digit number. The temporary six-digit number cannot be used to borrow anything or use any library services. You will then need to provide proof of id by mail, fax, or email to Mid-York, at which point Mid-York will issue a library card number and send a library card in the mail.
Proof of id can also be provided at your local library and a library card will be issued at that time.
May I get a Kirkland Town Library library card even if I don’t live in Clinton?
Yes! Anyone may get a Kirkland Town Library card.
What do I do if I need a new library card?
Please notify the library if your card is lost or stolen. Replacement cards are free at the Kirkland Town Library.
I have a new address, telephone number, or email address. How do I update my account?
We have change-of-address forms available at the library. You may also call or email us with any information changes you have. (315-853-2038; clinton@midyork.org)
Holds
Can I place a hold on books or other materials?
If any library in the Mid-York Library System catalog owns an item, you may place a hold through the Mid-York catalog or by calling us at 315-853-2038. The Mid-York Library System is a cooperative system and items come from all 47 member libraries. Items that the Kirkland Town Library owns, including New and Popular items, will fill the holds for Kirkland Town Library patrons first. You will be notified when the item arrives for you.
How do I sign up for email notifications for almost-due and overdue items, or available holds?
Just call us at 315-853-2038 or email clinton@midyork.org and we will sign you up for email notifications.
Can you text me?
Yes. Call us at 315-853-2038 or email clinton@midyork.org to be added to our texting service.
How long will an item be held for me?
New DVDs will be held for 3 days.
Everything else will be held for 1 week.
New and Popular items may be released from a hold within a week if the list is long and you are not able to respond to our telephone or email contact. If your hold is released, you will be responsible for re-requesting the item.
My hold is taking a long time. How long do I have to wait?
If the Kirkland Town Library owns the item on hold, we can estimate when it will be available for you. If the Kirkland Town Library does not own the item and it is New or Popular, it may take a while for the item to arrive.
Please ask us to look into any item you have on hold that you think is taking longer than it should.
I will be away and I have placed several holds. Is there a way to keep the holds on my card but not get the books until I return?
Yes, there is a suspend hold option when you log into your account. You may also contact the library and a staff person will suspend your holds until a date that is convenient for you.
What if I do not find the title I want in the Mid-York Catalog?
If you can’t find the record for an item you want in the Mid-York Catalog, please contact the library. We will take your information and try to get the item through Interlibrary Loan (outside of the Mid-York System and they come from all over the country). This includes periodical articles, music, videos, DVDs, and books. These items usually arrive within two weeks.
Borrowing Materials
How many items may I take out?
The item limit on patron cards is 40 but if you have special needs we can accommodate them.
How long may I keep library materials?
3 weeks for books (including fiction, non-fiction, large type and paperback)
2 weeks for new books, audio books, magazines, and non-fiction DVDs
1 week for selected new books, American Girl dolls, park passes, board games, jigsaw puzzles, music CDs, older DVDs
3 days for new DVDs
1 day for overnight reference items
If you are going to be away or need extended loans on any materials, please ask at the circulation desk when you check out.
Do I need to come inside to pick up my items?
You can pick up your items any time from our outdoor lockers, located on the side of the building near the parking lot. When you request your items from the online catalog, select the Clinton-Kirkland Town Library Locker as the pick-up library. Or, just let a member of our staff know that you prefer to pick up at the locker.
I returned items but they are still showing on my account. Why?
During busy times of the year and after holidays, it may take extra days to process returned items. If returned items remain on your card longer than one week, please notify us.
May I return Kirkland Town Library items to another library in the Mid-York system?
You may return Kirkland Town Library items to other libraries in the Mid-York Library System, but we prefer that you return time-sensitive materials, such as DVDs and new books, to the Kirkland Town Library because of their high demand.
Some special items such as board games, park passes, and American Girl Dolls must be returned to the KTL.
May I return other Mid-York Library System items to the Kirkland Town Library?
Other Mid-York Library items may be returned to the Kirkland Town Library, but we ask that you follow the borrowing library’s return policies.
How can I renew items that I have checked out?
Our system automatically renews your item on its due date. As long as the item hasn’t reached its renewal limit and no other patron has a hold on that item, it will be automatically renewed to your card.
Interlibrary loan items from outside the Mid-York System, items that have holds, and items that are overdue will not renew in your online account.
Please email or call the library if you need more time for an item that won’t renew in your account.
Is there a way to have a list of items that I have previously checked out and returned?
If you log into your account and go to Personal Information, Preferences, there is a box to check which states: “Keep my checkout history. I understand the privacy issues.”
We would be happy to print a list of your items every time you check out.
Another way to record your previously checked-out items is to use the My Profile feature in your account in the Mid-York Catalog. After you log in to the catalog, click on My Profile, then click the box in front of the statement “I want all authors and subjects of items I’ve checked out for the last 6 months to be counted automatically as My Favorites.”
You may activate or deactivate this feature at any time.
Fine Free Questions and Answers
Why doesn’t the Kirkland Town Library charge late fees?
Because most patrons return or renew their items on time; life may not go according to plan; and we are happiest when our items leave the building…and come back!
What if I need more time?
Our system automatically renews your item on its due date. As long as the item hasn’t reached its renewal limit and no other patron has a hold on that item, it will be automatically renewed to your card.
When the time on your items has expired, we will call or email you with a reminder to renew or return them. Please make sure we have your email if that’s your preference for notification.
What are the charges for lost or damaged items?
Charges on lost or damaged items are based on the replacement cost of the item.
Please note that we do not accept replacements for lost or damaged items.
Check with a staff person at the circulation desk to determine the cost of the item.
Until the item is returned or the bill is settled, a one item borrowing limit will be placed on your card.
