Circulation Policy

Library Cards 

Library cards are available free of charge to all. Stop by the library and present your driver’s license or another form of identification that includes your mailing address. Registration forms are available at the main Circulation Desk. Patrons can also apply for e-cards at www.ocln.org. E-cards can be used to check out digital items. We do ask that patrons obtain a physical card at their next library visit. Your library card is valid for use at any Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) member library. 

Rules of Loan 

• OCLN network policy requires that users must have a library card in hand to check out materials at the Paul Pratt Memorial Library. Checking out items when a library card is not present: Borrowers who wish to check out items but who have forgotten their library cards may do so by showing photo identification (state I.D., student I.D., etc.). 
• Borrowing privileges may be suspended at all OCLN libraries if overdue material fines and lost material fees are not paid. 
• Museum passes are available for Cohasset library card holders.

Loan Periods & Late Fees 

Materials borrowed from another library may have different regulations. Non-OCLN materials borrowed via the Virtual Catalog have a loan period of 28 days with no renewals. 

Renewal Policy 

Most items can be renewed twice, except for items ON HOLD for another user. Items borrowed from another library may have different renewal restrictions.

Lost Material 

You will be assessed the replacement cost of material permanently lost or damaged. The library does not issue refunds for lost items that have been paid for. The library does accept replacement copies of lost Cohasset items only. Replacement copies MUST be comparable to the lost item. If the lost item belongs to another library in OCLN patron will be charged full replacement cost. 

Lost Library Cards 

You are responsible for all materials taken out on your card until the date it is reported lost. Please report your lost card immediately so that it can be canceled. 

Returns 

Library materials may be returned to the Paul Pratt Memorial Library Circulation Desk, exterior book drop return, or to any other OCLN library. 

Interlibrary Loan 

Our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service allows you to borrow materials that are not available at our library or any other library in the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN). For more information view our Interlibrary Loan Policy, contact our Reference Librarian at 781-383-1348 or by email. You can also make a request using the Article Request Form or the ILL Request Form. 

Out-of-State Residents 

Out-of-state residents visiting Cohasset for an extended period of time are encouraged to obtain a library card. All that is required is a local address and phone number as well as your driver's license or other form of picture identification that includes your permanent address. 

Privacy Rights 

By state law, the borrowing records of all library patrons are private. Public libraries may not disclose records which reveal a patron’s borrowing information to governmental or civilian inquiries. This policy applies to all patrons including minors, regardless of whether the parent is paying the fines on overdue materials or has signed a child’s library card. Please view our Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records, with Procedures.

Homebound Service

 Do you love to read but are unable to come to the library due to an illness or disability? We are pleased to take your requests for library materials. Selections will be delivered to your Cohasset residence and picked up and returned to the library on a regular schedule. For further information please telephone the library at 781-383 -1348 and speak to the Main Circulation Desk. 

Book Discussion Kits

“Ready Reads”, sets of 10 paperback copies of popular books accompanied by reading discussion guides, can be borrowed by book clubs. Books are checked out to one member of the group and circulate for 4 weeks. Group leaders may reserve a set by speaking with the Reference Librarian. 

Adopted by the Paul Pratt Memorial Library Board of Trustees, June 10, 2008, revised May 12, 2009