Library Cards

Please remember to bring your card with you when you come to the library. It helps us to serve you faster and more efficiently. In the event that you have forgotten your library card, we require some other form of identification such as a driver’s license in order to check out materials to you

Obtaining a Library Card

You can stop by the library to get your card, or apply online for an electronic access card (eCard), which can be used to access the electronic resources of the Saugus library. If you apply online, we will email you your card number which will afford you access to our electronic collections including OverDrive® and Hoopla®. To request and borrow items from other NOBLE libraries online and in person, you will need to convert your eCard to a full access card. To convert your card, stop by the Library with a valid ID and proof of address.

Identification and Proof of Address Required:                                                                                       

Before creating a new patron record, the individual must present the following:

Current, valid Massachusetts Driver’s license or Massachusetts State Identification Card with your current address.

OR

One document from Section 1 AND one document from Section 2 below:

1. Proof of identification – current or expired – (must include name and photo)

– Passport or Passport Card

– Alien Resident Card

– Government issued cards, such as Military ID

– State issued photo ID including welfare, Medicaid or FID card

– University or school ID

– Senior/T.A.P. ID issued by the MBTA

2. Proof of current local address (must include applicant’s name)

– Utility bill or tax bill (dated within the last 60 days)

– Lease agreement

– Imprinted bank check or deposit slip

– Official school schedule with applicant’s name and address typed on it

– Official letter verifying residency and mailing address dated within last 30 days from a social service provider, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence

– eBills (printed out or on your mobile device)

NOTE: We do not keep copies of any of these documents.

Who can apply?

Any Massachusetts resident may register and use any public library in the Commonwealth. It’s easier if you register in the town where you live; however, NOBLE (North of Boston Library Exchange) libraries will issue a library card to anyone with a picture ID and proof of a current address. Once you have a library card, you can use it at most other NOBLE libraries without the need to get multiple cards.

Children

Children of any age can get their own library cards, but a parent or guardian must sign for any child under the age of 18. Parents are responsible for loss or damage to materials checked out on a child’s card. Please note that your child will be free to use any resources we make available. We do not restrict children’s borrowing privileges or access to computers. Rather, we encourage parents to take an active interest in their children’s reading and discuss with them appropriate uses of technology.

Non-Residents

Any Massachusetts resident may register and use any public library in the Commonwealth. It’s easier if you register in the town where you live; however, NOBLE (North of Boston Library Exchange) libraries will issue a library card to anyone with a picture ID and proof of a current address. Once you have a library card, you can use it at most other libraries without the need to get multiple cards.

Your Password

When you register for your eCard or register in person for a full access card, you can choose a Password for your account. You need a Password in order to login to your library account, request items, and access many online services available through the Library’s website. If you don’t know what your Password is, please contact the library at 781.231.4168 and we can reset it for you. You’ll need to confirm the contact information on your account at that time. Once you login to your account, you may also change your own Password at any time.

Privacy

We take your right to privacy very seriously, therefore, we request that you use only your own card and recommend that you do not give your card to others. This is also why we cannot discuss any details of your account over the phone or share that information with friends or family members without your written consent. 

Load Periods & Fines

Renewing Items

You may renew items in person at the Circulation Desk, by calling the library at 781.231.4168, or you can log in to Your Account to do your own renewals from home, office or in the library using a computer with your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

All materials may be renewed as indicated in the chart above unless there is a hold placed by another patron. In this case, library staff will request that you return the item promptly. If you need the material again, we will be happy to place your name on the reserve list for that item.

Reserving Items

If there is a title you want to borrow and all of our copies are checked out, you can place a hold and the first available copy will be put aside for you. If the library does not own a copy of an item, we can request a copy for you. Materials will be held for five days under your name at the Circulation Desk. After five days, the materials will be placed back on the shelf or returned to their home library.

You can hold a title two ways:

• Contact us at 781.231.4168 or sau@noblenet.org and a librarian can help you place a hold.
• Reserve material for yourself using our online library catalog at home or in the building. To do this, you must first log in to Your Account using your library card number and PIN – if you don’t know your PIN, call the library and we can add one for you.  Then search for the materials you want and place a hold on each title.  When your materials arrive at the library, you will receive a telephone call, an e-mail, or text message according to your account preferences.

Returns

When the library is closed, all materials can be returned in the return slot leading directly into the building to the left of the Central Street entrance, or in the exterior, free-standing book drop beside the Taylor Street entrance. All items left in the book drops are checked in the next day that the library is open and will not accrue fines for days the library is closed.

Contact Information

If you change your name, address, telephone number, or e-mail address, please let us know so we can update your card information. Without current contact information we will not be able to reach you when we need to inform you that reserves, interlibrary loans, or other information that has arrived for you.