Getting a Library Card
Patrons residing in Hinesburg and/or paying property taxes to Hinesburg may claim the Carpenter-Carse Library as their "home library" and are eligible to receive a free library card. You will be asked to show proof of local address (such as a Vermont driver's license or a piece of mail postmarked in the last 30 days).
Residents of other towns in Chittenden County may go to their own town library and get a Homecard to receive free borrowing privileges at the Carpenter-Carse Library (see Homecard Library System below).
placing a hold
Patrons wishing to reserve library materials from the comfort of home can do so easily by logging into their library account and placing a hold. Please contact us if you cannot remember the password you set to access your library account.
Lending Periods & Overdue materials
Materials are loaned for varying periods of time as follows:
New books: 2 weeks
All other books: 4 weeks
Magazines: 1 week
Audiobooks & Music: 2 weeks
Movies: 1 week (with a limit of 4 DVD items)
Other than DVDs, we do not limit the number of items you may check out; however, we do ask that you be considerate of other patrons, especially when checking out new materials.
If you need more time with a book or other item, it may be renewed three times, so long as no other patron has placed a reserve on the item. The exceptions to this policy are new books, which may be renewed only once. Materials may be brought into the library for renewal, you may phone in your request, or you may renew items by logging into your account. Please have the due date, author, and title ready to give the librarian.
Patrons may reserve any item in our collection that is out on loan to another borrower. Most items not owned by this library may be requested through the interlibrary loan system.
Overdue Policy
Overdue notices are sent on a regular basis, and will be followed by a bill after a few weeks. Patrons may also be billed for lost or seriously damaged materials (see below). Financial arrangements must be made with the librarian within 30 days of billing or borrowing privileges will be suspended.
Lost or Damaged Items
The Carpenter-Carse Library strives to ensure that its materials meet a high standard of quality and durability. Staff members regularly inspect circulating items to note damage or identify materials that need repair or replacement. We strongly encourage patrons to bring to our attention any damage that may have gone unnoticed so we can note the condition on the item before checkout.
When an item is returned in damaged condition, our staff will evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if the item can be mended. If an item is damaged beyond repair, the patron will be notified of the condition and replacement cost.
Patrons have the option to purchase replacement copies of lost or damaged items instead of paying the fee mentioned above. The replacement copy must be identical to the damaged item (same ISBN, edition, etc.) and must be in the same or better (new) condition. The replacement copy will be subject to review by our library staff before the fee is waived. We strongly advise all patrons who choose to purchase a replacement copy to first consult with library staff to ensure the correct item is purchased.