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Address:

25 North Main Street
Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938-2215
Phone: 978 356-6648
Fax: 978 356-6647
ipswich@mvlc.org

Registration of Patrons:

Policy:

All patrons must show identification including their current home address before they are issued a library card.

In State:

Patrons residing in towns that are full members of the MVLC consortium must obtain cards from their hometown library. These cards may be used in all MVLC libraries.

Patrons residing in towns that are members of other consortia, may have their card number entered into our database as their MVLC card number. As with Ipswich Public Library patrons, a library card and positive ID with your name and address must be shown.

Out-of State:

Out-of-state residents must pay an annual $75.00 non-refundable fee.

Library Cards:

Patrons from Decertified Libraries:

Massachusetts state law (605 CMR 4.01) states that certified public libraries are not required to lend materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.

The Ipswich Public Library supports the importance of libraries maintaining at least the minimum standards of public library service required for certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Therefore, the Ipswich Public Library will not lend materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.

Click here to view our Policy on Lending to Residents of Municipalities with Decertified Libraries.

Collections & Loan Periods

The "New Materials" shelves across from the Main Desk and our "New This Month" list feature the latest additions to the collection. Lists are made available at the Main Desk, Children's Room, and on this web site.

Renewals & Overdues:

All circulating materials except DVDs, videos, magazines, CD-ROMs, and museum passes can be renewed  up to three times. Renew materials at the Library, by phone (978.356.6648) or through our online catalog.

Effective July 1, 2002 most fines on overdue materials are waived, 
except DVDs and videos, which are $1 per day. A fine of $5 is charged 
for overdue museum passes. Borrowing privileges may be suspended at all libraries in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium  (MVLC) if fines are owed or materials are not returned.

The full cost of lost or damaged materials will be charged.

Reserve Requests & Recalls

A library item may be subject to recall when the loan period is due. You may request a recall on any item at the circulation desk. The Circulation Librarians will make every reasonable attempt to retrieve the item and will inform you when it is available. This item will be held at the circulation desk for seven days after notification.

Museum Passes

You may reserve museum passes by phone at 978.356.6648 or in person at the Main Desk at least one day before using. Passes for individual museums have varied regulations. We expect our patrons to abide by these rules.

The following museum passes are made available through the generosity
of the Friends of the Library: 

Click here for more information on museum passes in our Library.

Databases

Full-text periodical databases such as EBSCOhost, InfoTrac, ProQuest, and many more are available for use at the Library, where you can get help or at the convenience of your home, office or school. You will need to type your active library card number to use these databases.

Internet Access

The Ipswich Public Library offers Internet access to all members of the community. Six Internet workstations are available in the Gaunt Reference Room. You will need to get a time card at the Main Desk to use our Internet PCs. Parents or legal guardians of minor children are asked to provide guidance for their children while cruising the Internet. A workstation for Internet access is available in the Children's Room. If you are a first time Internet user at the Ipswich Public Library, please read the Library Internet Policy before you login.

Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms are available for use by Ipswich non-profit and civic organizations. You may reserve space one month in advance through the Library Director in person, or at 978.356.6648. The Collins Meeting Room seats 65. The Conference Room on the second floor seats 10. 

Reference

The Gaunt Reference Room is on the main floor of the Library. A reference librarian is available at most times to help you make the best use of our reference books, archival resources and online databases. If you cannot find what you need at the Ipswich Public Library, we will help you locate the material through interlibrary loan. You may call our Reference Librarian, Paula Grillo, at 978.356.6648. Our Reference webpage describes the various reference services we offer.

Art Collection

The Library displays a permanent collection of oil paintings and works on paper by Ipswich artists, including Arthur Wesley Dow, Francis Henry Richardson and Henry Rodman Kenyon. We also display works of art on loan from the Ipswich Historical Society, the Ipswich School Committee, and others.

Other Services and Amenities

Volunteers

The Ipswich Public Library enjoys the help of many volunteers who provide support services, such as shelving, preparing books for use, assisting with children's programs, archival work, etc. Volunteers are an important part of our library family. Our loyal group of volunteers, many of whom are retired citizens wanting to help out, gives us more than 100 hours per month.

If you are interested in volunteering your time at the Ipswich Public Library please contact Library Director Victor Dyer. 

Affiliations

The Ipswich Public Library is a full member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) of 32 public libraries. We are also part of the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System (NMRLS) which provides access to electronic databases and other resources for our patrons.
 

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