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All of your account information is available online through the Minuteman Network.
See what items you have checked out, renew your books, or place holds.
If you'd like a staff member to help you, call (781) 751-9284.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a library card?
How long can I keep my books? Everything else? How many can I take home?
What are the fines? Is there a maximum?
Can I use other libraries in the network? What are they?
How do I get a book that Dedham doesn't have?
How is interlibrary loan (ILL) different from getting books in the network?
How do I get a library card?
Any Massachusetts resident is eligible for a Minuteman library card. Bring proof of residency (i.e. a driver's license, utility bill, etc.) to the circulation desk. The first card is free; replacements are $2. There's no minimum age.
How long can I keep my books? Everything else? How many can I take home?
| TYPE OF MATERIAL |
BORROWING PERIOD |
AMOUNT ALLOWED |
| NEW BOOKS |
2 weeks |
Unlimited
|
| BOOKS |
3 weeks |
Unlimited |
| PERIODICALS (not current) |
1 week |
6 renewals |
| CHILDREN'S PERIODICALS |
3 weeks |
6 renewals |
| AUDIO BOOKS |
3 weeks |
4 renewals |
| COMPACT DISCS (CDs) |
3 weeks |
4 renewals |
| DVDs/VHS VIDEOS |
1 week |
4 renewals |
| NONFICTION DVDs/VHS |
3 weeks |
Unlimited |
| MUSEUM PASSES |
1 day, or as specified |
1 museum per day |
What are the fines? Is there a maximum?
| TYPE OF MATERIAL |
FINE |
| AUDIO |
$0.10 (10 cents) / day
|
| BOOKS |
$0.10 (10 cents) / day |
| PERIODICALS (not current) |
$0.10 (10 cents) / day |
| VIDEOS |
$1.00 (1 dollar) / day |
| CHILDREN'S AUDIO |
$0.05 (5 cents) / day |
| CHILDREN'S BOOKS |
$0.05 (5 cents) / day |
| CHILDREN'S PERIODICALS |
$0.05 (5 cents) / day |
| CHILDREN'S VIDEOS |
$1.00 (1 dollar) / day |
The maximum fine is $1 for children's items, $2 for adult items.
The replacement fee for lost children's items is $20; lost adult items, $35.
Can I use other libraries in the network? What are they?
Yes. You can go to the other libraries directly, or have us order a book for you. It generally takes 2-3 days for an available book to be shipped from a network library. To see which libraries are in Minuteman, go to: http://www.mln.lib.ma.us/mlninfo.htm.
How do I get a book that Dedham doesn't have?
Put a hold on it! When the first copy becomes available - either ours or another library's - we'll automatically save it for you. You can do this over the internet through "My Account" or have us do it for you at the circulation desk. If you want a book that isn't in the Minuteman network at all, you need to see a librarian to arrange interlibrary loan.
How is interlibrary loan (ILL) different from getting books in the network?
Libraries in our network have already agreed to share their books; we share a computer system, and there is a regular delivery schedule.
All of this means that is quick and easy to get books in-network.
Getting a book from ILL requires us to send the request to our central site, ask permission from the lending library, and then wait for them to mail it. All of this can take weeks or months.
We are, however, happy to do whatever it takes to get you your book!
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