Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s available in the library?
- Do you have Internet access? Photocopiers? FAX machine? Museum passes?
Borrowing Policies
- How do I apply for a library card?
- Do I need to show my library card to check out materials?
- If I’ve forgotten my card (or lost it) what are my options?
- How long may I keep checked out materials?
- How many times can I renew a book?
- Can I renew books over the phone?
- How many items can I put on hold?
- Are there any items that can’t be checked out?
- How much are overdue fines?
- Will I be reminded if my library materials are overdue?
Inter-library Loans
Books Donations and Sales
Electronic Media
How do I apply for a library card?
Apply at the circulation desk. You will need to show a photo ID and proof of your current residential address.
If you reside in Sanford or Springvale there is no charge. An individual card will be issued, usable only by the person named on the card.
If you reside elsewhere, there is a non-resident fee of $18.00 for six months or $35.00 for a year. This fee approximates the average taxpayer contribution of Sanford residents. Household members of a non-resident cardholder my share the use of a non-resident card.
A parent or guardian’s signature is required for children under 9th grade.
Do I need to show my library card to check out materials?
Yes, the process is more accurate and more efficient when you show your card. It also identifies you as the borrower. Your name may be similar to another patron's name, but your card number is unique.
If I’ve forgotten (or lost) my card what are my options?
We will be happy to hold your selections at the front desk until you bring in your library card. OR You may purchase a replacement card for $2.00.
How long may I keep checked out materials?
Three weeks for books, magazines, and audio-books; two weeks for videos and books that have a waiting list. We stamp the due date on each item you check out.
How many times can I renew a book?
If there are no holds on a book it may be renewed twice. Videos may not be renewed.
Can I renew books over the phone?
Yes, but have your library card handy. We will ask for the last six digits of your barcode number. That way we can process your request much more efficiently.
How many items can I put on hold?
You may have a maximum of five pending holds at any one time.
Are there any items that can’t be checked out?
Yes: reference materials, current magazines, and materials of historic value (from the vault) must remain in the library.
How much are overdue fines?
- 10 cents per day for each overdue book or magazine.
- $1.00 per day for each VHS or DVD video.
- Fines are not charged for days that the library is closed.
Will I be reminded if my library materials are overdue?
Yes: you will receive a phone call within one week after an item is due. At two weeks you will receive a notice in the mail. After one month you will receive a bill for replacement costs.
What if you don’t have a book I want?
We will request it for you through inter-library loan and notify you when we receive it. Inter-library loan request forms are available at the circulation desk.
There is a $2.00 charge for each item requested, payable at time of pickup. The fee covers the cost of postage one-way. Please be aware that a charge will be applied for items not picked up.
You may have a total of five inter-library loan requests at any one time.
What’s available in the library?
First Floor: Fiction, large-print, audio-books, DVDs, young-adult fiction, new books, book sale, paperback swap, self-service copier (B&W), water fountain, restrooms (with diaper changing stations), tax forms, and information rack.
Second floor: Children’s Room, Community Room, and local history collection. The Community Room is available as a meeting space – call for details.
Third Floor: Non-fiction, reference, periodicals, internet access and word processing, librarian-assisted copier (B&W and color), microfilm reader, electric typewriter, quiet study areas.
The library is fully handicapped accessible.
Do you provide internet access?
Yes, we have seven internet computers in the Reference Area on the third floor. The internet computers are available to all patrons – a library card is not required, and visitors are welcome.
Sign in at the Reference Desk. There is a time limit of 30 minutes when other patrons are waiting to use the Internet. If no one is waiting, you may stay on indefinitely.
We also have free (unencrypted) Wi-Fi available throughout the building if you bring your own wireless-enabled laptop.
Do you have a photocopier?
Yes, we have two: one near the Circulation area and one upstairs in the Reference area. We can also enlarge and make color copies. Copies are 25 cents each for black and white, and 40 cents for color.
Do you have a FAX machine?
No, we do not have a public-use FAX machine.
FAX services are available at:
- Shaw’s Ace Hardware, 901 Main St. (207) 324-2714 (downtown Sanford)
- Gagnon's Copy Center, 1328 Main St. (207) 490-5689 (across from Ocean State Job Lots)
- Zippy Copy Center, 1397 Main St. (207) 324-8211 (across from Shaw's Super Market)
- Zippy Copy Center, 469 Main St. (207) 324-8211 (downtown Springvale)
Do you accept book donations?
YES: We accept fiction and non-fiction books in saleable condition. Also VHS or DVD movies in original packaging; audiobook - CD’s ONLY - in original packaging.
NO: We do not accept textbooks, encyclopedias, atlases, condensed books, magazines, cassette audiobooks, music CD’s, mildewed or musty-smelling items.
Your donations, other than those listed above, are gratefully accepted. Please understand the majority of donations are placed in the book sale, although sometimes a donation is added to the collection.
Do you have book sales?
Yes, our Never-ending Book Sale is in the foyer. You’ll find current fiction, young-adult fiction, cookbooks, history, picture books for children — the selection is always changing, and new items are added daily.
We also have a free book exchange rack (in the foyer) for used paperbacks.
Our collector-quality books for sale are listed on our half.com account.
Do you have museum passes?
Yes, we have passes for free admission to the Portland Museum of Art (year-round), Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth (year-round), and Willowbrook Village in Newfield (Memorial Day through October).
Each pass admits two adults and a number of children which varies by museum.
Simply show your library card at the circulation desk and tell us the date you want to go to the museum. We will verify that the pass is available for that day, and give you a signed certificate to present at the museum ticket window.
Call the library if you have further questions, or to check on availability.
Do you have downloadable audiobooks?
Yes, audiobook downloads are available from Maine InfoNet using your Goodall Library account number and free software by Overdrive Media Player.
LibriVox Recordings, a free website (not affiliated with library), has hundreds of public domain titles.
Do you have downloadable e-books (for Kindle, etc)?
No, the library does not maintain its own e-book collection.
Public domain e-books are available from:
- Project Gutenberg - The place where you can download over 30,000 free e-books to read on your PC, iPhone, Kindle, Sony Reader or other portable device.
- The Online Books Page - Listing over 35,000 free books on the Web free.
- FeedBooks - A place to discover and publish e-books.
