Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s available in the library?
- Do you have...
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, water fountain, restrooms (with diaper changing stations), tax forms, and information rack.
Main floor: Children’s Room, Community Room, and local history collection. The Community Room is available as a meeting space – call for details.
Second Floor: Non-fiction, reference, periodicals, internet access and word processing, photocopier (B&W and color), microfilm reader, quiet study area.
The library is fully handicapped accessible.
Do you provide internet access?
Yes, we have fourteen computers available for public internet access: seven desktops and seven laptops. A library card is not required, and visitors are welcome. (Valid ID required for laptop use.)
Sign in at the Reference Desk. There is a time limit of 60 minutes when other patrons are waiting to use the Internet. If no one is waiting, you may stay on indefinitely.
We also have free Wi-Fi available throughout the building if you bring your own laptop or mobile device.
Do you have a photocopier?
Yes, upstairs near the Reference desk. 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 hardcover and trade paperback books in saleable condition
- "Pocket sized" paperbacks in good condition (for the paperback exchange)
- DVD movies, CD audiobooks, and MP3 audiobooks in original packagingNO: We do not accept
- Textbooks, encyclopedias, atlases, condensed books, magazines
- Cassette audiobooks, music CD’s, VHS videos
- Mildewed or musty-smelling itemsYour 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.
Note: Discarded books and magazines can be included with your curbside recycling.
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 used paperback book exchange rack (in the foyer).
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:
- Portland Museum of Art
- Strawbery Banke (Portsmouth)
- Willowbrook Village (Newfield)
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
Simply present your library card at the circulation desk and tell us the date you want to go to the museum. We will verify availability and provide you with the appropriate pass to show at the museum ticket window.
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?
The library does not maintain its own e-book collection, but we do participate in Maine Infonet Download Library (e-books and audiobooks).
How to log in:
- Click the "Download Library" link in the left margin of this page.
- Click the "Login" link in the Download Library header.
- Select Goodall Library by town name (Sanford) or library name (Louis).
- Enter your 14-digit barcode number from the back of your library card (without spaces).
Free and public domain e-books are available from:
