The Details…
Topsham Public Library is supported by the taxpayers of Topsham. Topsham residents and/or property owners are eligible for a free library card. Library cards can be obtained in person during regular library hours. To be issued a card, patrons must show a valid ID and proof of address (a lease, utility bill or current tax bill). Children ages 11 and under may be issued a library card when a parent or guardian with appropriate ID co-signs their library card application.
Topsham Public Library will not issue a library card if the applicant owes over $15.00 in fines or other charges, or any billed items, to any other Maine library.
Library cards are issued for one year. Then they must be renewed. This provides library staff with regular opportunities to verify and update contact information listed on the account.
Topsham Public Library does not issue family cards, so a Topsham Public Library card is like a personal credit card: every patron must have their own card, and patrons must bring their card with them every time they plan to check items out.
If you live somewhere else…
Nonresidents who wish to borrow materials directly from Topsham Public Library may be issued a card according to the following fee structure. The fees listed below may change annually with the new budget year.
- Standard rate: Cards may be issued for three months or one year at a rate similar to the one Topsham residents and landowners pay for library services through their taxes. The current fees are:
- Three months: $20.00
- One year: $75.00
- Discounted rate: Cards may be issued for one year at a discounted rate (currently $30) to the following groups:
- Minors (ages 17 and under)
- Adults who are actively enrolled in a formal education program; must show current student ID or registration materials.
- Fees waived: Cards may be issued with all fees waived to the following groups:
- MSAD 75 teachers and school librarians, for curriculum-related materials to be used by students and/or staff of their schools; must show current MSAD 75 ID.
- Employees of Topsham Public Library and the Town of Topsham; verification of employment status required.
Temporary Library Card
Are you a Topsham resident who has not had a chance to visit your library? Complete the form below and you will be sent a library card number to use. Your number will be good for three months, please visit the library in person to convert this card to a permanent one during this time period. We will need to see an ID showing your photo and your Topsham address to complete this process. We look forward to meeting you in person!
Library card application
Except in cases where a parent or guardian has co-signed the library card application for a minor, the following will apply to all patrons:
- Each patron will be financially responsible for all items checked out on their account
- Library staff will not provide account information to any third party without the consent of the patron, unless legally required to do so
All library card applicants will agree to do the following:
- Obey the rules and policies of the library
- Return items in a timely manner
- Pay all charges levied against their account in a timely manner
- Notify the library immediately if:
- Their card is lost or stolen
- Their address, phone number or email address changes
Patrons who violate library policy or who fail to pay charges for lost or damaged items may be restricted from using library property, including computers, or may be expelled from library premises by the Library Director for a specified or indefinite period of time. Those whose privileges have been restricted or withdrawn have the right to appeal in writing to the Library Board of Trustees.