Lending Information

As part of the Maine InfoNet Consortium, Topsham Public Library is a Minerva library. Minerva is a shared library system that brings together nearly 60 libraries of all types from across the state. Its catalog includes over six million items that are available to Topsham Public Library patrons. This means you can request books, audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs and video games from across the state. 

Request an item:

We now have a handy search bar on the top right of the screen!

Need detailed written instructions? Click here: How to request items from home.

Renew an item:

Need to access your account to renew an item? Click here.

Want to go the library catalog? Click here.

You can now receive text alerts for some library notices!

All you have to do is log in to your library account here: minerva.maine.edu/patroninfo and click on the “Modify Personal Information” option. From there you can opt in to receive SMS Alerts. Minerva will send you text messages to bring an event to your attention, such as an overdue item or a hold ready for pickup. Only basic information will be sent via text (a hold is waiting, not the title) and you will still receive an email notification if you currently do. You are given the option to renew items via text message but we strongly suggest that you DO NOT use this feature because the system will renew ALL items that are eligible for renewal on your account. This means that items you may not be ready to renew will renew at that time and will not be eligible for renewal at a later date.  We recommend logging in to your library account online (minerva.maine.edu/patroninfo. The message will also feature a link) to manage your items.

Circulation Information

Overdue, lost, or damaged items

Because the library is a shared community resource, our primary interest is in providing timely access to library materials to everyone. All items may be checked out for three weeks and returned on or before their due date.

All items may be renewed once for an additional 3 weeks if no one else has requested that  item. A second renewal on older Topsham Public Library items may be requested in person or on the phone.

In an effort to make sure that you know when items are due, we use the following procedures:

  • You will be asked at checkout if you would like a receipt with your due date(s) or to have your items stamped with the date they are due.
  • If you have given us an email address, you will be notified three days before the item is due. You will also receive an email when an item is 7 days overdue and, again at 14 days overdue.
  • If you do not have an email address, we will send you a postcard in the mail when an item is 7 days overdue.

The Topsham Public Library does not charge daily overdue fees (effective Jan. 1, 2023).

If an item is overdue by more than 21 days, and you haven’t contacted the library, it is considered lost and you will be billed. The cost of the item, plus a $5 bill processing fee, will be added to your account. The library does not accept purchased replacements in lieu of payment.

If an item is returned damaged to the extent that it can no longer be placed in circulation it will be considered lost and you will be billed.

Patrons with outstanding fees or billed items will not be allowed to take out more materials until fees are paid.

Items that are returned with missing pieces (such as discs) will not be considered returned until all of the missing pieces have been returned.

If you have an interlibrary loan item that is lost or damaged or other questions, please ask to speak with Emily Muttel, the Circulation Supervisor.