Eligibility and Use of Library Cards Policy

The Trustees of the Wellesley Free Library (WFL) encourage the use of a Wellesley Free Library card as an opportunity to access the collections and resources of its library and of the larger network of libraries within the Minuteman Network.  

Upon request, the WFL will issue a library card to any resident of Massachusetts.

Residents sixteen (16) years or older must present a photo ID and satisfactory proof of Massachusetts residency.  Out-of-state students at institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts, as well as out-of-state individuals who work or own property in Massachusetts, may also obtain cards with production of a photo ID and satisfactory proof of their above-required relationship to Massachusetts.

Children under the age of sixteen (16) upon request from a parent or other legal guardian who meets the above-mentioned eligibility requirements may be issued a card. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application for a child’s library card and by doing so, shall assume responsibility for lost or damaged materials taken out on that child’s card.  The child receiving the card must be present at the time of the request.

Materials checked out on any card are protected by the Library’s Confidentiality of Patron Record Policy and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78.  Presentation of a library card permits access to information about the borrower’s current circulation record.

A library card (physical or digital) must be presented in order to borrow materials.  In the event a patron’s library card is not physically available at the time of borrowing, the patron may present a valid driver’s license or other form of photo identification that contains the address associated with the patron’s card.  In the event a patron does not have a valid driver’s license or other such required form of identification, alternative forms of identification must be approved before the patron can borrow material. Student-patrons who do not have a valid driver’s license, must present their student photo identification and provide the address and telephone number associated with the card before borrowing material.

Notwithstanding the above, this policy may be subject to exception at the discretion of the director and/or board of library trustees.

Approved 2/03/2020 by the WFL Board of Trustees