May I use my Library card at other Libraries?
Does the Library offer Internet access?
Does the Library have a word processing computer or a typewriter?
Can I plug my laptop into a printer or phone line?
How can I show my art on the Library Staircase Gallery?

How do I get a Library card?
Massachusetts Residents and Provincetown Property Owners/Taxpayers receive a Library card at no charge. To receive or update a Library card, Massachusetts residents must provide proof of Massachusetts Residency and identification, such as a valid State-Issued Massachusetts Identification Card or Drivers License. Non-Massachusetts residents who are Provincetown Taxpayers must show a current Town Tax Bill, cancelled check or Receipt, or be listed as a property owner on the Assessors List. Non-Massachusetts Residents who are not Provincetown Property Owners but do have a local address may acquire a Permanent Provincetown Family Library Card by paying a $25.00 Annual Fee. The Library Trustees have adopted this policy to provide additional sources of revenue to the Library in order to maintain Library hours and services. Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees on December 17, 2003. Top of page

Is there a charge for Library cards?
There is no charge for a Library card if you are a Massachusetts Resident or a Provincetown Property Taxpayer. Non-Massachusetts Residents who are not Provincetown Property Owners but do have a local address may acquire a Permanent Provincetown Family Library Card by paying a $25.00 Annual Fee. There is an additional $1.00 charge for each replacement Library card issued. Top of page

What may I borrow, and is there a limit to the number of items I may borrow?
Books, audiotapes, videotapes, DVD'S, compact discs and magazines may all be borrowed. The most current issue of a magazine title may not be borrowed until the next issue becomes available. There is no limit to the number of items borrowed. The only exceptions are that four videos and only three books on the same subject may be borrowed at one time. Top of page

How long may I borrow books?
Most Library material, including books, audiotapes, magazines, paperbacks, compact discs, may be borrowed for two weeks. Videotapes and DVD'S may be borrowed for only seven days. Top of page

May I renew books?
All Library material may be renewed for another borrowing period (either two weeks or three days) by calling or asking for a renewal at the front desk. Patrons may renew their material online at http://www.clamsnet.org with their Library card number and PIN number. Special orders received through the national lending system (OCLC) may not be renewed except by prior arrangements.
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What happens if I return something late?
The Library charges late fees, or fines, when material is returned late of ten cents a day per item. The only exception is the fine on videocassettes and DVD'S which is $1.00 per day per DVD or videocassettes returned late. Top of page

Does the Library have an "after-hours" return slot?
Yes. A large, silver book return is located at the Center Street entrance. Anything may be returned there. Library Staff ask that more fragile items are wrapped in plastic bags or tied with elastic bands before placing the items in the book return. Top of page

Will the Library order books especially for me?
Yes. Because the Library is a member of CLAMS (CLAMS is an acronym for Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing), most books in Library collections on the Cape and Islands can be borrowed for you. You may place the request yourself using the Library's online catalog, http://www.clamsnet.org, or ask a staff member to reserve the title for you. The Library receives delivery service five days a week, so if the item you want is available at a local library, the item should be here within a few days. Library Staff also request material from Libraries located throughout the Commonwealth and beyond on a regular basis. Top of page

May I use my Library card at other Libraries?
Yes. The Provincetown Public Library is a full member of the CLAMS Network. Your Library card is good at most of the Public Libraries on the Cape and the Islands. Top of page

Does the Library offer Internet access?
Yes. Computers are available on a first come first serve basis. They are IBM compatible personal computers. Depending on how busy the computers are, Library patrons are limited to one half-hour or one hour slots per day. Top of page

Does the Library have a word processing computer or a typewriter?
Yes. The Internet computers are all connected to a laser printer and have word processing software. The Library also has a typewriter that is available on a first-come, first-served basis Top of page

Can I plug my laptop into a printer or phone line?
There are two Etnernet connections in the Bowsprit Room on the Second floor. Patrons must bring their own cable. There is no access to the network printer, however. In addition, the Library staff can direct you to a local business that offers this service. Wireless laptop users may connect (dynamic IP address) anywhere in the Library except for the Reading Room on the first floor which has been designated as a "technology-free' zone. Top of page

How can I show my art on the Library Staircase Gallery?
There is presently no Gallery space available for exhibits by local artists. Gallery space is anticipated to be open when the Lower Level is completed by Summer 2006.