Getting a Library Card
Patrons residing in Hinesburg and/or paying property taxes to Hinesburg may claim the Carpenter-Carse Library as their "home library" and are eligible to receive a free library card. You will be asked to show proof of local address (such as a Vermont driver's license or a piece of mail postmarked in the last 30 days).
Residents of other towns in Chittenden County may go to their own town library and get a Homecard to receive free borrowing privileges at the Carpenter-Carse Library (see Homecard System below).
All other Vermont patrons are welcome to join the library as out-of-town borrowers by paying an annual fee for use of a Carpenter-Carse Library card (see requirements for out-of-town borrowers below).
placing a hold
Patrons wishing to reserve library materials from the comfort of home can do so easily by logging into their library account and placing a hold. We have made a short instructional video on how to place a hold which can be viewed here. Please contact us if you cannot remember the pin you set to access your library account.
Lending Periods & Overdue materials
Materials are loaned for varying periods of time as follows:
New books: 2 weeks
All other books: 4 weeks
Magazines: 1 week
Audiobooks & Music: 2 weeks
Movies: 1 week (with a limit of 4 DVD items)
Other than DVDs, we do not limit the number of items you may check out; however, we do ask that you be considerate of other patrons, especially when checking out new materials.
If you need more time with a book or other item, it may be renewed three times, so long as no other patron has placed a reserve on the item. The exceptions to this policy are new books, which may be renewed only once. Materials may be brought into the library for renewal, you may phone in your request, or you may renew items by logging into your account. Please have the due date, author, and title ready to give the librarian.
Patrons may reserve any item in our collection that is out on loan to another borrower. Most items not owned by this library may be requested through the interlibrary loan system.
Overdue Policy
Overdue notices are sent on a regular basis, and will be followed by a bill after a few weeks. Patrons may also be billed for lost or seriously damaged materials. Financial arrangements must be made with the librarian within 30 days of billing or borrowing privileges will be suspended.
Out-of-Town Borrowers
Patrons residing in Hinesburg and/or paying property taxes to Hinesburg may claim the Carpenter-Carse Library as their "home library." All other Vermont patrons are welcome to join this library as out-of-town borrowers. Out-of-town borrowers pay an annual fee of $20.00 per household per year to receive a Carpenter-Carse Library card. All library members receive a borrower card to be presented each time materials are borrowed. This card must be renewed, and the fee paid each year. We also strongly encourage you to support your home town library, and to be an advocate for quality services there. Out-of-town borrowers are eligible for all basic services except interlibrary loan service and the Homecard.