What can I borrow from the library?
I've lost my card. Is there a charge for a new card?
What are the loan periods and late fees?
Why can't I find bestsellers on the library shelves?
How long are items held at the library once I have been notified?
Can I request items that are not in the SAILS network?
What does it mean to be "blocked"?
What is an alternate ID and why should I get one?
I live in Bridgewater. May I borrow from the Raynham library?
How do I get a library card?
Anyone may use the materials and services of the library. In order to borrow materials from the library you must have a valid library card. Library cards are available free of charge to all adults and children 5 years of age and older. Family cards are available for families with younger children.
Stop at the Circulation Desk and present your driver's license or another form of identification that includes your mailing address.
What can I borrow from the library?
Your library card allows you to borrow any of the more than two million items located at the sixty libraries in the SAILS Library Network. The Raynham library offers- More than 40,000 books
- 48 magazines
- More than 1,500 DVDs & VHS videos
- More than 1,500 CDs, audio cassettes, and audio books
- 7 Museum Passes
- Online databases of full-text magazine, newspaper and research articles
- Online access to the World Book Reference Center
I've lost my library card. Is there a charge for a new card?
There is a $2.00 replacement charge for a lost card.What are the loan periods and late fees?
| Item | Loan Period | Late Fee per Day |
| Books | 4 weeks | .10 / $3.00 maximum |
| Magazines | 2 weeks | .10 / $3.00 maximum |
| DVDs | 1 week | $1.00 / $5.00 maximum |
| DVD Set | 2 weeks | $1.00 / $5.00 maximum |
| Videos | 1 week | .10 / $3.00 maximum |
| Audio books | 4 weeks | .10 / $3.00 maximum |
| Music CD | 4 weeks | .10 / $3.00 maximum |
| Museum Passes | 1 day | $5.00 / $20.00 maximum |
Can I renew an item?
Most library items can be renewed if there are no holds on the item and there are no outstanding fines. You can renew online or call the library (508-823-1344).
Why can't I find bestsellers on the library shelves?
Popular books are in great demand. It's best to place a hold on any item that you want to read. A hold will ensure that you receive the item as soon as it becomes available. We will notify you that the item is waiting you for at the library.How long are items held at the library once I have been notified?
Items are generally held for you for five (5) days.
Can I request items that are not in the SAILS network?
You can place a hold on any item in the SAILS catalog as well as the Virtual Catalog, the public catalog of Massachusetts libraries outside of the SAILS network. There is no charge for borrowing through the Virtual Catalog.
What does it mean to be "blocked"?
If you have accumulated fines of $10.00 or more, the SAILS network will not allow you to borrow any items until the fines have been paid.
What is an alternate ID and why should I get one?
An ALT ID is a shortcut for logging into the system. Once your library has set up your ALT ID, you will no longer need to type in your entire barcode number. Type in your ALT ID and your PIN number for easy access to your account and special features only available to library patrons. For more information about this and other topics related to using iBistro, go to Frequently Asked iBistro Questions.
I live in Bridgewater. May I borrow from the Raynham library?
No. The Bridgewater library has been "decertified" by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Public libraries in Massachusetts that do not meet the minimum standards for funding and service necessary for certification by the MBLC are decertified by the Board.The Trustees of the Raynham Public Library voted not to provide service to residents of a decertified library.
I'm interested in receiving Talking Books Service from the Library of Congress. Where can I get more information?
Information on eligibility and services as well as applications can be found at the Library of Congress Service to the Blind and Physically Handicapped.