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Library membership is free to adult residents and taxpayers of Camden and to children who live or attend school in the Five Town School District (Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville, and Rockport). Non-residents may purchase a one-year card or a temporary card (for a three-month period). Library users must hold a card to enjoy many library services. A photo ID and proof of current address are required to obtain a card.
Camden Residents……………Free – No Charge
Non-residents…………….…..$48 (one fee allows cards for each household member)
Temporary (3 months)….…$15 per individual
Books, CDs, audiobooks, Discovery Kits, iPads – 14 days
DVDs, telescopes – 7 days
Materials that are checked out or on order may be reserved. You will be notified when the item you want is available. Notifications are via email unless you request a phone call instead.
Videos or DVDs, iPads – one (1) renewal.
BestSeller Express books and DVDs, telescopes – no (0) renewals.
All other materials – five (5) renewals. Unless reserved by other borrowers, materials may be renewed over the telephone or online using your library card’s barcode number.
The Camden Public Library does not charge late fees, but please keep in mind that other people are waiting for materials to be returned so that they can enjoy them as well!
The borrower will be charged the full cost for lost books, videos, devices, etc. We do not accept replacement materials in lieu of the charge.
Materials not owned by our library or our consortium may be obtained through an out-of-state inter-library loan. There is usually a charge for this service. To view items within the consortium, select ALL MINERVA LOCATIONS in the “Location” field in the catalog search.
The Camden Public Library is committed to serving the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of its community. Materials that are selected for the collection will be based on the Library’s mission statement as follows:
The Camden Public Library is an anchor for the community.
We bring people together to Read, Connect, and Discover.
Selection Criteria:
Materials are selected to meet the information, educational, cultural, and recreational needs and interests of the community with an eye toward crafting a collection that remains sustainable and relevant over time. The goal is to maintain a collection that receives maximum use by the greatest number of people. Materials are acquired in multiple formats when appropriate, including print, audiovisual, and digital. Multiple copies of any given material may be purchased by the Library when demand is sufficiently high.
Through consortia lending and participation in other statewide and countrywide arrangements, the Library provides access to a far wider range of resources to patrons than it can provide on its own. Consideration of the availability of materials in various formats within these library systems may guide selection decisions.
The Library collects materials for all ages with the understanding that while librarians provide guidance for readers, the responsibility for use of material by children and young adults rests with their parents or legal guardians. The library cannot stand in loco parentis. Therefore, selection for the collection is not restricted by the possibility that children or young adults may obtain or see certain materials.
In addition to prioritizing materials with broad appeal, the collection is intended to represent a variety of viewpoints on current and historical issues and include authors of diverse backgrounds and identities. No material will be excluded on the basis of moral, racial, religious, political, or other prejudice.
Principles that guide material selection include:
An item does not need to meet all these criteria to be selected.
Read the complete Collection Development Policy here.