Community Borrower Policy
Residents of Otero County may request a Townsend Library Community Borrower’s card at the Circulation Desk during open hours.
- Community patrons must complete and sign the “Community Borrower’s Contract.”
- Community patrons must present a picture identification card and provide documentation to confirm Otero County residency such as a check with local address imprinted, driver’s license or bill.
- Our system requires your Social Security number to serve as your library card number.
Community patrons must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a library card. The parent or guardian of a patron between 12 and 17 years of age must accompany the child to complete and sign the “Community Borrower’s Contract” on their first visit and to get the library card. This contract determines whether or not the child will be permitted to use the Internet connected computers in the library.
Community patrons may borrow 5 items at a time. Patrons must have their library card with them to borrow materials. Books circulate for 21 days. Videos circulate for 7 days. Books may be renewed once and videos can’t be renewed.
Community borrowers are responsible for items checked out on their card. Although Townsend Library does not charge fines, patrons may not borrow additional materials until overdue items are returned or bills for lost/missing items have been paid. Replacement costs for lost/missing/claims returned materials are the cost of the item plus a $15.00 processing fee.
If library materials are 60 days overdue or staff has evidence to indicate the patron has moved away from the local area, the amount due will be referred to the NMSU Collections Unit for action.
Both printouts from library computers and self-service photocopies cost 10 cents per page. Pick up printouts from the Front Desk.
