In accordance with the State’s Minimum Standard for Public Library Service (Massachusetts General Laws, Ch.78, Section 19B 1 & 6), the Hampden Free Public Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to the residents of the Commonwealth who reside in towns who also meet the standards, and are certified libraries.
It is the policy of the Hampden Free Public Library to discontinue borrowing privileges to residents of communities who terminate library services or reduce hours of opening to below a reasonable level for the size of that community as determined by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
The only exception to this policy shall be that the residents of a community whose public library has been decertified, who submit written proof that they are Hampden taxpayers, shall retain full borrowing privileges at the Hampden Free Public Library.
The Board of Library Trustees, Library Director and the municipal department heads of the affected community will be notified in writing by the Hampden Free Public Library Board of Trustees when reciprocal borrowing privileges have been terminated.
The Hampden Free Public Library Board of Trustees agrees to reinstate borrowing privileges to affected borrower once a library is re-certified.
The “Reciprocal Borrowing Privileges” Policy is subject to review and amendment by the Hampden Free Public Library Board of Library Trustees.
Approved by the Hampden Free Public Library Board of Trustees, September 16, 2017