Stevens Memorial Library

The Stevens Memorial Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to residents of all communities meeting minimum standards for certified libraries as established by the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners (MGL, Ch. 78, Sec. 19B) to “be open to residents of the Commonwealth” … and “lend books to other libraries in the Commonwealth and extend privileges to holders of cards issued by other public libraries in the Commonwealth on a reciprocal basis.”

Should a library become decertified, either by closure “for any reason other than the undertaking of a project to improve library services (such as construction, automation preparation or inventory) or the occurrence of a natural catastrophe (including a limited emergency closing due to illness or death)” (Mass. Board of Library Commissioners Policy, FY 2004 State Aid to Public Library Programs: The Closure of a Public Library) or failing to meet the minimum standards as set by statute, the Stevens Memorial Library will provide access to our Reference Department and our Reading Room as stipulated by Mass. General Laws 605 CMR 4.01(1). No materials will be loaned either directly or indirectly via Inter-Library Loan to borrowers of communities with a decertified library. Doing so would strain the resources provided by the town of North Andover for its citizens while, at the same time, subsidizing communities unwilling, or unable, to support their local library. Under the preceding statute certified libraries are not required to loan materials to residents of communities with decertified libraries.

Any public library that has received a waiver from the Board of Library Commissioners is considered to be certified. Residents of those communities will be allowed full borrowing privileges.

The Board of Trustees will agree to reinstate borrowing privileges once a library has been recertified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner.

Approved Board of Trustees January 13, 2004