Circulation Policies
We are here to serve you! Our borrowing policies and procedures are designed to make it easy for you to access the many resources we have to offer. Please read and follow these guidelines to help us provide the best possible service to all of our patrons.
Checking Out
Library Card Use
For your own convenience and security, please always present your library card at Circulation when checking out. Proper identification is required if you do not have your library card with you—a driving license or other photo ID is ideal. A card is required for check-out at any time when our circulation system is offline.
Self-Check Stations
Self-check stations are located in the Bossidy Commons, in Children’s Services, and on the Upper Level near the Main Street entrance. These stations use a special radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, so they operate differently from what you may be used to. Some transactions cannot be completed at self-service stations. Always watch the screen for instructions. Staff are standing by to help with questions or problems. Try Self-Check today—it’s fast and easy!
Check-out or renewal will be blocked if there are fines or other charges of $15 or more on your account or if your card is expired or due to expire imminently.
Loan Periods
Library Card Use
Items owned by the Ridgefield Library may be borrowed for the following loan periods. Please be aware that items from other libraries obtained through Bibliomation and Inter-Library Loan may have different loan periods set by the owning institution.
Check-out or renewal will be blocked if there are fines or other charges of $15 or more on your account or if your card is expired or due to expire imminently.
Loan Periods and Borrowing Rules as of April 1, 2024
| Item | Loan period |
|---|---|
| Books: New adult fiction and nonfiction | 14 days |
| Books: New adult fiction and nonfiction over 500 pages | 21 days |
| Books: All other adult, teen, and children’s | 21 days |
| Books: Juvenile holiday collection | 21 days (limit of 5 items per card) |
| Magazines: Current issues | For use in the Library only |
| Magazines: Adult back issues | 14 days |
| Magazines: Juvenile | 21 days |
| Newspapers | For use in the Library only |
| Entertainment DVDs (except series) | 7 days |
| Series DVD sets | 14 days |
| Non-fiction DVDs | 14 days |
| Audiobooks (all types) | 21 days |
| Music CDs | 21 days |
| Videogames | 14 days (limit of 3 per card) |
| Kindle Fire Kids Edition (Check-out and return in the Children’s Library only) | 14 days (limit of 1 per family); no reserves, no renewals, $1/day fine |
| STEAM Kits (Check-out and return in the Children’s Library only) | 14 days (limit of 1 per family); no reserves, no renewals, $1/day fine |
| Museum passes | 3 nights; no reserves, no renewals, $5/day fine |
| Downloadable audiobooks and eBooks | Variable—see vendor websites for details |
All items should be returned through the wall-mounted slots located on the outside of the building near the Main Level Entrance and in the lobby right inside the entrance. Please insert one item at a time bottom edge first and watch for the green light before proceeding. This return allows items to be processed through our automated materials handling system, which checks items in and sorts them using RFID technology. You can watch this process through the windows to the right of the outside slot!
PLEASE NOTE: Kindle Fire Kids Edition devices and STEAM Kits must be checked out and returned directly to the Children’s Services desk. Devices and kits placed in the book return slot will be considered late and subject to a late fee.
For your convenience, there is a reserved spot in the parking lot directly in front of the Main Level Entrance, designated solely for use when dropping off returns.
There is also a regular book return box on the Upper Level for the convenience of those entering via Main Street.
Renewals
Most items belonging to the Ridgefield Library may be renewed for one or two additional loan periods if there is no waiting list (exceptions noted in Loan Periods table above). Items from other libraries obtained through Bibliomation or Inter-Library Loan may not be renewable. Contact us for more information about a specific item. Check-out or renewal will be blocked if there are fines or other charges of $15 or more on your account or if your card is expired or due to expire imminently.
- Renew online using the My Account
- Renew in person by bringing your items into the Library.
- Renew by phone by calling 203-438-2282 x202 during Library hours. When calling for renewal, please make sure to have the items and your library card number available.
- Museum passes and Kindle Fire Kids Edition devices may not be renewed.
Late Fees & Other Charges
Fines
- Fines on most items are 25 cents per item per day.
- Fines on video games are $1 per item per day, with a maximum fine of $10 per item.
- Fines on museum passes are $5 per item per day, with a maximum fine of $50 per item.
- Fines on Kindle Fire Kids Edition are $1 per day, with a maximum fine of $10 per item.
- Fines on STEAM Kits are $1 per day, with a maximum fine of $10 per item.
- Fines on Inter-Library Loans (with an orange strap) are 50 cents per day, with no maximum.
- Maximum fine charged for DVDs is $3 per item.
- Maximum fine charged for children’s materials other than those listed above is $1.50 per item.
- Maximum fine charged for all other materials is $3 per item unless otherwise indicated above.
Lost & Damaged Items
Charges for lost or damaged items belonging to the Ridgefield Library are based on the original purchase price; charges for audiobooks on CD and other media are subject to a depreciating scale based on the age of the item. The Library does not accept replacement items provided by the patron.
- Replacement charge for an individual lost or damaged audiobook CD is $7.
- Replacement charge for a lost or damaged media case is $1.
- Replacement charge for the Kindle Fire Kids Edition is $175; for just the charger, $20; and for just the carrying bag, $25.
- Replacement charge for components of or complete STEAM kits varies.
Charges for lost or damaged items belonging to other libraries are determined by the owning institution. Patrons will need to make payment directly to that library.
Check-out or renewal will be blocked if there are fines or other charges of $15 or more on your account or if your card is expired or due to expire imminently.
Requesting an Item
You may put a hold on an item by clicking Request Item on the catalog listing or calling the Library at 203-438-2282. Please wait until you have received confirmation from us that this item is available before coming to pick up your request.
Reserving an Item That Is “On Order” or “Acquisitions”
You may place a hold on a new item even before we receive it! These will appear in the catalog as “On Order” or “Acquisitions,” and the procedures are the same as above.
Requesting an Item Not Found in the Ridgefield Library Catalog
You may place a hold through our catalog for most items owned by other Bibliomation libraries (except new acquisitions and selected other materials, as determined by the owning library), and these will be delivered to the Ridgefield Library for your pick-up. Just select “Bibliomation” at the top of the “Library” drop-down menu at the top of the catalog screen.
We will make every effort to obtain materials not available through Bibliomation. Please consult a staff member for information.
Notification of Items Awaiting Pick-Up
Notification that a requested item is available will be made by email unless you specifically request a text message or phone call instead. You must set your preference personally in the My Account section of our online catalog. Please wait until you have received confirmation from us that an item is available before coming to pick up your request.