Equipment Lending
The Mercer Library maintains a Library of Things containing non-traditional library items that may be checked out of the Mercer Public Library. The Library of Things may include audio-visual equipment, games and recreation equipment, wireless hotspots, household items such as canning equipment, and other items of interest to the community.
All items in the Library of Things are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No holds are allowed, and Library of Things items shall not be delivered to other libraries in the NWLN network. All items must be returned inside the Mercer Library to staff at the front desk, and not in any book drop or to any other NWLN consortium library.
Library staff may hold items needed for use at library programs or other library business. Any need for in-house use of equipment will take precedence over a request to borrow items for off-site use.
Patrons must be over the age of 18 and have a library card in good standing with no overdue items or fines in order to check out items from the Library of Things. The patron assumes full responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement in the event that borrowed equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Equipment Use Policy
The library provides access to equipment such as a copy machine, fax machine, laminator, paper cutters, and other small equipment as a convenience for Mercer Library patrons and the community. These items are generally for in-library use only, and the library is not responsible for ensuring the availability and reliability of this equipment. Library staff may be available to assist patrons if time permits.
Such equipment is provided as a courtesy to the library’s users, and users may be charged a nominal fee for their use. Library staff will not be responsible for unclaimed documents. Users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials, and any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the user.
The library may also circulate three-dimensional objects as part of its lending collection. Objects may be chosen for circulation based on their educational and useful value to library patrons and members of the community, following procedures in the VIII. Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy. Such objects may include, but not be limited to: telescopes, digital cameras and video recorders, projectors, canning and cooking equipment, children’s kits, and more.
Borrowers are solely responsible for objects checked out on their library card, and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of objects. Patrons wishing to borrow objects must have a library card in good standing and must borrow and return objects to the Mercer Public Library in person during normal library hours. Objects may not be returned to other area libraries or placed in the library’s book drop.