Library Cards and Loan Periods
Library Cards
All Ellington residents can get a free Hall Memorial Library Card by coming to the library, filling out a registration card, and providing a photo ID (e.g., driver's license) with a current address or an ID and proof of current residence in Ellington (a current bill, etc., mailed to your address). Children can get their card upon turning 5 years old. A parent or guardian must sign for children under 14. Cards are renewed every three years.
Please report any change in name, address, phone number, or email address promptly.
Online Library Card Registration
To sign up for a library card, click here or come in person. Please note that the sign-up form is for new library card applications only; renewals must be done in person at the main circulation desk. If you are unsure if you have an existing account, feel free to give us a call at (860) 870-3160 to check.
What you need to get or renew a library card:
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A valid photo ID with your Ellington address or a valid photo ID with a piece of mail such as a bill or lease, which proves your Ellington residency.
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Children must be at least 5 years old and be present with a parent or guardian who is an Ellington resident with a valid photo ID to receive a library card.
Library cards must be obtained from the town you have residency in. If your home is located on the border of Ellington and another town, you will get a library card in the town where your front door falls, regardless of your mailing address. If this is the case, please come in person to get your card.
Online library card applications can take 3-5 days to process, and upon completion, you should receive both an email and phone call notification informing you that your card is ready to be picked up. To finish the application, bring your valid ID to the front desk and inform the staff member that you have applied online and that your card is ready for pickup. You will need to sign off on the application confirming your information is correct, and then you will receive your card, which will be valid for 3 years.
We only keep online card applications for 1 month, so please pick your card up promptly.
BorrowIt
BorrowIt is a program run by the Connecticut State Library that allows holders of a valid library card from their hometown library to use that card at other public libraries in the State. Borrowing rules of the lending library prevail.
Loan Periods
Library materials circulate for one of four circulation periods:
| Loan Period | Materials |
|---|---|
| 3 Days | New DVDs, Passes |
| 1 Week | DVD, Lawn games, Giant games |
| 2 Weeks | New adult books, Magazines, Nonfiction DVDs, Cake pans, Board games |
| 3 Weeks | Adult, Teen and juvenile books, CDs, Books on CD, Puzzles, Readalongs, Playaways, Realia and kits, i.e. backpacks, puppets, toys, etc.) |
Renewals and Returns
Items may be renewed one time, if there are no reserves, in person at the desk, over the phone or using your online account.
Items may be returned at either of the circulation desks or in the outside drop slots.
Fines and Fees
The library accepts cash, checks or credit cards for payment for fines, lost materials, printing/copying/faxing costs, purchase of items for sale and donations. Fines and lost item fees may also be paid through your account in the online system.
| Fine Rate | Materials |
| $.10 per Day / $3.00 Maximum | Books, Magazines, CDs, Books on CD, Puzzles, Playaways, Readalongs, Realia and kits, i.e. backpacks, puppets, toys, etc. |
| $1.00 per Day / $5.00 Maximum | DVDs, Giant games, Lawn games, Equipment, i.e. C D player |
| $5.00 per Day / $25.00 Maximum | Passes, Digital Projector, Adventure Kits |