Circulation
Library Cards
Library Cards are available free to all Ellington residents 5 years old and up.
With your library card you are eligible to check out books, movies, magazines, museum passes, access our databases, download books & music from our website, use the computers and Internet and more. Your card also allows you to borrow items from any public library in Connecticut through the BorrowIt CT program.
For your own convenience and security, please always present your library card 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.
You may apply for a library card at the library by filling out an application card and presenting a picture ID and proof of Ellington residency. Generally your driver’s license or state issued ID is all that is needed. If your license does not contain your current Ellington address, another document or piece of mail containing your name and Ellington address is needed. Parent documents may be used for children too young to have an ID. Parents must sign for all children under 14. Cards are valid for 3 years.
You may also apply for a new card online by filling out completely the form accessed here. You will need to present your ID and proof of residency documents when you come into the Library to pick up your new card. Please do not use the online form if you already have a card, even if lost or expired.
Temporary residents or those who live out-of-state but work in Ellington may receive a one-year limited-use card by presenting ID and proof of the current Ellington residence or proof of employment with an Ellington employer.
Your library card comes in two parts—the credit-card sized main card and a convenience keycard card. The credit-card sized card is your legal library card, as State Statutes require that library cards include your name and address and the expiration date. You will need to present this main card for renewing and for use at other libraries.
Loan Periods
Library materials circulate for one of four circulation periods:
| Loan Period | Materials |
|---|---|
| 3 Days | New DVDs, Physical Museum passes |
| 1 Week | DVDs, Lawn games, Giant games |
| 2 Weeks | New adult books, Magazines, Nonfiction DVDs, DVD Binge boxes, Cake pans, Board games, Adventure Kits |
| 3 Weeks | Adult, Teen and Juvenile books, Music CDs, Books on CD, Puzzles, Playaways, Read-Alongs, Realia and kits, i.e. literacy 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 |
