If you are unable to visit the library due to disability, illness, lack of transportation, or any other reason, you may receive library material through our new Library by Mail service. Receive up to 3 library items at a time in our prepaid, reusable canvas mailing bags. If you are interested in signing up for the library by mail program, please see our FAQ section below for eligibility and the sign up process. If you have any other questions, please call us at 603-926-3368 or email us at library@hampton.lib.nh.us.
Who is eligible for the library by mail program?
Hampton, NH residents can use Library by Mail for any reason that keeps them from the library including mobility challenges, disability, illness, lack of transportation, injury, caregiver, etc. Moreover, if you are able to visit the library but not consistently, you can use the Library by Mail program and visit the library in person at the same time. Library by Mail users must have an active Lane Memorial Library card. If you do not have one, we can sign you up for one before starting the Library by Mail service.
What types of library materials can be borrowed?
Regular and large print books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs. Children and teen material may also be borrowed. No ILLs (Interlibrary loans) can be mailed through the Library by Mail service.
How many items can be borrowed at once?
This is dependent, in part, on the size of the items. This program limits borrowers to three items out at one time, however, oversized items may limit the number of items that fit into the reusable, canvas bag.
How long are the items checked out?
Material will be checked out for six weeks and may be renewed for another six weeks if there are no holds.
Will this program cost me anything?
The Library by Mail service is free. However, there may be replacement fees if an item, including the reusable canvas bag, is lost or damaged.
How does the process work?
- Fill out the Library by Mail application and mail it to the library. If you would like us to mail you a blank application, please call the library at 603-926-3368. If you also need a library card, you can fill out the application online or we can send you a paper application as well.
- Once your completed application is received and processed, library staff will contact you to determine which items you are interested in.
- Library staff will check the items out to you for 6 weeks and send them out through USPS in a prepaid canvas mailing bag.
- The items should arrive for you in a couple of days. Enjoy them for the next six weeks and hold onto the mailing bag.
- When you are ready to return the items, put all of them back in the mailing bag, take the return label out of the mailing bag and put it in the label holder on the outside of the bag.
- You may fill out the included slip with your next requests or call the library with your next requests at any time.
- Leave the mailing bag in your mailbox or wherever the post office picks up your mail.
- Once we receive your returned mailing bag, we will begin processing your next requests.
Can I choose the material I want?
You have options: yes, you can request specific items or you can ask the library staff for suggestions from a certain genre, topic, author, etc. You can also place holds online through our catalog. If you would like us to keep track of what you have read before to avoid duplicates, please update your reading history settings. Instructions are available on the back of the Library by Mail application.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the Library by Mail application and mail it to us. If you would like us to mail you a blank application, please call the library at 603-926-3368.
If you also need a library card, you can fill out the application online or we can send you a paper application as well.
You can mail your application to the library at:
Lane Memorial Library
2 Academy Ave.
Hampton, NH 03842