Eligible Borrowers

The library is open to the general public. The following are eligible to check out circulating materials. Items may be recalled at any time for academic purposes.

  • COA Community Members - Students, faculty, staff, trustees, Champlain Society Members and family members of all the preceding; local (Hancock County) COA alumni.
  • Employees of Affiliated Organizations - Employees of Acadia National Park, Jackson Lab, MDIBL, MDI Hospital; University of Maine faculty and staff (as well as enrolled students); Hancock County school administrators and teachers.
  • Researchers - Researchers affiliated with a local research group; researchers not associated with a local research group who have a letter of introduction.
  • MDI residents - Year round and summer residents of MDI; Residents are eligible for a library card by presenting a picture id and proof of current permanent address (ex. drivers license, utility bill, etc). If you are a resident but do not have the necessary identification, please see MDI non-residents below to obtain library borrowing privileges.
  • MDI non-residents - Temporarily living on/visiting MDI; Non-residents (or residents without the requested resident identification) are eligible for a courtesy card with a $30 deposit. Only two items may be checked out at a time.
  • Children & Young Adults - Children (0-9 years) and young adults (10-17 years); Children must be accompanied by an adult and may borrow on their guardian or parent’s library card. Young adults may have their own library card with a parent, guardian, or sponsoring adult signature. The sponsoring adult will be responsible for items borrowed and must meet eligibility criteria.
Cell Phones

In consideration of others, please refrain from cell phone conversations in the reading room and stacks, and set cell phones to silent or vibrate.  The library lounge, just outside the library doors, offers comfortable chairs for cell phone use and conversation.

Copyright Law

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies and other reproductions of copyrighted material. Library users are expected to act in accordance with this law.

Food & Drink

Patrons are asked to consume food and drink in the circulation desk area or the library lobby, and adhere to the posted guidelines of covered drinks and quiet snacks in other areas.

Information Technology Policies

Patrons assume responsibility for using library computers in an ethical and legal manner in accordance with the college’s Information Technology Policies and state and federal law. Please be considerate when viewing materials that may be considered offensive to other patrons. Thorndike Library and College of the Atlantic disclaim any responsibility or liability for loss or damage of any kind related to IT on campus.

WIFI is available on campus, please ask at the circulation desk for instructions. See Information Technology Policies for more information.

Language

Patrons are not allowed to use abusive or harassing language with or engage in abusive or harassing behavior toward other library patrons or staff.

Noise

Patrons are asked to follow the posted Noise Zones directives, unless there is a disability limiting adherence to this policy. The Reading Room is a whisper zone and the Stacks is a quiet zone. Avoid disruptive behavior such as playing music, phone conversations, creating loud noises, or loud talking.

Pet Policy

In keeping with the COA Community Policies: Pet Policy, pets visiting the library will be well-behaved, good natured, and subject to the control of their owners. Dogs visiting the library will be leashed. If your dog is disturbing others, you may be asked to leave. This policy does not cover service and emotional support animals. The library follows the Service Dog and Emotional Support Animal Policy.

Photography & Recording

Photographing, filming , and audio recording of members of the public, members of the Library staff on duty, and public programs (unless permission has been granted in advance by Library staff) are prohibited.

Smoking Policy

Smoking (including electronic substitutes) is allowed in designated areas only on campus. The closest smoking area to the library is outside the north entrance of the dining hall (Take-a-Break). See Community Policies: Smoking on Campus for more information.

Unattended Property

Unattended property will be placed in lost-and-found or discarded when the library closes.

Weapon Policy

Weapons are not allowed in the library. See Community Policies: Firearms Policy for more information.