Eligible Borrowers

The library is open to the general public.  The following are eligible to check out circulating materials.

  • COA Community Members - Students, faculty, staff, trustees, Champlain Society Members and family members of all the preceding; local (Hancock County) COA alumni.

Regular checkout periods and policies apply to the following unless otherwise noted, with the exception that items may be recalled at any time.

  • 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.
  • 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 or guardian signature. (The parent must be an eligible borrower). 
Library Etiquette

To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and well-being, we have implemented the following.

  • Food and Drink - Food attracts insects that can be harmful to books – and annoying to humans.  In recognition of people enjoying a snack while they study, we allow limited food consumption in the library.  If you need a snack, please limit yourself to dry food that is quiet to eat and comes in small packages.  For drinks, we ask you to use covered containers such as a travel mug or bottles with caps.  Please clean up after yourself.  If you have a spill, contact a staff member so that the situation can be cleared up as soon as possible.
  • Smoking - Smoking 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).
  • Cell Phones - In consideration of others, please refrain from cell phone conversations in the library’s 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.
  • Noise - In the library lobby normal voices are welcomed.  However, please remember that offices are nearby and that classes take place in the adjacent Seminar Room.  The Reading Room is considered a “whisper zone.”  The stacks are a place for quiet study.
Visitors

Thorndike Library is open to the general public.

  • Library cards are available to eligible borrowers.
  • Public computers are available in the library lobby to any visitor.  Priority is given to COA community members doing library research.  Other computer use is limited to 10 minutes if others are waiting.
  • Copying, scanning and printing is available to visitors.  Black/white printing and copying is $.10 per side.  Color printing and copying is $.20 per side.  Scanning is free.
  • Access to the internet from personal laptops is available provided the laptop has the most recent anti-virus software and operating system updates installed.
Copyright

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.  Library users may wish to consult our copyright guide.

Pet Policy

In keeping with the COA 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. Pets have limited library access.

  • Pets are allowed in the library lobby.
  • When available, pets accompanied by their owner are allowed in the Library Seminar Room. The door will be closed and a sign placed on the door to alert visitors that a pet is inside.
  • Pets are not allowed in the Reading Room or Stacks. This is in consideration of those with allergies or fears and in recognition of community members seeking a quiet place to study.

This policy does not cover service/emotional support animals. The library follows the Service Dog and Emotional Support Animal Policy.