As a member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, the Newburyport Public Library is governed to some degree by system-wide circulation regulations. System-determined regulations include such policies and procedures as: borrower registration, Interlibrary Loan and out-of-network loans, or suspension of borrowing privileges to another library's patron.

The Newburyport Public Library's circulation staff attempts to anticipate and to fulfill community borrowing needs. Any Newburyport resident, and non-residents whose libraries are offline, may register for a Consortium library card at no cost by producing identification showing name and current address (such as a driver's license or car registration, a check, or a bill or receipt). A first-time borrower can check out 2 adult and 2 children's items; after the first time one borrows, the limit increases to 12 adult items and 12 children's items, with a limit of 3 items per subject call number. Checkout periods are three weeks for most circulating items; videos and the library's Books to Go (non-reservable) collection check out for one week. Out-of-state borrowers can purchase an MVLC card, good in all member libraries, for a $75 annual fee, or for $25, can purchase a card for Newburyport Public Library use only.

A patron may reserve materials not  currently on shelf by placing interlibrary loan requests in person at the library, or online from a remote location using one's own (or library) computer. Any number of requests can be made, and there is no charge for this service. The patron is notified by phone or e-mail when the materials have arrived. Reserves may also be placed over the telephone. Reserves in high demand will be held for a patron at the Circulation Desk for 7 business days before moving the item on to the next patron on a waiting list.

Library materials which are not in demand can be renewed in person, over the telephone, or online. When renewing by phone, a patron is expected to have his library card number and the items' identifying bar code numbers, and if the Circulation Desk is busy, a patron may be asked to call back. A patron should have his library card when checking out library materials. If a patron forgets his card, some form of  identification will be asked for to verify that the patron holds a current library card. Should a card be lost or stolen, please notify the Circulation Desk; the registered patron is responsible for materials checked out on his card.

The most current issue of any periodical is not available for circulation. Reference materials do not circulate; neither are archive materials loaned out.

With a 3 to a subject limit, adult persons may borrow up to 12 adult and 12 children's items per borrowing period, with a 3-video/DVD limit per time. One museum pass may be checked out per family per day and may not be renewed. The library encourages that museum pass reservations be made well in advance. This can be done by phone.

Effective May 1, 2001, overdue materials, except museum passes, are not subject to a late fee or fines. It is expected that all borrowed materials will be returned by their dates due. The library's two book drops (at 94 State Street and at  Shaw's Supermarket) are collected daily. If materials are held past their due date, reminder notices are sent by mail or e-mail. Patrons will also be notified of materials that are still outstanding in their cards. The amount due listed on a bill notice is the replacement cost if materials are not returned.

Occasionally, a patron receives a notice for materials he claims to have returned. The library accepts the patron's word for 3 items per year. A careful search is undertaken to make sure that any other items have not been shelved without having been checked in. Under special circumstances, the 3 item per year limit may be waived.

Newburyport Public Library - Policy on Confidentially of Library Records 

The Newburyport Public Library recognizes that its circulation and other records identifying the names of library patrons are confidential in nature. These records will not be made available to any person or agency of local, state or Federal government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to local, state or Federal law relating to civil, criminal or administrative discovery procedures of legislative investigative power. "That part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be public record as defined by clause twenty six, section seven of chapter four." (MA General Laws C78, Sec 7)

The Library Board of Directors will refuse the acceptance of issue, the issuance or the enforcement of any such process, order or subpoena until such time as proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. The Library Board will consult with legal counsel to determine the validity of such process, order or subpoena. If the process, order or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause is not shown, the Board will insist upon corrections as necessary.