Library Cards, Circulation, & Renewals

Patrons will be issued two library cards (a wallet card and a keychain card) upon presentation of photo identification such as a valid driver’s license, student I.D. or passport.

Library cards are free to residents of Massachusetts and/or property owners on Martha’s Vineyard. There is a one-time $10 charge per card for all others. At the age of 8, children may sign up for their own library card.

Books, magazines, and audiobooks circulate for two weeks; DVDs and Blu-rays circulate for one week. Materials may be renewed three times provided there are no holds on them. To renew your materials online, visit www.clamsnet.org/patroninfo. Enter the barcode on the  back of your card (or your username), and enter your 4-digit PIN. If you did not request a custom PIN when you applied for your library card, use the last 4 digits of your library card barcode. Select the checkboxes next to the items you would like to renew, and click renew marked. Please check that the renewals were successful. Some items may not be eligible for renewal. You can also renew items in person or by calling the library at 508-693-3366.

November 12th, 2019, CLAMS libraries will introduce Automatic Renewals. Eligible (physical) items like books, CDs, DVDs, without holds for patrons will automatically renew up to three times. The new due date is calculated from the previous due date, not from the date of renewal. Please note materials cannot be renewed if: •Someone else has placed a hold on the item. • The item has reached its renewal limit • Your account is blocked
due to excessive fines or replacement fees. Borrowers who have an email address will continue to receive a courtesy notice three days before the item due date. The notice will list items that have been automatically renewed and the new due date. The notice will alert the patron to items that are ineligible for renewal and the original due date. Please note: this service does not apply to digital materials (i.e., Overdrive), only
eligible physical materials. We hope you enjoy this new service from your local CLAMS Library!

You must have your library card with you to check out items. We will be happy to hold your books until you can come back with your card. If your card is lost, replacement cards are available free of charge.

All information regarding library materials circulated to particular borrowers is available only to library staff and the individual borrower.

Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out to them and to their minor children.

As of January 1st, 2020, ALL MV Libraries will be FINE FREE!

If you don’t yet have a CLAMS library card, you can now register online and start downloading ebooks or use databases immediately. Here’s how:

You will need a computer or cell phone and access to your email account.
1. Go to https://library.clamsnet.org/selfreg
2. Fill out the form and submit. The screen will refresh, with your name, new card number and username. Print the info, take a screenshot or jot down your new card number – you’ll need it in just a moment.
3. Click the link in the first bullet point to log in and create a PIN/Password:
Login to My Account and establish a PIN (Password) Scroll down to and click Did you forget your PIN/Password? Enter your new card number.
4. Check your email for a link to set your PIN/Password.

Your ecard will now be valid for 6 months and will give you access to materials at OverDrive for eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines (when asked for your library, select “CLAMS Library Patrons”). It also includes all Massachusetts Library Databases (select any library to begin). Individually owned library databases such as Hoopla are not included. Please visit your local CLAMS library with a photo ID before the end of the 6 months to upgrade to a regular card with full privileges.

If you will be using your phone or an eReader, we suggest you download the Libby App.