To ensure efficient service and maintain confidentiality and security, patrons are asked to present their own library card when checking out materials. Each family member is required to use their individual card.
Individuals who reside in Rockport, either year-round or seasonally, may obtain a Rockport Public Library card by presenting a photo ID and proof of residence. Those with a barcoded card from another Massachusetts library may register it for use at this location.Adult Library Card Application
Youth Library Card Application
| Item | Item Limit | Loan Period | # of Renewals * |
| Books | No limit | 3 Weeks | 2 Renewals |
| Audiobooks | No limit | 3 Weeks | 2 Renewals |
| Compact Discs | No limit | 3 Weeks | 2 Renewals |
| Videos/DVDs | No limit | 1 Week / 3 for bundles | 2 Renewals |
| Library of Things | No limit | 1 Week | 2 Renewals |
| Magazines (except for newest) | No limit | 3 Weeks | 2 Renewals |
| Museum Passes | No limit | Varies | No Renewals |
| Lucky Day Collection | No limit | 3 Weeks | No Renewals |
*Items will automatically renew twice if there are no outstanding requests on the material and the renewal limit has not been exceeded.
After 49 days overdue, the item will be determined to be lost, and the patron will be responsible for the cost of the item until the item is returned or the amount of the lost item is paid. Patron borrowing privileges are blocked when fees accrue to $20.00 or when 20 items are overdue, regardless of bill reason.
Museum passes can be reserved online, in person, or by phone 30 days in advance of the day you wish to use the pass. Returnable museum passes are checked out to the patron for 24 hours. The charge for lost passes is a full membership fee.
Payments for lost items can be made with a debit/credit card through the online catalog or with a cash/check at the library. Checks should be made out to the “Rockport Public Library”.
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for children’s selection of library materials.
Online Library Catalog
You may access the library catalog here or via the search bar at the upper right of any page on the library website. Once signed into the catalog with your library card number (entered as numbers only, without spaces) and PIN, you will be able to request items, check their hold status, check due dates, and renew items.
Please call 978-546-6934 if you need help using the library catalog. Your PIN should be the last four digits of your library card. If your card was created a number of years ago, the PIN may be the last four digits of your phone number.
Museum Passes
Museum passes can be reserved online, by phone, or in person at the Circulation/Information Services Desk. They may be reserved one month in advance—only one pass per day per patron.
Reserves
Patrons are welcome to reserve library materials in person, by phone, or by using our online catalog. When the item requested comes in, you will be notified by phone, email, or text. You can determine how you are notified and can change the notification method at any time.
Requested materials will be held for pickup at the main desk for seven days. You can also pick up items through our back porch pickup service.
Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
If the MVLC libraries do not have material you would like to request, the library can request material from outside the system, through the Massachusetts Commonwealth Catalog, or through OCLC® WorldCat.There may be a fee attached to the request. Please speak to the librarian about requesting material outside the system.
Returns
Library materials may be returned at the book drops located at each of the library entrances. Media should be returned in the media slot. Library materials may be returned to any library belonging to the MVLC. Here is a list of MVLC libraries.