The library will be closed at all locations on Friday, 9/12 for staff development. Operations will resume on Saturday, 9/13.
The library's temporary locations are at the Beech Street Center and the E.C. Benton Library. For more information, including hours of operation, please click here.

Circulation Policy

The Belmont Public Library is a member of the Minuteman Library Network (MLN). Your library card entitles you to borrow materials from our Belmont Library as well as the many other public and academic libraries in the network. Information regarding loan periods, fines, renewals, etc. vary depending on the individual library. 

Click here to view the Minuteman Library Card Registration Policy – which we adhere to in Belmont. The MLN Card Registration Policy covers the many ways to get a library card, and who is eligible.  Please download the Minuteman Mobile App on your smart devices to use your digital library card and our self-checkout feature. Please present your library card when checking out materials. While it’s ok to pick up someone else’s holds with their card, we otherwise require that you only use your own card when selecting materials.  

If children age fourteen and under are visiting the library and forget their library card, staff are happy to assist by looking up their account when they provide identifying information. Apply in person or online. If applying online, please pick up your library card in the library with a photo ID within 6 months. 

To view current Belmont loan and renewal periods please visit our website.

Fines and Charges

The Belmont Public Library does not charge late fines on its print materials, movies, music, or video games, but does charge late fees on the following items:

Commonwealth Catalog Items – $0.25 per day 

Library of Things Items – $1.00 per day 

Circulating Museum Passes – $5.00 per day 

Lost or Damaged Items

You are responsible for items checked out to your card.  Lost or damaged items can be paid for online or in person — unfortunately, we do not accept replacement copies. Once your account is settled, your borrowing privileges will be restored. If paying by check for a Belmont item, please make it out to the Town of Belmont. If a lost item is found within 30 days of payment, we’re happy to issue a refund.

Items cannot be borrowed or renewed if there are charges over $100 on your account. Commonwealth Catalog lost items carry a $100 fee; Interlibrary Loan fees vary by lending library.

Please place your reserves online, or through the Minuteman Mobile App. Any Public Service desk in the Library can help you to place reserves in person or on a phone call too. Reserves may be placed by all MLN Patrons on most all Belmont items but certain breakable items will not be placed into delivery, and must be picked up in Belmont. 

While all MLN members may check out the items below, Only Belmont residents may reserve:

  • Library of Things items
  • Vinyl Records

Voted April 2016. Amended August 2016, February 2017, March 2018, July 2018, June 2021, July 2025

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