Sparta library gets a green ticket to expand to other systems

‘Open borrowing’: Newest service for Sparta library patrons, By Stacey Mason Sparta - The Sparta Public Library continues to expand the array of services its offers local residents. In addition to reciprocal borrowing agreements with the Sussex and Warren counties library systems, the Sparta library recently finalized an arrangement that opens the doors for Sparta residents to borrow items from libraries in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS), the Morris Automated Library Network (M.A.I.N), Libraries of Middlesex (LMxAC), and Passaic County Automated Libraries (PALS] systems beginning July 1. This new agreement gives Sparta patrons in-person borrowing privileges at any of the more than 150 member libraries. Sparta residents who want to take advantage of this new service must first bring their cards to the Sparta Library to receive a green “open borrowing” sticker. The sticker will be granted only to patrons in good standing (those not owing any fines, not having any lost books, and no blocks on their cards). “I think people will really enjoy this new service. I see it being used mostly by those who commute from other towns or by students in need of specific literature or books in great demand at a certain time,” said Carol Boutilier, director of Sparta Public Library. Although the new agreement allows for books to be returned at any of the participating libraries, Boutilier suggest patrons return books to the library from which they borrowed them as a courtesy to other patrons. Any overdue fines will be collected at the library in which the book is returned. In addition, Boutilier said, borrowers must be aware that each library has its own regulations regarding the lending of materials . For example, she cited, some libraries do not allow out of town residents to borrow CDs, DVDs or books on tape or CD. “I always recommend calling the library to confirm, if you’re looking for something other than a book,” said Boutilier. By some estimates, the new agreements give Sparta residents access to some 10 million new items.