Community Borrower Policy

Residents of Otero County may request a Townsend Library Community Borrower’s card* at the Circulation Desk during open hours.

  • Community patrons must complete and sign the “Community Borrower’s Contract.”
  • Community patrons must present a picture identification card and provide documentation to confirm Otero County residency such as a check with local address imprinted, driver’s license or bill.
  • There is a five dollar ($5.00) charge per semester for the use of library services.
Community patrons must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a library card. The parent or guardian of a patron between 12 and 17 years of age must accompany the child to complete and sign the “Community Borrower’s Contract” on their first visit and to get the library card. This contract determines whether or not the child will be permitted to use the Internet connected computers in the library. A child under the age of 18 and who is not a current NMSU-A student will not be permitted to use the library unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Community patrons may borrow 5 items at a time. Patrons must have their library card and a valid picture ID with them to borrow materials. Books circulate for one month. Videos circulate for seven days. Books may be renewed twice and videos may be renewed once.

Community patrons are eligible to use all library services at this location, except Interlibrary Loan, laptop checkout and wireless Internet access.

Community borrowers are responsible for items checked out on their card. Although Townsend Library does not charge overdue fines, patrons may not borrow additional materials until overdue items are returned or bills for lost or damaged items have been paid. Replacement costs for lost/damaged materials are the cost of the item plus a $15.00 processing fee.

*Community Borrower cards cost $5 per borrower. They are valid for one (1) semester.

If library materials are 60 days overdue or staff has evidence to indicate the patron has moved away from the local area, the amount due will be referred to the NMSU Collections Unit for action.

Both printouts from library computers and self-service photocopies cost 10 cents per page for black and white and 25 cents per page for color. Pick up printouts from the Circulation Desk.