The North Manchester Public Library (NMPL) and the North Webster Community Public Library (NWCPL) have entered into a Local Reciprocal Borrowing Covenant for all resident and non-resident patrons.
Once a patron has a library card (either resident or non-resident) card at one library, the Borrowing Covenant will allow all patrons to sign up for an account at the other library for free. This covenant became effective on Tuesday.
As a public library in Indiana, both libraries receive funding through property taxes paid within the city limits. Those who live or own property inside the taxing district pay for a library card whether they ever register for one or not. However, with non-resident cards, the choice to purchase a library card is in the patron’s hands.
Patrons (resident or non-resident) interested in becoming reciprocal patrons only need to bring their home library card to the other library along with a valid ID or proof of address. The only restrictions for reciprocal patrons are that reciprocal patrons cannot borrow Inter-Library Loan titles or check out hotspots. The North Manchester Public Library also has the same agreement with Roann Public Library, Wabash Carnegie Public Library and South Whitley Community Public Library.
“With this new agreement, non-resident patrons can now access five libraries for the price of one,” said Jeanna Hann, NMPL adult department manager. “Non-resident patrons in good standing can enjoy almost full access to services from either of these libraries for the cost of just one library card.”
Resident patrons will have access to the same five libraries, in addition to the 100-plus libraries that are on the State Reciprocal Borrowing Library covenant offered through the state library.
“The Northeast Indiana area has some of the least access to library services in Indiana,” said Andrea Zwiebel, NMPL director. “This reciprocal agreement makes more resources available which can help the unserved areas in Wabash and Kosciusko counties. I invite you to discover the wide variety of offerings at both libraries!”
“We are thrilled to be part of this initiative that expands access to library resources for our communities," said Keith Kuric, NWCPL director. "The North Webster Community Public Library and its counterparts are proud to offer an array of enriching materials and services, and we are excited to share them with even more people through this reciprocal borrowing covenant. Join us in exploring the wealth of knowledge and opportunities available at our libraries!”
For more information on either library, visit https://www.nman.lib.in.us/ or https://nwcpl.org/.