About Us

See “Get a Library Card” for more information on how to easily access Upper Merion Township Library resources.

Loan Periods

• 3 days – museum passes
• 1 week – new feature-length DVDs (for up to 6 months) and Wifi Hotspots
• 3 weeks – books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks on CD, music, Playaways, Launchpads, Views, toys, video games
• 3 weeks – New Books (no renewal, no hold)
• Some references, most recent adult magazine issues, and some special materials do not circulate.
• Please note that items borrowed from other libraries may have a different loan period or fine structure which we are required to honor.

Loan Exceptions

• Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to check out museum passes or wifi hotspots on their accounts.

Returns

• All items can be returned at the Adult Check-Out Desk. Please be sure to hand Wifi Hotspots and Museum Passes to a staff member on duty.
• Toys and board games must be returned inside the library during normal operating hours.
• There is a return box for ALMOST all material located in the front parking lot of the Township Building. The left-hand side labeled “BOOKS” is for all books. The right-hand side labeled “MEDIA” is for DVDs, audiobooks, and other forms of media.

Fines

• The majority of library materials are fine-free. Learn more about what our fine-free status means to you as our patron!

Fees

• $5/day for Museum Passes and Wifi Hotspots

Fees for Lost or Damaged Material

• Retail cost of material
• $4 processing fee/item
• Fees can be paid by:
  • Visiting the library and paying by cash or check.
  • Pay online by credit card by logging in to your account with your library barcode and password. The minimum payment is $5 and there is a $1 processing fee in order to provide and maintain this service. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards are all accepted.

Other Fees

• Lost Library Card – $3/adult card and $1/child’s card
• Temporary Resident Library Card – $25 deposit for a year; $20 return when all materials are returned
• Non-resident Library Card – $65/year
• Printer/Copier Fees
  • 8.5×11 BW (15¢/page)
  • 8.5×14 and 11×17 BW (30¢/page)
  • 8.5×11 COLOR (25¢/page)
  • 8.5×14 and 11×17 COLOR (50¢/page)
• Flash Drive – 2GB drive – $2.50 (*prices subject to change)
• Notary Service – $5.00 fee per document
• Proctoring Fee
  • A $10.00 proctoring fee
  • A $5.00 cost recovery fee for any faxing or scanning required by the exam
  • A cost recovery fee for any postage/shipping required by the exam
  • A cost recovery fee for any printing required by the exam
• Passport Fee
  • Execution fee: $35
  • Application fees: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/fees.html

Learn more about automatic renewals by visiting our FAQ page!

The library and its staff are dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the library, use library collections and services, and attend library programs. Library staff are available to assist and support children with their use of library resources. However, responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the library rests with their parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. The library cannot assume custodial responsibility for children. 

Children under 18 years of age will be issued a library card with the signature and identification of a parent or legal guardian. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to participate in and monitor their child’s library use. Library staff members do not restrict a child’s access to library collections. Parents or guardians are legally responsible for the fines/fees for children under 18 years of age.  

The library cares about the safety and welfare of children and establishes this policy for the protection and well-being of children and to prevent disruptive behavior. 

The library is a public building with staff trained to provide public library services. The library staff is not equipped, nor is it the role of the library, to provide childcare. We

encourage parent/guardian cooperation and involvement regarding the above policy. Working together we better ensure a safe setting for patrons of all ages. 

1. Children under the age of 10 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver (at least 16 years of age) who remains within sight and conversation distance of the child. 
2. Children 10 and older, who are able to follow the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct Policy and do not require supervision due to special needs, may use the library unattended. 
3. Unattended Child Policy – If a child under 10 years old is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent or caregiver in the library. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found using reasonable measures within a reasonable amount of time, staff will call Upper Merion Police and leave the child in care of an officer at the police department 
4. Closing Time Policy – An attempt to contact the parent/guardian of an unattended child (under the age of 16) will be made if the child has not been picked up within fifteen minutes of closing time. If no contact can be made, the library staff will call Upper Merion Police and leave the child in care of an officer at the police department. The library staff will not provide transportation to children under any circumstance.

Our collection management policy can be found here.

Learn more about the Upper Merion Township Library’s COVID Plan.

Learn more about what our fine-free status means to you as our patron!

Library theft.
(a) Offense defined.–A person is guilty of library theft if he willfully conceals on his person or among his belongings any library or museum material while still on the premises of a library or willfully and without authority removes any library or museum material from a library with the intention of converting such material to his own use.
(b) Grading.–
(1) Library theft constitutes a:
(i) Summary offense when the offense is a first offense and the value of the material is less than $150.
(ii) Misdemeanor of the second degree when the offense is a second offense and the value of the material is less than $150.
(iii) Misdemeanor of the first degree when the offense is a first or second offense and the value of the material is $150 or more.
(iv) Felony of the third degree when the offense is a third or subsequent offense, regardless of the value of the material.
(2) Amounts involved in library thefts committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same library or several libraries, may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.
(c) Presumption.–A person who willfully conceals any library or museum material on his person or among his belongings while still on the premises of the library or in the immediate vicinity thereof shall be prima facie presumed to have concealed the library or museum material with the intention of converting such material to his own use.
(d) Detention.–A peace officer, employee or agent of a library who has probable cause to believe that a person has committed library theft may detain such person on the premises of the library or in the immediate vicinity thereof for the following purposes:
(1) To conduct an investigation in a reasonable manner and within a reasonable length of time to determine whether such person has unlawfully concealed or removed any library or museum material.
(2) To inform a peace officer of the detention of the person or surrender that person to the custody of a peace officer.
(e) Exemption from liability.–A peace officer, employee or agent of a library who detains or causes the arrest of any person pursuant to this section shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, unlawful detention, assault, battery, slander, libel or malicious prosecution of the person detained or arrested provided the peace officer, employee or agent of the library had at the time of the detention or arrest probable cause to believe that the person committed library theft.
(f) Public display of law.–A copy of this section shall be publicly displayed in the reading rooms and other public rooms of all libraries in such number and manner as will bring this section to the attention of patrons.
(g) Prior offenses.–Prior to the commencement of trial or entry of plea of a defendant 16 years of age or older accused of the summary offense of library theft, the issuing authority shall notify the Pennsylvania State Police for determination as to whether or not the defendant previously has been convicted of the offense of library theft. The results of such determination shall be forwarded to the police department if the department is the prosecutor, or to the issuing authority if the prosecutor is other than a police officer. The issuing authority shall not proceed with the trial or plea in summary cases until in receipt of the determination made by the State Police. The magisterial district judge shall use the information obtained solely for the purpose of grading the offense pursuant to subsection (b).
(h) Fingerprinting.–Upon conviction the issuing authority shall order the defendant to submit within five days of such order for fingerprinting by the municipal police of the jurisdiction in which the offense allegedly was committed or the State Police.
(i) Definitions.–As used in this section the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
“Conceal.” To conceal library or museum material so that, although there may be some notice of its presence, it is not visible through ordinary observation.
“Library.” Any public library, any library, archives or manuscript repository of educational, historical or eleemosynary institution, organization or society, any museum and any repository of public records.
“Library or museum material.” Any book, plate, picture, photograph, engraving, painting, drawing, map, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, broadside, manuscript, document, letter, public record, microfilm, sound recording, audiovisual materials in any format, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data processing records, display object, exhibit, work of art, artifact, or other documentary, written or printed materials regardless of physical form or characteristics, belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a library.
“Premises of a library.” Includes but is not limited to the library and all parking areas set aside for the parking of vehicles for the convenience of the patrons of such library.
(Apr. 27, 1982, P.L.345, No.95, eff. imd.; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)

2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (g). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
1982 Amendment. Act 95 added section 3929.1.
Cross References. Section 3929.1 is referred to in section 3929.2 of this title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).

To support, encourage, and foster access to local talent, the library will maintain a Local Author Collection. The mission of the Local Author Collection is to continually improve library service to the public by providing free access to books by local authors, enriching the community with books created by local authors, and promoting individual achievements in authorship. This collection features donated books from local authors.

Items included in the Local Author Collection must meet the following guidelines:

• Authors must reside in Montgomery County, or their work must be based in the area.
• The library will accept one copy of each title. Authors may donate up to three titles per year.
• Materials must be bound and formatted in a way that enables circulation, ease of use, and durability. The library will only accept physical formats. Items must be in new condition.
• Donated materials become property of the library and are subject to the library’s Collection Management Policy, including weeding procedures.
• Regardless of genre, all items in this collection will be labeled as “LOCAL” and include the name of the author.

Learn more about Upper Merion Township Library as a passport acceptance facility and how to make an appointment.

To help us provide a welcoming environment for all, please note the following when you are in the library:

1. Speak quietly to those around you. In addition, headphone use is permitted as long as the sound does not disturb others. Be conscious of the noise level of your conversations in order to respect others using the library. Refrain from using profanity.
2. Verbally or physically harassing or threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene or inappropriate acts will not be tolerated.
3. Please place your phone on vibrate or silent so as not to disrupt other patrons. Cell phone conversations may be taken in the building lobby.
4. Personal property is your responsibility. Do not leave laptops, purses, or other valuables unattended.
5. Shirt and shoes are required and must be kept on at all times. Be respectful of the library furniture and keep feet placed on the ground. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is a nuisance to other patrons or staff may be asked to leave the library.
6. Patrons are welcome to have beverages in covered containers while in the library. All snacks should be consumed in the building lobby.
7. Smoking in the library is not allowed, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, Juul, and other vaping tools.
8. Staff may inspect bags and other articles.
9. Service animals that support people with disabilities and animals used for library programs are welcome in the library.
10. Treat all library materials as if they were yours.
11. Children’s furnishings and toys in the children’s area are reserved for children’s use only.
12. Children in the library – see Using the Library -> Children for our policy.
13. No solicitation, campaigning, or selling, or petitioning is allowed.

Enforcement of the Patron Code of Conduct:

1. In most cases of inappropriate behavior, a verbal warning will be given by a member of the library staff.
2. If the behavior continues, the patron may be asked to leave the library.
3. Patrons asked to leave the Library for disciplinary reasons are, at a minimum, barred for the remainder of the day and/or evening.
4. Library staff may immediately contact the Upper Merion Township Police if the patron is asked to leave and refuses to do so.
5. Any patron who is banned from the Library for a period in excess of one week will be notified of such in writing by the Director. The patron has the right to appeal by requesting a hearing before the Library Board of Directors, provided such hearing is requested by written notice.
6. Restriction of privileges shall be for progressively increasing periods of time, including permanent expulsion for repeat offenses.

Members of the public are permitted to film and photograph while inside the library only to the extent that it does not interfere with the operations, programs, and activities of the library, impact the safety or privacy of the library’s guests, or otherwise conflict with any applicable laws. Those photographing or videotaping children must have both the verbal permission of the Upper Merion Township Library Director or the Director’s designated representative (e.g. Manager on Duty) and obtain a written release signed in advance by each child’s legal guardian, unless the person taking the film or photograph is the legal guardian for each such child. Those photographing or videotaping adults must have verbal permission from all subjects that would be visible in the photograph/video. Those not following this policy may be asked to put away their equipment or leave the facility.

Library access by photographers may be limited either by time constraints or to specific areas depending upon such impact or effect such sessions could have upon other library users.

Please note that the Upper Merion Township Library engages in photography and recording of programs and events for its own print and online publication/promotional purposes. Visitors to the library, or anyone participating in any library event being captured on film or by photograph, will be advised verbally or through signage that their participation acts as consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded, unless they indicate otherwise to library staff. All photographs and recordings must comply with the UMTL Patron Privacy Policy.

The above policy applies only to open, public events. Closed events such as class visits would require releases and/or permissions from the supervisor of the visiting organization.

The library selects materials, programs, and services in support of its mission. The emphasis of the library’s resources is on acquiring materials and offerinng programs and services of wide-ranging interest to the general public and offering a choice of subjects, perspectives, and formats that meet most library needs within current budget limitations.  Collection development and program planning is founded on the principles espoused in the American Library Association’s

• Library Bill Of Rights,
• Freedom To Read Statement,
• Freedom To View Statement, and
• Diversity In Collection Development.

A patron who wants the library to reconsider keeping a specific title in the collection may fill out the Material Reconsideration Form. A patron who wants the library to reconsider a specific program or service may fill out the Program/Service Reconsideration Form.

1. Once the form is submitted to the library, the director will meet with all librarians to address the concern and review the material/program/service and the selection process.  
2. The patron will be informed of the decision in writing within four weeks.  
3. If the patron is not satisfied with the response, a written appeal may be filed within 30 days with the Upper Merion Township Library Board of Directors.  
4. The Library Board will make the final decision and the patron will be informed in writing.

Items that are long overdue are moved to a status of “Lost” and will be billed for the replacement cost and processing fee. This price reflects the cost of the item at the time of purchase, as well as our time to catalog and process it.

If an item that has been declared “Lost” is found and returned, you will not have to pay a replacement cost (if you haven’t paid for the item yet).

Wait for our system to run through the process of sending you all notifications and the bill for the item before you pay the replacement cost. Once you have paid to replace a lost or damaged item, we cannot offer you a refund. The material you have paid for is yours to keep whether you find a lost book or keep the damaged material.

If you believe you can replace the Lost item with a new copy for less cost, please speak with our Circulation Manager first, before you purchase a replacement. There are many factors we have to consider before accepting such a swap–it must be the exact same edition/version of the item, otherwise the Library will incur significant costs in the processing of your item in place of the original. The Library reserves the right to not accept an item you have purchased as a replacement, so please talk to us first! Call us at 610-265-4805 and ask for the circulation manager.

See Study Room Policy

Computer Use
This policy applies to all users of the Upper Merion Township Library public access computers and wifi Internet.

1. To ensure that computer time is equitably allocated among computer users, the Upper Merion Township Library uses EnvisionWare’s PC Reservation® – PC Access and Session Control. To access a computer session, users must enter a current Library card barcode and PIN. Anyone unable to obtain a Library card can request a temporary pass (good for only the date issued) from the front desk.
2. A 30-minute time limit comes into effect when others are waiting.
3. When computers are full, users may reserve the next available computer at the Library’s Information Desk.
4. Public computers are available from opening until 10 minutes before closing, when computers will be automatically shut down.
5. To ensure the privacy of individual computer users, barcode information or data on Internet searches and software use is not tracked and cleared once a patron logs out of their session.
6. If users feel that an Internet site has been blocked erroneously by the filtering software, they should report that to a staff member.  Staff can temporarily allow access to that site and will pass the site on to the MCLINC office for review.
7. Staff may limit the number of persons sitting at a single workstation.
8. Users may download files to external devices.  Users may not load their own software programs onto library workstations.

User Responsibility

1. Users may not display or print images that are inappropriate for viewing within a public setting. The library expressly prohibits any use of library computers for illegal activities, including hacking, or to access material that is obscene, contains or makes reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18 PA. C.S. 5903, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors.  
2. Users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
3. Users must respect the privacy and privileges of others.
4. Users must respect library hardware and software configurations.
5. Users must act in accordance with Pennsylvania and federal law to promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic communications.
6. Parents and legal guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet, as with other library materials.  Library staff does not act in the place of a parent to determine which materials are appropriate for an individual child.

Internet Use
The library provides public access to the resources available on the Internet and on subscription databases through computer workstations and via wireless Internet (wifi) for use with customer-owned devices. This service is intended to enhance the traditional print and audiovisual collections that have been established to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of our community. Users are strongly cautioned, however, that the library does not control, and therefore, cannot be held responsible for the accuracy, currency or content of information accessed through the Internet. Users are urged to consult with library staff members who can recommend reliable sources of information and Internet search strategies.

Children’s Computer Use
The library supports the principles of intellectual freedom and the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents, not library staff members, to determine and monitor their own children’s use of library facilities and resources, including the Internet. Some sites may contain material that is offensive or inappropriate for minors as defined by law or as determined by their parents or guardians. Library personnel can assist parents and children to find age-appropriate resources. If parents or guardians are concerned about their child’s responsible use of the Internet or the potential for exposure to offensive material, they should monitor or restrict that use.

Educational materials are available in all our libraries to promote Internet safety. All users, regardless of age, should exercise caution in sharing personal or private information online.

Statement on Filtering
In order to maximize federal and state funding that is vital to operating our library, the library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Filtering software is used to block access to sites with adult, sexually explicit content. Users 17 years of age and older may request the library staff to disable the filter provided that their subsequent Internet use complies with the conditions of CIPA and this Internet Use Policy. The library staff may also unblock a particular site (but not disable the filter), for users under the age of 17 if the site has been blocked in error. Wireless access is also filtered for adult, sexually explicit content. Library devices and non-library owned equipment cannot be unblocked. If users require unfiltered access to the Internet, they should use library-owned equipment that does not access the Internet through the wireless network.

All users should note that filtering software is imperfect and inappropriate and/or offensive sites may not be blocked. Similarly, the software may block appropriate and/or legitimate sites. In addition, all computer software and equipment is subject to malfunction. While every effort will be made to accommodate legitimate requests to disable the filter or unblock a site, our ability to do so is determined by conditions outside our control.

Staff Assistance

1. Library personnel will take reasonable and known precautions to prevent loss of data, but the patron attests that all data has been appropriately saved and separately backed up to prevent a permanent loss of data; and if the patron experiences loss of data, the patron will hold the library and its personnel harmless for any data loss.
2. Library personnel may be able to offer suggestions and answer some questions. For more in-depth training, see our schedule of events for Computer Classes and Tech Nights.
3. Because some library personnel are more knowledgeable than others and their presence depends on particular schedules, more or less assistance may be available to patrons at any given time.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure uninterrupted access to the Internet, no warranty is provided and the library or MCLINC is not responsible for any loss, financial or otherwise, associated with the use of this service. Software and information downloaded from any source may contain viruses or other malicious content. The library is not responsible for damage to users’ back-up media or computers, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the library’s computers.

Termination or Prohibition of Computer User Access
Internet access is a privilege. Use of any library computer constitutes an agreement to abide by this policy. Inappropriate use, as determined by the library staff, may result in the loss of all computer access and/or prosecution under applicable state and federal laws.

Learn about test proctoring at the library.