Mingalarama Buddhist Library (MBL) Information > FAQs
Library Cards/Accounts
Q: How do I get a library card? How do I get a library card for my child?
A: You must be a MD, VA and DC resident to register for a library card. After completing the library card application at MBL location, you will need to present photo identification with your name and current address, such as a driver’s license or MD, VA and DC states ID. Photo ID without the current address must be accompanied by printed personal mail postmarked within two weeks.
A parent or guardian must sign for a minor (under age 16) and present photo identification that has the parents’ or guardian’s name and current address, such as a driver’s license or MD, VA and DC state ID. Photo ID without the current address must be accompanied by personal mail postmarked within two weeks. If the child is not present, identification must be shown for the child, or most recent school report card.
Q: How do I inform the library if I change my address?
A: If you change your address, please contact the library in person or by phone 301- 439-4035 or email: library@mingalarama.org.
Q: What do I do if my library card is lost or stolen?
A: Please call 301- 439-4035 to report a lost or stolen card. You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card, so please make your report as soon as possible. There is no charge for replacing your card.
Q: What is your library ID number and how does it work?
A: Your “Library ID ” or Identification Number is the last four digits of your phone number unless you have chosen a different one. The library’s automated services such as telephone renewal and self-check out will ask for your ID.
Q: What are the borrowing limits on my library card?
A: With a new library card, you may have a maximum of five items on your card at any give time. After being MBL membership for 6 months, your limits are 7-10 items (books, compact disks and cassettes).
Q: What are the overdue fines for library materials?
A: Overdue fines for all borrowed items are 50 cents per day.
Q: How many times can I renew library material?
A: Library materials can now be renewed two times. Items that have reserves placed on them by other customers cannot be renewed. You cannot renew items if you have overdue fines totaling more than $5, or if the item is overdue, and the fine, when posted, will exceed $5. Also, you cannot renew if there is a Stop requested for the item for library processing or if you have a block on your card for other reasons.
Q: Can I renew library materials over the phone?
A: Yes. Call 301- 439-4035 to renew over the phone. You must have your library card number.
Q: What do I do if I have lost or damaged library materials?
A: If you have lost or damaged library materials you will need to pay for the cost of the item in double as well as any overdue fines associated with the item.
Q: How can I check the status of my library account?
A: You can check your account by phone. Call 301- 439-4035 during the library hours (Sat-Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) with your library card number handy and receive your account information including due dates, overdue fines, and the status of reserved items.
Q: What are the loan periods for library material?
A: Most books, compact disks, cassettes, and CD-ROMs check out for 14 days. (Some items in high demand have restricted loan periods.) Videos and DVD’s check out for five days. Non-fiction videos and DVDs check out for 7 days. Circulating magazines check out for 7 days.
Q: Can I renew items online?
A: No, at this time.
Working & Volunteering at MBL
Q. How do I become a volunteer at the library?
A. The library depends on our volunteers to work hand-in-hand with our staff to provide the best possible service to our community. Please contact the librarians at library or BABA if you would like volunteer.
Q. Who can volunteers for MBL?
A. Someone who is passionate about books, about learning and about fostering these loves in others; a high school student, a successful business person or a senior citizen.
Q. What are volunteers’ jobs?
A. Volunteer’s jobs include processing books, movies, periodicals, and more, helping customers with reserved items, tutoring, assisting with book sales, and playing a role at special events.
