FRIENDS | EVENTS | LITERACY | COMMUNITY LINKS
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LIBRARY CARDS
A TIPCat bar-coded library card is valid at every public library in New Castle County. (TIPCat is the New Castle County Library Catalog.) The card offers Delaware residents free and equal access to information services and resources.
The Wilmington Library has its own computer system and, therefore, its
own policies regarding loan periods, renewals, borrowing fees, etc.
Their catalog is available at http://www.wilmlib.org.
Adult Cards
A library card will be issued to adults ages 18 and older after completing
an application and presenting suitable identification that shows their
current address. Such identification may be:
* A valid driver's license
* A utility or credit card bill with the person's name
Responsibilities
The borrower is responsible for:
Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Each borrower needs a PIN to:
LOAN PERIOD
The loan period for most library materials is three weeks. Please
note that libraries may set loan periods based on availability or type
of materials, e.g., Bear Library may have one policy on current "Bestsellers",
while Corbit-Calloway has another.
Receipts
A receipt is printed each time materials are loaned. It is important
that users check their receipt since loans may expire on different dates.
Please
keep your receipts to verify due dates and fines paid.
Renewals
Most library materials may be renewed with your card in person, via
TIPCAT
or by telephone (378-8838), if they are not reserved for another user.
The maximum number of renewals for most items is three. Renewals
may be made at any public library in New Castle County.
Returns
Returning materials on time makes them available to more people.
Library materials, with the exception of interlibrary loans and art prints,
may be returned to any New Castle County Library. Book drops are
available for after-hour returns. Any overdue fines can be settled
at your next library visit.
Overdues
An overdue item is one that is not returned by the due date.
(See Fines and Fees)
Overdue Notices
The first notice will be sent 8 days after an item is due. The
second and third overdue notices will be sent at subsequent two-week intervals.
If materials are not returned by the third notice, the items then become
"unresolved," and you will be blocked from borrowing any new items until
the problem is resolved.
Lost Materials
The borrower is responsible for the cost of a lost item. If a
lost item is found and returned to the Library, you will be refunded the
replacement cost, but will be responsible for all fines owed.
Claimed Return
If you receive an overdue notice for an item which you think you have
returned, please notify library staff.
Reserves
TIPCat (the automated catalog system) allows users to place a reserve
on most items. Once an item becomes available, the borrower will
be notified by telephone or e-mail. The borrower must pick up the
item by the specified date.
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TIPCat (New Castle County Library Catalog)
Other Delaware Catalogs
| Wilmington Public Library: Online
version (Java) - or - Telnet
version
Kent County: Online version (Java) - or - Telnet version Sussex County: Hollinet (Telnet version only) University of Delaware: DELCAT (or University of Delaware Library) |
Electronic Resources
The following resources are sponsored by DelAWARE: the Digital Library of the First State. You will need an active library card and PIN number to access these resources from home:
Public Computers and Workstations
Reference
- General reference and information services are available, including assistance
for children, senior citizens and customers with special needs.
Online - Basic instruction and assistance with Internet Searching, online databases and CD-ROM reference tools.
Del-Mar-Va Collection - Help with locating materials and use of special collections (for example, family history CD-ROM's and historical maps), instruction on use of computer and microfilm/fiche reader, use of Library's "Inventory List of Del-Mar-Va Materials."
Programs - The Library offers educational and cultural programs for children and adults throughout the year - click on "EVENTS" for current listings and dates.
Adult Education - Free tutoring is available for adults to improve reading skills, study English-as-a-Second Language or prepare for the GED. Click on "ADULT LITERACY" for more information.
Volunteers - The Library is a great place for community volunteers! The NEW START program needs "Volunteer Tutors" to help other adults improve reading skills. "Library Volunteers" help at the Front Desk and with other duties. Volunteers learn new skills and are able to help their neighbors. Call 378-8838 (Library) or 378-3444 (NEW START).
Meeting Rooms - Meeting space is available for civic groups, business and professional meetings and community needs. No charge - reservations needed - subject to availability. The photo below shows our newly renovated basement meeting room.
Additional Services and Equipment
GOVERNANCE
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Year 2007
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The Library was established in 1847 as a private institution with the
public service mission of providing free library materials to the residents
of the immediate school district. Although social changes in the
intervening years have enhanced that early mission, its core values of
free service, equal access and responsiveness to community needs have endured.
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The Library is a private, incorporated institution
with the public service mission of providing residents of the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend
area with a full range of modern-day library services and materials,
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Throughout its history as an incorporated non-profit, the Library has been governed by a five-member Board of Trustees who serve four-year terms and may be re-elected by majority vote. Officers are elected at an annual meeting, serve one-year terms and may succeed themselves in office. In all matters of policy, employment, budget, planning and legal affairs, the Board acts as the Library's ultimate governing body and may delegate such authority, as it deems necessary, to the Library Director who serves as chief administrative officer.
Since the mid-1970's, Corbit-Calloway has been a "Contractual Library" member of the New Castle County Library System, receiving a share of operating funds pursuant to an annually renewable contract. On behalf of all public libraries in the County (except Wilmington), the County also finances and manages "TIPCat", an automated catalog and circulation system. Through TIPCat, the Library has access to Internet, other Delaware library catalogs and several online reference subscription services paid by the Delaware State Division of Libraries.
Additional operating revenue comes from the Division of Libraries in the form of an annual, non-competitive grant requiring that the Library meet specified performance standards. The NEW START adult literacy program is funded through annual competitive grants from the State Department of Education. These resources are supplemented by local user fees and fundraising, contributions from the Friends of CCML and a small endowment whose earnings are dedicated to support of the Del-Mar-Va Collection. Building and capital expenditures are locally funded.
HISTORY
The following link [pdf document] is a brief history of the Library written in 1979 by Susan C. Jamison who formerly served as Library Director.
The Face of a Town: The Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library, 1847-1979 by Susan C. Jamison
Over the last quarter century, the Library has seen a steady increase in circulation and membership. It has become an active community center, presenting new and innovative programs for children and adults. The Library is part of the New Castle County automated library catalog/circulation system called "TIPCAT." The Library's ever-growing Delaware Collection of 9,000+ items attracts people from in and out-of-state for research on genealogy and regional history.
Since 1991, the Library has served as sponsor and headquarters for the
NEW START Council of Laubach Literacy Action. Funded by State and
Federal grants, this volunteer tutoring service provides help with reading,
math, and GED preparation for adults in lower New Castle County.
Click here for Friends of the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library