Book Mailing Service

Book Mailing Service

A book mailing service is provided for the benefit of Athenæum members. Book requests may be placed with the Circulation or Reference Department by phone, by email, or by using the “Request” function in Athena.  Circulation regulations are the same as for books checked out at the Front Desk, with the exception that oversized books and books in fragile condition are not mailed.

            Materials from the Special Collections do not circulate and are never mailed.

Charges

There will be a handling fee of .50¢ added to the cost of postage for each package mailed.  Readers will be billed once a year for outgoing parcels and are asked not to include remittances when they make their requests.  The borrower is responsible for postage on all packages returned.

Responsibility for the Books

The Athenæum is responsible for the books mailed to our readers until the books reach their destination:  replacement costs for books lost en route to the reader will be assumed by the Athenæum. Replacement costs for books damaged while in the hands of the borrower or lost en route to the Athenæum will be charged to the borrower.

Wrapping of Books Sent by Mail   

Books sent by mail are wrapped in corrugated cardboard and brown paper, sealed with adhesive tape. Return labels are provided. When returning books, readers are requested to use the same or equivalent packaging material; padded envelopes (jiffy bags) are not considered sufficient protection in returning books.