Funny, we just had the same question come up.  It is definitely that time of
year!

For us it is more a matter of common sense, than policy.  At the moment, we
allow non-patrons to use our passes, as they're woefully underutilized.  As
well, pass usage is tracked via the state report, so we always want more
robust numbers, which also helps in the justification of continuing to pay
for having them each year.

If we had strong patron usage, this practice would likely be discontinued.

Lee M. Koenigs
Library Director
Libby Memorial Library
MLA Small & Rural Library Group Chair
Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
207-934-4351


-----Original Message-----
From: Maine Libraries Discussion List <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf
Of Alice Olson
Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2023 12:16 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MELIBS-L] passes and patrons

Do you require someone to be a patron of your library to utilize free passes
(that you have purchased) such as to The Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, for
example? Our services are free here, but we have had a disgruntled person
who wants passes but doesn't want to become a patron. I don't know why... We
are just wanting to see wha the rest of you do.  Thank you!