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Welcome to The Muse Library!

Our library contains thousands of books, featuring great works of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, plays, writers resource books, books on craft, reference books, and more.

The Brame Family International Poetry Library also contains poetry from more than 100 countries, providing an international resource to the Hampton Roads area.

Members receive check-out privileges, but anyone is welcome to browse and read books while visiting.

Check-out privileges for the library for Muse members coming in Summer, 2023.

The Muse general collection consists of but is not limited to books, reference materials, anthologies, poetry, etc. Our special collection of screenplays and teleplays may be used in-house only.

Membership Library Account
Loan Limits: 5 Items
Loan Period: Thirty (30) days

LIBRARY POLICIES
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 2023
UPDATED: JUNE 13, 2023

LIBRARY POLICIES:

Library accounts will be issued to members upon their first library transaction. They will need to show proof of membership (membership status in Muse Account, emailed receipt, membership card, etc.) 

A non-member can use the library material on the premises.

Documents taken out of the shelves must be left at the Front Desk. Replacing the books on shelves is not encouraged as it may get misplaced. A misplaced book is a lost book.

Reshelving of books should only be done by library staff.

Readers should not mark, underline, dog-ear, write, tear pages or otherwise damage the library documents.

Screenplays, teleplays, and unlabeled books must be read only on the premises and should not be taken outdoors.

No library material can be taken out of the library without permission. Unauthorized removal of anything belonging to the library will be treated as theft and dealt accordingly.

Any  one  who  violates  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  library  are  liable  to  lose  the  privilege  of  library membership.

Books may be unavailable for repurchase/out of print, especially poetry. For everyone to have poetry books available for study and reading we ask that you handle books and return books on due dates.

Suggestions on all aspects of library services are welcome.

CHECK OUT PROCEDURES:

Check out privileges are reserved to Members only. Not a member? Sign up here! 

Individuals are limited to one (1) library account per membership.

Only five (5) books allowed for check out at one time.

Books can be checked out for 30 days, with no renewal, and must be returned to the Muse by the due date.

RETURNS:

Returns should be scheduled during our Open Hours (Tues.-Thurs. 10am-7pm, Sat. 10am-4pm)

Returns can be dropped off at the Front Desk to our staff/hosts.

Library staff make every effort to process book drops in a timely manner, but it is the responsibility of the member to ensure the materials are returned properly. 

Leaving materials outside The Muse does not ensure proper return.

The free library outside of The Muse is NOT a Book Drop-Off.

LOST ITEMS:

Material is considered lost when: it is 90 days overdue or The Muse is notified of the loss.

Members are charged the full replacement cost of the item.

The Library cannot accept replacements in lieu of payment.

PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:

All accounts can be paid in one of the following ways.

  • ONLINE- Coming Soon
  • IN PERSON- Payments may be made at The Muse Writers Center with cash or personal check.
  • BY MAIL - Payments may be made by check or money order to the following address:

The Muse Writers Center
Attn: Library
2200 Colonial Ave., Suite #3
Ghent, Norfolk, VA 23517

Checks are accepted for the exact amount only and must include: name, complete address, telephone number and driver’s license number.

Checks must be made payable to “The Muse Writers Center”.

REIMBURSEMENT:

All payments are final. There are no reimbursements for lost or damaged items.

Members should ensure they have searched completely for the materials before paying for lost items. Members may request staff to complete a search as well before paying for an item.

BLOCKED ACCOUNTS:

Library accounts with overdue materials will be placed in blocked status. Blocked accounts are prohibited from checking out or renewing Library materials.

Accounts will be unblocked when materials are returned or invoices are paid.

ACCOUNT RENEWALS:

In order to remain a library customer, members will have to maintain Muse membership.

Once a Muse membership ends, the member will have 30 days to return any borrowed materials.

BILLING AND NOTIFICATION CYCLE

NOTICES AND BILLS (TIME SENT)

Pre-Due Notice (3 days before item due date) should we have those? 

One Day Overdue Notice and Blocked Account (1 day after due date) 

Replacement Cost Invoice (90 days after Overdue Notice)

DAMAGED ITEMS:

In order to recover money needed for the repair or replacement of damaged library material, a non-refundable damage fee will be assessed, and members will be charged for damaged items returned to the Library in a state rendering material unusable by other members. Members will be notified about the charge via mail or email. An item is considered damaged when it is unable to circulate because of poor condition. Damage includes but is not limited to: soiling, liquids, personalization, graffiti, markings, negligence, destruction or abuse. Items exhibiting wear and tear from regular use and/or cosmetic imperfections may still be in circulation per Library staff discretion; those characteristics may be noted on the item’s record. Damaged items will remain available for inspection by the member for 30 days.

Welcome to The Muse!

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