FAQs • Shrewsbury, MA • CivicEngage

Does the library accept donated books and other materials?: Due to restrictions necessitated by the Coronavirus pandemic, the library is unable to accept donations of books or other library materials at this time.

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Library

1. Are there any museum passes available at the library?: Yes! Call the library at 508-841-8609 ext. 3 for availability or
reserve museum passes online.

2. Are there any online library services available to me from home?: View what sources are available from home.

3. Are there internet stations available at the library?: Yes, the library has computer stations equipped with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet connections. To use a computer you must have a valid library card in good standing.

4. Can children of all ages come to the library?: Yes, everyone is welcome in the library. However, children under the age of 10 must be continually attended by a parent or caregiver in all parts of the library.

5. Can I connect to the internet at the library using my laptop?: Yes, the library is WiFi equipped throughout the building (but there may be some spots less "hot" than others). You should be aware, however, that your laptop is vulnerable unless you have adequate and up-to-date antivirus software on it. The library cannot assume responsibility for any damage to your equipment.

6. Can I get an item from another library?: Yes, you can request items by asking at the circulation desk or through our online catalog.

7. Can I use my Shrewsbury Public Library card at any other library?: Yes, you can use your Shrewsbury card at over 100 public libraries in the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resources Sharing Network (C/W MARS), as long as your card is not blocked. Your card is blocked if you accumulate more than $10 in fines or fees.

8. Do you assign family memberships at the library?: No, we ask each person to have their own library card. The cards are non-transferable and must be presented each time a library transaction is made. Register for a library card.

9. Do you have a fax and copier available for public use at the library?: We have a copier available for public use at 15 cents per copy. We do not have a fax machine available for public use, but we can direct patrons to online services that allow previously scanned documents to be faxed via the internet.

10. Does the library accept donated books and other materials?: Due to restrictions necessitated by the Coronavirus pandemic, the library is unable to accept donations of books or other library materials at this time.

11. How can I find information about library programs?: The library publishes a newsletter every 3 months, which is mailed to every home in Shrewsbury. Additional copies are available at the front desk. Programs are posted in community newspapers, such as The Weekly Record, The Shrewsbury Chronicle and the Community Advocate. Look for signs around the Library and on Shrewsbury Public Access Channel cable as well. You can read copies of the newsletter in an online archive.

12. How do I get a library card?: You can get a library card in person at the library. You must have a license or state issued ID with your current address, or 2 pieces of mail addressed to your current address. There is no cost for getting a library card if you live in Massachusetts. Register for a library card.

13. How old do I have to be to get a library card?: You have to be at least 2 years old to get a library card.

14. What are the fines for late items?: You can call the library at 508-842-0081 for information about fines, or read the Library Loan & Fines policy (PDF).
Library Loan & Fines policy (PDF).

15. What do I do if I lose my library card?: The library can issue you a new one at a cost of $2 with a form of identification.

To find out when your items are due, you can do any of the following:

17. Where can I return library items?: You can return library items in the book slot near the main entrance, when the library is open or closed. We ask that you bring music CD's into the front desk to avoid damage to these fragile items, but all other items can be returned to the book drop. You can also return items to other neighboring libraries.