FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOLTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
When is the Library open?
Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays: Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10-8
Friday: 10-5
Saturday: 10-3
Seasonal/holiday closings as posted and/or recorded on the library’s answering machine.
May I use the library for a meeting?
Currently in a temporary location while the historic building is under construction, the library doesn't have a meeting room or other reservable space.
Who may get a library card?
Massachusetts residents age 5 or older who fill out an application and present a current ID may be issued a card. A parent or guardian must co-sign a child’s application for a card. Library cards are not transferrable from one family member to another.
What are the Library’s loan policies?
Library cards must be presented when borrowing materials.
Each household may borrow six videos/DVDs at a time, no more of three of which can be new releases.
The following loan periods apply:
One day Museum passes
One week Videos, DVDs, magazines
Three weeks Books, recorded books
One renewal is allowed.
Material for which other(s) are waiting cannot be renewed.
Materials may be renewed by telephone when the Library is open. Materials may also be renewed online.
Does the Library have a photocopier?
Yes. Copies cost $.10 per page.
Does the Library have a fax machine for public use?
No.
How do I return materials when the Library is closed?
The library's after-hours book return moved with us. It's located on the covered porch at 563 Main St. Look for it near the entrance to the Clinton Savings Bank; it's a tan steel box marked BOOK RETURN.
May I return other libraries' materials to the Bolton Library?
Yes. The Central MA Regional Library System funds a courier service that moves library materials all over the region, and is linked to similar services statewide. Please note, however, that we can check in only items that are owned by another library in the C/W MARS network. Depending upon the policy of the owning library, a late fee or fine may be assessed.
What happens if I return library materials late?
This Library charges no overdue fines on its own material. Material that is borrowed from another library (whether via interlibrary loan or other means) is subject to the owning library's policies.
In order to keep materials available to all borrowers, the staff mails reminders when materials are 10 days overdue. In order to defray the cost of mailing these notices, recipients are asked to reimburse for postage ($.25 per notice). Material which is thirty days past due is assumed to be lost, and borrowers are billed for the replacement cost. A nonrefundable billing fee of $3 per item is also assessed. If fees or fines accumulate and the total is $10 or over, borrowing privileges are suspended throughout the network until restitution or return is made.
What is a museum pass?
The Friends of the Bolton Public Library purchases passes allowing free or low-cost admission to the following museums and attractions:
Davis Farmland, Sterling
Ecotarium, Worcester
Fruitlands, Harvard
Higgins Armory, Worcester
Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston
Museum passes are sometimes available on short notice, but generally it’s best to reserve them ahead of time. Passes must be returned to the Library immediately after use.
Does the Library have an Internet connection?
Yes. The Library has Comcast internet access for public use on two PCs. For those with laptops, we also offer wireless service. Both are free of charge to use. Prints (from the wired connection) cost $.10 per page. Printing is not available for wireless users.
Is the Library’s catalog online?
You can also use the links on the library's homepage to search authoritative, full-text databases and dowload eBooks.
I want item that the Library doesn’t own. What do I do?
Let the library staff know. Depending upon the item requested, we may purchase it or borrow it from another library. As a member of the Central Massachusetts Regional Library System and C/W MARS, Bolton Public Library has access to all types of materials in libraries far beyond our walls.
Library users may also search for and request items, renew items, and manage their reading lists from their own computers.
Was the Library building once a church?
No, the library has always been a library. The Town Library was established in 1859 in Town Hall, but soon outgrew its space. In 1901, Misses Emma and Anna Whitney gave the Town $10,000 with which to build a library in memory of their father, Captain Joseph Whitney. The building was formally dedicated in 1904.
How can I support the Library?
There are several ways for individuals or groups to contribute:
Join the Friends of the Bolton Public Library.
Donate time or expertise. Possibilities includes leading a book discussion group, sharing a talent for computing or gardening, volunteering to file cards or cover books, giving a program about a hobby or trip. Please discuss your ideas with the Librarian!
Purchase a book of other material as a memorial or simply as your gift. The Librarian can offer suggestions.
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