Library Policies - Under revision 11/2023

How do I...

...Borrow materials from the Arms Library?

Books, audiobooks, DVDs, and museum passes may be borrowed from our library.

• Books may be borrowed for three weeks, unless they are new books. New books may be borrowed for two weeks. If you need a longer loan period, please speak with one of our staff members.

• Audiobooks may be borrowed for three weeks and may be renewed.

• DVDs may be borrowed for one week and also may be renewed.

• Materials may be renewed in person, online through your C/W MARS account, or over the telephone. In all instances, please have your library card available.

• When the library is closed, please put your books in the green bookdrop at the base of the library’s front steps.

Fees & Fines

• Books and audiobooks will be charged $0.05 per open Arms Library day.

• DVDs will be charged $1.00 per open library day.

• Materials dropped off on the days in between Arms Library open days will be backdated.

...Place Holds and Interlibrary Loans?

• If we do not have the materials you would like at our library, you may order them from C/W MARS, which encompasses over 100 automated public libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts. It’s easy to learn how to do this, and we are happy to show you how.

• If items are not available in C/W MARS, you may order from the Commonwealth Catalog, which gives access to millions of items at libraries throughout Massachusetts.

• eBooks and Audio Books: There are many books, audiobooks, and videos that can be downloaded to your electronic reading, listening, or watching devices through Overdrive.

...Order Books Electronically?

• Do you have a new e-reader and don’t quite know what to with it? Or need a refresher course? We can help you! Call to set up a time for a brief tutorial at the library, or drop in and ask if anyone is available to help right then.

• OverDrive is a network-wide collection of ebooks and audiobooks that are free for library member use. Titles in our OverDrive collection may be downloaded to a computer, transferred to a device, or accessed through an app on a smartphone or tablet. To borrow or place holds on digital titles, you need a valid library card.

• Visit the OverDrive Help page to learn more about how to use your device with the Digital Catalog and access the free OverDrive software.

...Use a Public Computer?

• The Arms Library has three computers with internet access for public use and one computer designated for the Arms Library and CW/MARS Card Catalogue. Two printers are available.

• We ask that you bring your library card with you and sign in to use the computers. Time limits are ½ hour to 2 hours; if no one is waiting, we are flexible about the time needed.

• You may also reserve computer time by calling us at 413-625-0306.

...Access the Library’s Wireless Internet?

• Bring in your laptops, tablets or smartphones and access free wireless internet anywhere in the library. There is no need for a password.

• Because the library’s internet access is never shut off individuals may access our wireless even when we are closed.

...Use Our Community Meeting Room?

The Kirby Langford Meeting Room is available free of charge for non-profit educational, cultural and civic purposes. Buckland and Shelburne residents or organizations are given priority for use of the space. To reserve the meeting room or for more information, drop by the library, or call 413-625-0306 during open hours.