Library Card Eligibility

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LIBRARY CARDS

The Richards Memorial Library is a member of the CW MARS network of libraries. Your CW MARS library card can be used at more than 150 locations in Central and Western Massachusetts. View the list of all CW MARS libraries here: https://www.cwmars.org/memberlibraries. Any resident of a Massachusetts community who is certified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is entitled to a free library card. 

With your free library card you have access to a wealth of services at the Richards Memorial Library. All card holders in good standing may borrow books, magazines, CDs, or DVDs. Adults (18+) may also borrow museum passes, the telescope, Switch games, literacy kits, or STEM kits. Your card may also be used to download e-books, magazines, audios, and videos on your mobile device through the Libby app.

Get Started with an E-card Today

Adults and Teens — If you are 13 or older and do not already have a CW Mars library card, please use this form https://catalog.cwmars.org/eg/opac/ecard/form to get started. For best results, provide all of the requested information. Your date of birth will ensure that you receive the correct type of library card, and you must provide your email address to receive your card number by email. To upgrade to a physical library card, please visit the library. 

Library Card Eligibility

In order to obtain a card, you must apply in person with a photo ID and proof of current address and fill out the registration form. The account is good for two years, at which time you will be required to validate or update your contact information with a CW Mars library to renew your account. The library card number will not change (unless you need a replacement card).

Forms of ID include, but are not limited to, a driver’s license with your current address or piece of mail.

Accepted forms of ID include:

• Driver's license, permit, or state ID
• Automobile registration
• Residential property tax statement 
• Lease or rental agreement or current utility bill
• Official photo identification from a school, employer, or government agency
• Bank statement or checkbook
• Piece of canceled mail

A library card is needed each time you borrow materials from the library. Please note: a photo of the barcode on your phone is also acceptable. Your card ensures accurate and fast checkout, enables you to borrow materials when our computer system is down, and protects your privacy at the circulation desk. Remember, you are responsible for all materials borrowed on your library card.

• Young adults (ages 12–17) must provide proof of address and registration information in order to obtain a library card. 

• Youth (ages 5–11) can also apply with a parent or legal guardian who has proof of address. A parent assumes the responsibility for that child for any fines or fees that may occur.
• Please note that if you already have a card from a CW MARS library in Massachusetts you do not need a second library card A valid card from any CW MARS library will work here in Paxton.
• Richards Memorial Library does not offer teacher cards.
• Residents of towns that are not certified by the MBLC are not eligible for a free library card.

Approved by the Richards Memorial Library Board of Trustees on January 23, 2024.

Non-resident Use of the Library

As a participant in the Library Incentive Grant/Municipal Equalization Grant (LIG/MEG) program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Richards Memorial Library must comply with requirements regarding use of its collection that are specified in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 19A & B and further defined in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (605 CMR 4.00).

The Richards Memorial Library extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to residents of the Commonwealth who reside in communities that offer state-certified library services. However, should a library lose its certification due to not meeting the Massachusetts state-mandated requirements, Richards Memorial Library cannot loan to said residents of a non-certified town. 

The Richards Memorial Library continues to extend access to its materials for use in the library by all Massachusetts residents as required by 605 CMR 4.0 (1), which states that “all residents of the Commonwealth shall have access to its reading and reference rooms under the same conditions as the residents of the community.”

Once a library is recertified, an immediate reinstatement of borrowing privileges will be provided to all affected borrowers.

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The Richards Memorial Library is a member of the CW MARS library network and allows non-residents with valid CW MARS library cards to borrow materials at any other library in that particular network.

If your home library card is not a member of the CW MARS network, the Richards Memorial Library reserves the right to require you to register in order to check out materials. 

Last updated January 9,2024.