Borrowing
CW Mars
We are a circulating member of CW MARS (Central/West MA Regional Library System).
CW MARS is a consortium of libraries that make their materials available to anyone who holds a
CW MARS library card.
You must have a CW MARS card to borrow materials from the Richards Memorial Library. Please visit the library if you do not have a library card. Library cards from other CWMars libraries may be used at the Richards Memorial Library.
Loan Periods
Most items circulate for 3 weeks, with the following exceptions:
- DVDs, games, and magazines circulate for 1 week
- Periodicals circulate for 1 week
- Museum passes circulate for 2 days
If an account is in good standing, eligible items with renewals remaining will be automatically renewed one time.
Fines
Fines are assessed on overdue materials. Book and magazine fines are ten cents per day, movies are $1.00 per day. After an item is 30 days overdue it will be assumed that the material has been lost and the replacement cost of the material will be charged to your account.
If you owe more than $10.00 you will not be able to check any materials out. Fines may be paid at any C/W-MARS library with cash or check.Or you may pay online with a credit card by logging into your account.
Borrowing Limits
Each patron may borrow up to:
- 20 DVDs
- 20 audiobooks (Playaway and Book on CD combined)
- 20 Music CDs
- 1 Museum Pass (per household)
- 50 total items
Borrowing Privileges
A valid CW MARS library card must be used to borrow physical items. A valid card is one that:
- has not expired.
- has less than $10.00 in fines, replacement costs, and/or fees.
- has no lost or billed charges.
- has less than 50 items currently checked out.
Returns & Renewals
Library materials may be returned at any CW MARS member library. The exception is any Richards Memorial Library's museum pass. Museum passes must be returned to the Richards Memorial Library.
Library materials may be renewed with a valid library card.
Materials that are able to be renewed (i.e. have a renewal available) will be automatically renewed with no action needed by the patron. An email notification will be sent with renewal status of checked out items.
For More Information
Library Cards
Eligibility
Most Massachusetts residents, including students, are entitled to a free library card.*
If you already have a current library card from a qualifying public library in CW MARS you may use your existing card to borrow materials at the Richards Memorial Library.
* Any resident of a Massachusetts community which is certified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is entitled to a free library card.
How to Apply
You will need:
- A photo ID
- Proof of address
Young Adults (Ages 12-17) can also apply with a parent or legal guardian who has proof of address.
We generally recommend that children who can write their names or are beginning to read are the "right" age for their own library card.
Using Your Card Online
You can log into your library card online and see what you have out, renew items, place holds, or create lists for titles you want to remember for later.
Card Expiration
Library cards expire every two years to allow us to verify current information. When your library card has expired or is about to expire, circulation staff will ask you for an updated address, phone and email. Once your card is renewed, you will continue to use the same card.
Computers & More
Computers
We have three computers for public use in the Adult room. There is one computer in the Teen and Tween Room. The computers do not require a library card or a log in. They are available on a first-come first-served basis.
∙ No food or drink at the computers.
Fax
Fax servicesa are available.
Fee: $1 per page
Copying and Printing
Make black and white or color copies from one of our computers.
Fees:
Black and white: 10 cents per page
Color: $1 per page