How do I get a library card?
Visit the circulation desk at the library, and depending on your age, bring the following documentation:
Adults, 18+ years: Bring a picture ID and proof of your current address.
Teens, 16+: Bring a picture ID.
Teens, 12-15: No ID required.
Children, 3-11: Bring a parent or guardian (with their ID or library card).
Please note: MA state law prohibits disclosure of information on a library card to anyone other than the cardholder, regardless of age, without consent of the cardholder. Parents are strongly encouraged to hold onto cards for their children, or add children's cards to their CWMARs app if they wish to check books out, place holds on books, or get a list of titles checked out on a child's card while at the library.
You will fill out a library card application and be issued a card.
If you need access to digital content immediately, you can sign up for an eCard today!
What can I do with my library card?
You can borrow almost anything at the library! You also have access to online databases, eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines, free music and movies and much more!
How do I access my library account online?
Login here
What can I do? View checked out and overdue items, request items, view and pay fines owed, see your lists, update your contact information, reset your password, update your preferences, and more.
Tips for using your library card:
When your library card is issued, your PIN/Password defaults to the last four digits of the phone number you gave on your card application. You will need this to log in to your online account.
Change Your PIN/Password:
You can change your PIN by navigating to Account Settings --> Reset Password.
Overdue Fines:
The Northborough Free Library does not charge daily overdue fines. If you request books from other libraries, you are subject to their fines. You are also charged for items not returned, or for items returned that are damaged or missing pieces.
Renewals:
Most items have one renewal that occurs automatically if the item isn't returned on or before its initial due date. You can manually renew earlier than the due date if desired.
Email:
The library uses your email address only to send notices to alert you: When a requested item (Hold) has arrived, when an item will be due in 2 days, or when an item is 2 weeks overdue. If you'd like to receive the library newsletter, we maintain a separate email list. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Changing your Email:
Login, then navigate to Account Settings --> Contact Information.
Error Messages:
When requesting an item, "See a librarian," usually means that the library simply needs to update your information. This cannot be done by email; please call Circulation at 508-393-5025, x1.
I don't know my PIN
Your PIN defaults to the last 4 digits of the phone number we have on file for you. If that is not working, call the Circulation desk at (508) 393-5025 x.1 to have library staff reset your PIN.
My card is blocked/not working.
You cannot place holds, borrow items or use databases if your library account is blocked.
Why your card may not work:
A) Your card is expired. You may renew your card in person, online by logging into your account, or by phone. We will check that your address, phone, and email address are correct. Your card will be renewed for another 2 years.
B) You have a library item that is more than 28 days late. You must return the item before you can use your card.
C) You owe $10 or more in late fees. You must pay enough of the fees to take your balance below $10, before you can use your card.
Call the Circulation desk at (508) 393-5025 x1 to identify and resolve issues with your library account.
How many items can I borrow? How long can I keep them?
You may borrow up to 50 items at one time. At the Northborough Free Library, most items have a 3-week loan period and are automatically renewed once on their due date. Other items have a 7-day loan period with one automatic renewal.
Loan Periods for Common Items
| Type of Material | Loan Period | Limit per Card |
| All items combined | 50 | |
| Books | 3 weeks | -- |
| Audiobooks | 3 weeks | 20 |
| Music CDs | 3 weeks | 20 |
| Puzzles | 3 weeks | -- |
| DVDs | 7 days | 10 |
| Magazines | 7 days | -- |
| Videogames | 7 days | 5 |
The Northborough Free Library does not charge daily fines on our own items, but if you request books from other libraries, you are subject to their lending policies and may end up accruing fines from their items.
I lost or damaged an item I borrowed.
If you damage or lose an item, you must pay for a replacement. Sometimes we allow you to buy a replacement copy at a store, but you MUST have permission to do so first. Please contact the Checkout Desk if you have questions, and we will refer you to the correct staff member. Lost or damaged items belonging to other libraries are subject to the owning library's policies.
The library is unable to refund money if you return a lost book for which you have already paid.
Can I see my borrowing history?
Yes! However, you must turn this feature on in your library account.
Your Reading History allows you to keep a list of the books that you've borrowed. For your privacy, the library doesn't keep records of the items you've returned. This list is confidential and accessible only to you. Your Reading History will begin only once you activate this feature:
Log in to your account, then navigate to the Reading History option. Click on Start Recording My Reading History. You can delete individual titles, delete all titles, or click Stop Recording My Reading History at any time.