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Get a Library Card

You may sign up for a library card in either the main library or the Youth Library. The application must be submitted in person. The card gives you borrowing and computer usage privileges, and also allows you to access the library's online resources from your home computer.

Massachusetts residents with ID can obtain a card for free; $2 is charged to replace a lost card. Cards are issued to individuals and should only be used by the person to whom they were issued. The borrower assumes responsibility for all items borrowed on the card.

An adult library card will be issued to you when ONE of the following is presented:

• a valid Massachusetts driver's license or learner's permit
• a valid Massachusetts State Identification Card

OR, any one identification from EACH of the following TWO lists:

1. Current picture ID, which includes name and photo:
   • Passport
   • Alien Registration card
   • Government issued cards, such as Military ID or D.O.C.ID
   • University or school ID
   • Out-of state driver's license
   • State issued photo ID, including Welfare, Medicaid or F.I.D. card
2. Address Verification (no P.O. boxes):
   • An imprinted bank check or deposit slip
   • Rent receipt (confirming 30 day occupancy)
   • Utility bill dated within the last 30 days
   • Letter verifying residency and mailing address dated within the last 30 days from a social service provider, temporary employer that provides housing, or a short-term residence.

If you are unable to provide these means of ID and address verification, we will mail you a postcard, and when you bring the card back, you will receive your card.

Most cards are valid for two years unless otherwise noted. Cards can be easily renewed at the check out desks by confirming orally that you still live at your current address. If you have moved, you are required to show the staff and re-verify your address by presenting one of the noted address verifications.

If your address was verified by either post card or letter, every 3 months you will be required to confirm your address orally.

YOUNG ADULT CARDS
If you have completed the sixth grade, but are not yet 18, and cannot meet the ID requirements, you will need your parent or guardian (with sufficient ID) to sign the application. Your card is valid for two years, or until you turn 18.

CHILDREN'S CARDS
Children ages 5 through the sixth grade need a parent or guardian (with sufficient ID) to sign the library application. The card is valid for 2 years or until the child completes the sixth grade.

OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS
If you are an out-of-state resident with sufficient identification, you are eligible for a library card for a $10 non-refundable fee. (This fee is waived if you own property in Fitchburg and present a tax bill.)
If you are an out-of-state resident with sufficient identification, who is visiting or working in the area for less than 3 months, you are eligible for a library card after paying a $5 non-refundable fee and providing verification of temporary address.

COLLEGE or PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS If you are a student at a local college or private high school, and have your school ID, plus photo ID with your home address, you may receive a library card. Students must show a permanent address as well as a local address. Student cards are valid until the end of the semester or school year.

Checkout limits and Loan Periods:

• Books (limit of 50 items) for 3 weeks
• CD's (limit of 8 per card) for 3 weeks
• Records (limit of 8) for 3 weeks
• Art Prints (limit of 2 for 2 month-loan)
• Videos and dvds (limit of 10 of each), one-week loan
• Audiobooks (limit of 5) for 3 weeks

Remember that your Fitchburg library card is good at other C/W MARS libraries, and that if you have a library card from another C/W MARS library, you may use it here in Fitchburg.

Fines for overdue books are $.10 a day, with a maximum of $5. Fines for overdue videos and DVDs are $1.00 per day, and fines for overdue art prints are $1.00 per day.
You may now renew books either by telephone (978-345-9635) or from home via the On-line catalog. Have your library card number handy.

Most periodicals and many reference books do not circulate, but the library does have copy machines (15 cents a page).