Get a Library Card

Required Documents

To obtain a card, provide proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include:

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License or State ID with current address
• 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 short-term residence.

Card Usage

• Your Worcester Public Library card can be used at any library within the CW MARS consortium.

• It is valid only for the cardholder and should be treated with care. You are responsible for all materials borrowed using your card.

Renewals and Loan Periods

• Eligible items will automatically renew on the due date. If you have an email on file, you will receive a notification. You can also check the status of items by logging into your account.

• Loan periods may vary by library..

Holds and Pick Ups

• To have someone else pick up your holds, they must have your library card.

• Holds are kept for 7 days, and you can have up to 20 at a time. Contact the library if you cannot pick up your hold within the timeframe.

PIN Number

Your PIN allows access to your account and public computers. If forgotten, you can reset it online or at the library with your card and photo ID.

Lost or Forgotten Card

• If you lose your card, notify the library immediately. Replacement cards are free of charge.

• If you forget your card, you can use a photo ID at the circulation desk but will need your card for self-checkout machines.

Contact Information Changes

Notify the library of any changes to:

• Name
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address

Expired Library Card

Library cards are valid for two years. You can renew your card by confirming your address. If you’ve moved, provide proof of your new address.

Organization Cards

Organizations can apply for a library card with a letter from the director on official letterhead, listing approved users. The card will be kept at the library, and the organization is responsible for all items checked out on the card.

Fines and Payments

Worcester Public Library is fine-free, but fines from other libraries can be paid online or at any WPL location.

Lost or Damaged Items

• If an item is lost or damaged, contact the library to discuss payment or replacement options. The account holder is responsible for repair or replacement costs.

• For items from other libraries, payment must be made by check or money order to the owning library, or by credit card online. Cash is not accepted, and replacements are not accepted for these items.

• No refunds are issued if you find the lost item after payment.

• Borrowing privileges are blocked until the lost item fee is paid, or the item is returned.

Mobile Library Borrowing

Mobile Library patrons can borrow up to six items at a time, with one renewal allowed. The Worcester Public Library reserves the right to further limit the number of items borrowed based on the availability of materials on the Mobile Library. Loan periods are set according to the next scheduled visit and provided at checkout.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

ILL allows borrowing materials from other libraries. Some requests may have a service fee, which must be approved before processing. Items are checked out as WORP-ILL and must be returned to the location where the request was made.

Commonwealth Catalog ILLs

• Place requests through the Commonwealth Catalog by creating an account.
• Up to 10 active requests are allowed at one time.
• Loan period: 28 days, no renewals.

WorldShare ILL

• Requests can be made in person, by phone, or online through the Ask a Librarian page on the WPL website.
• You may have up to 4 active requests.
• Renewals are not guaranteed and must be requested three days before the due date.
• Loan periods vary by the lending library.

Responsibilities for All ILL Loans

• Return items to the location where the request was made.
• Do not remove the paperwork on the front of the item.
• You are responsible for any damage or missing pieces.
• Items are considered lost one month after the due date, and a default lost item fee will be charged. The fee may be adjusted once the actual cost is determined.