Library Services

How do I get a library card?

Library Cards are free and are renewable annually.

Adult Cards (18 years+): To obtain a library card you must present identification (photo id and a proof of current address). Chicopee residency is not required.

Young Adult (13-18 years): A young adult may sign for their own library card after presenting a current school ID and proof of address.

Youth Card (5-12 years): A parent or legal guardian must sign the registration form and present identification before a child (under 13) can be issued a card.

Note: All new card holders (first time borrowers) are limited to three items for the first checkout.

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How do I replace a lost card?

The cost of a first replacement card is $1.00 and any future replacements are $5.00 each. ID must be showned when a new card is issued.

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What can I use my library card for?

A valid card is necessary in order to borrow and reserve materials and is also required to use public access computers. You can borrow materials from any C/W MARS public library in Central and Western Massachusetts.

You may use your library card to access Chicopee's online databases and borrow museum passes.

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How many items may I take out of the library?

The maximum number of checkouts per visit are as follows:

You cannot take out more than the following amounts from libraries in the system:

The C/WMARS checkout limits per borrower are as follows:

Up to 50 items may be checked out on a card at one time.

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Museum Passes

Museum passes can be checked out of the library for a period of 1.5 days. Passes can be checked out by adults 18 years or older and may be reserved online up to 45 days before intended check out date. Passes may be picked up after 4pm the evening before your reservation and must be returned by 2pm on the day after. For more information about our museum passes, click here.

Loan Periods

21-day materials: fiction, non-fiction and paperback books for adults, young adults and children, large print books, books on tape, books on CD, music CDs, VHS tapes, language cassettes and kits

14-day materials: popular fiction titles

7-day materials: DVDs, magazines

2-day materials: museum passes

Non-circulating materials: reference materials, newspapers, and local history.

If you do not return your materials by the due date, you will incure a fine in accordance with our Fine Policy.

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Can I Renew My Materials?

With the exception of museum passes, 14-day titles, and materials that are on hold; all other materials must be renewed either in person, by telephone, or online, exceptions by apply. You will need to provide the barcode number of your library card or the barcode number of the item(s) for phone renewals. Materials that have reached billed status cannot be renewed.

Click here: Check my library record (renew or request books)

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What if the Chicopee Library doesn't have what I need?

Registered borrowers in good standing may request materials that are either checked out or available from other C/W MARS libraries. Patrons are notified by phone when the reserved item is available. Reserved items will be held for seven days. If a patron cannot be reached or fails to pick up the requested material within the allotted time, the requested item will returned to circulation.

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Book Return

For your convenience, a book drop is located at the entrance to the Main Library and in the Chicopee Senior Center.

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Do you have computers I can use?

Computers and printers are available for the public at the Main Library and branches. All locations have access to the Internet and the Library's online catalog. Patrons may reserve time on the Internet by signing in at an available computer with a valid library card. Patrons are allowed 1 session per day, up to a total of 2 hours if not reserved.

At the Main Library and the Chicopee Falls Branch Library, all computer reservations are handled through the library's PC reservation software. Procedures for reserving a computer may vary at other branches. Printing is available at 10 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color. Color printing is only available at the Main Library.

Files may be saved through e-mail accounts, disks, cds or USB drives. Disks and CD-Rs are available at the circulation and reference desks for a charge of $1.00 each. Please be aware that downloaded files may contain viruses. The Chicopee Public Library is not responsible for any damage incurred to a patron's disk, home computer, or for any loss of data, and advises patrons to have virus-checking software on their home computers.

For more information regarding computer usage please read the Acceptable Use Policy.

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Copiers & Microfilm Readers

The main and branch libraries have coin-operated copiers available for public use. Copies are 10 cents a page for black and white and 50 cents a page for color (available at the Main Library only).

The main library also has a microfilm reader/printer available and copies are 10 cents each.

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Can I donate items to the Library?

Download our Donation Form for Books
Download our Donation Form for Other Materials

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