How do I get a library card?

  • Please note: If you have a library card from any certified CW MARS library, you do not need to do anything – you can use it at the Townsend Library!
  • To obtain a library card you will need to fill out an application, and photo identification must be shown.
  • Parents/guardians are responsible for registering a child under the age of 12 for a library card, and must prove their identity.
  • Want access sooner? Eligible* residents can apply for an eCard!

    An eCard is a CW MARS library card that patrons can register for online to access electronic materials, such as ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases. The eCard is for patrons who do not already have a CW MARS library card.  eCards may be upgraded to a physical library card by visiting your local library.  

    Apply for a CW MARS eCard and use it online today!

    *Eligible patrons must be at least 13 years of age and live in a Massachusetts town with a public library certified by the MBLC to recieve state aid. 

​Who is eligible for a Townsend Public Library Card?

  • All Townsend residents.
  • All Massachusetts residents with the exception of those from towns/cities whose libraries have been decertified.

Out-of-state Patron Revised Policy January 1, 2016

  • All out-of-state patrons will be required to pay an annual library membership fee of $20.00 per card. The annual fee will be waived for any out-of-state resident who works in Townsend – supporting documentation will be required.
  • Out-of-state fees may be paid by cash or check only – checks should be made out to the Town of Townsend.

Patron Responsibilities

  • Patrons must present their library card when they bring library materials to be checked out at the circulation desk.
  • Personal account holders and/or the responsible adult of a child card holder are responsible for any items checked out on their account and any fines or fees accrued on their account.
  • If any library card is lost or stolen the patron must notify the Library. Upon such notification, no materials will be loaned against that card.
  • A replacement donation of $1.00 is asked for a new card.

When your library card “expires” it’s just a way for us to make sure we verify your current account information is correct. You do not need to get a new card, and it only takes a few minutes to update your account. You should receive a reminder email a week before your card expires. 

Expired library accounts can be updated in person, by phone 978-597-1714, or online. Online library card renewal (eRenewal) is available for most Massachusetts public library patrons. Out-of-State patron cards are not able to be renewed online. If you have any issues renewing your card online, please call or come into the libarary and we will be happy to assist you.

 

Federal and State Tax Forms

Tax forms are usually available at the beginning of January.

Forms available at the library: 1040 (and instructions), 1040-SR (and instructions), Massachusetts Resident and Massachusetts Non-Resident forms and instructions. 

The IRS is encouraging everyone to file taxes electronically as paper returns could be delayed several weeks. For information on how to e-file click here.

  • All Federal tax forms, including prior years, can be printed from the IRS.gov website 
  • All State tax forms and information can be found on the Massachusetts DOR website
Links to the most common forms:

1040 Form (1040EZ no longer in use, if you previously filed using 1040EZ please use the redesigned 1040 form)

1040-SR (Form 1040-SR is available as an optional alternative to using Form 1040 for taxpayers who are age 65 or older.)

1040 Instructions

To request a study room please call the library (978)597-1714.

To request a meeting room please fill out this form.

 

To request a room for a meeting or non-profit use, please fill out this form and email to: townsendlibrary@cwmars.org

Manage My Account

Online access to your library card is an easy way to manage your library account; you can:

  • search the CW MARS catalog
  • view items you have checked out
  • renew eligible items
  • place holds on items from other libraries
  • view & pay fees or fines
  • keep track of your reading history
  • rate the books you have read
  • update your contact information or expired library card
  • create & save lists
  • sign up to receive SMS text messages from the library

Login to Your Account

Click on Sign In and enter the 13 digit barcode number that is located on your library card.

Next, enter your PIN or password. If you are logging in for the first time your default PIN/password is the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with your library account. If that doesn’t work, try using your last name all in capital letters.

If you have lost your library card, feel free to call the library at 978-597-1714 and ask a staff person to look the number up for you. The next time you are at the library you are welcome to purchase a replacement library card for $1.00.

Still having trouble accessing your account? Please call the library at 978-597-1714 so that we can assist you.

94% of CW MARS libraries are now fine-free, including the Townsend Public Library! This means that overdue items will not accrue fines. Lost, missing, or damaged items are still each patron’s responsibility, and bills will be issued for such items.

Accounts with $10.00 or more in fees/fines, will not be able to check out, renew, or place holds on items. If you have questions about fines on your account, please contact the library.

There are two ways to pay your fines for lost or damaged items:

  1. In the library you can pay with cash or check.
  2. Online with a debit/credit card through your library account.
    To pay on-line:
    1. Log into your account.
    2. Navigate to “Pay Fines” and follow the payment instructions.

The library takes seriously the privacy of your library records. We therefore, do not keep track of what you borrow after you return it.

However, your online account has a feature called “My Reading History” that allows you to track items you check out. Participation in the feature is entirely voluntary. You may start or stop using it, as well as delete any or all entries at any time. If you choose to start recording “My Reading History,” you agree to allow our automated system to store this data.

The library staff does not have access to your “My Reading History,” however, it is subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and under those laws, could be examined by law enforcement authorities without your permission. If this is of concern to you, you should not use the “My Reading History” feature.

Wireless access is free of charge. On your laptop or device connect to the network called “LibraryPublicHotspot” 

You will be prompted to accept the terms of use, and upon accepting the terms you will be able to access the internet.

Library staff are not trained to configure personal computers to access wireless networks.

Looking for that special book, movie, or music CD? If it’s out there, we want to help you find it!

You can follow a few steps to try and find it at your own Library, within the greater networked Library system, or within Massachusetts.

Step 1: Please search the CW MARS Catalog first. This search system will look for titles both in Townsend Public Library and in the C/WMARS Library system, a library network for central and western Massachusetts public and academic libraries with more than 8.5 million physical items and ebooks available to borrow.

Step 2: If the material you want is not available in the CW MARS catalog, please log in to the Commonwealth Catalog, sponsored by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. You will need your library card number and PIN. For additional assistance, please contact the Townsend Public Library.
The Commonwealth Catalog extends your search beyond your local library’s resources. In one easy step, you can search through millions of items at participating libraries across Massachusetts to find the books, DVDs, and music you’re looking for. Make a request and it will be delivered right to your local library for quick pickup.

Step 3: You still can’t find it…What now? The library is here to help!

Visit, call, or email the library to request the title you need. We will search beyond our system of libraries for your query.

Still have questions?

Please email, call, or visit the library for assistance.