How do I...
You may register for or renew a library card in two ways:
- In person at the library:
- For new cards (or for renewals if you have changed address), you must have a valid license or state-issued ID showing your current address. If your license is not current, you will need to provide at least one piece of mail with your address on it to verify your residency.
- Fill out an online application:
- Online applications for new cards will require that you come to the library within one month of the date of issue to complete the address verification and convert your card from temporary to regular status. Online applications for existing accounts will be processed as renewals; if you have changed address, you will be asked to show proof of address at your next visit to the library.
The library can issue you a new card at a cost of $2.00. You will need to bring your license or another form of identification.
The library offers a variety of passes to area museums and attractions. Call the library at 508-841-8609, x3, for availability, or you can reserve a museum pass online.
You can access our library catalog and your library account online. The library also offers a wide range of electronic resources:
The library has computer workstations equipped with internet connections, Microsoft Word and Excel, and other productivity applications available for library patrons with a valid library card in good standing.
The library is also equipped with publicly accessible, free WiFi throughout the building that can be used with a laptop or other WiFi enabled device. Please note, however, that public WiFi is unsecured; your device may be accessible when using public WiFi, unless you have up-to-date anti-virus software or other protections in place. The library cannot assume responsibility for any damage or unauthorized access to your device.
The library is equipped with publicly accessible, free WiFi throughout the building. Please note, however, that public WiFi is unsecured; your device may be accessible when using public WiFi, unless you have up-to-date anti-virus software or other protections in place. The library cannot assume responsibility for any damage or unauthorized access to your device.
The library does not offer family memberships. We ask that each individual have their own library card. Library cards are non-transferable, and must be presented each time a library transaction is made. You can register for a library card online.
Everyone is welcome at the library. However, until a child is in seventh grade, they must be continually attended by a parent, caregiver, or guardian in all parts of the library. Children in grades seven and eight may be left unattended for a maximum of two hours.
Items from all CW MARS member libraries may be requested for pickup at the Shrewsbury Public Library. You may request a title or other items by inquiring at the circulation or reference desk, or by placing a hold on an item through our online catalog.
You can use your Shrewsbury Public Library card at over 160 public libraries in the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing library consortium organization (CW MARS). Your card must be current, in good standing, and not have fines in excess of ten dollars.
We have two copiers available for public use at $0.15 cents per page for black and white copies, $0.30 cents per page for color. Please see our Computers, WiFi, and Printing page for more information.
We have one fax machine available for patron use on the second floor of the library. This machine only accepts credit or debit cards. The cost for USA, Canada, and Caribbean faxes (or to send to an email) is $1.75 for the first page, and $1.00 for each additional page. For international faxes, the first page costs $3.95, and each additional page costs $3.45. Please see our Computers, WiFi, and Printing page for more information.
You may bring items that are gently used, clean, and in good condition to the circulation desk on the first floor. Please see our Donations page for more information on what we accept.
For the most up-to-date program information see our Events calendar.
The library also publishes a quarterly newsletter with descriptions of upcoming programs for that season. The print newsletter is mailed to homes in Shrewsbury every three months. Additional copies of the newsletter are also available at the library, or from our online newsletter archive.
You can find out about fines in the following ways:
- Log in to your account online to check for any current fines
- Call the library circulation desk at 508-841-8609 to inquire about fines and any possible fines associated with your account
- Review our Loan and Fines policy
To find out about when your items are due:
- Log in to your account online to check item due dates
- Check your receipt from the time of checkout
- Call the library circulation desk at 508-841-8609 with your card number handy, and we can check for you
You can return library items through the book drop chute in the library lobby when the library is open, or through the exterior book drop chute, near the main entrance, when the library is closed.
Electronic devices (such as WiFi hotspots or Chromebooks) and Library of Things items must be returned to the reference desk on the second floor of the library. Fragile or large items must be returned at the front desk to avoid damage, but most library items can be returned through the book drop. You can also return items to other neighboring libraries and they will check them in and forward them along to us.
