Can I use my Worcester Public Library card at other libraries?

• Yes, you can use your Worcester Public Library card at any library that is part of the CW MARS consortium.

Do other libraries have the same loan period as the Worcester Public Library?

• No, different libraries have different circulation policies. Please be aware that other libraries may have different loan periods.

Where can I return borrowed library items?

• You can return most library items to any library in the CW MARS consortium. There are some items and interlibrary loan materials that must be returned to the location you originally borrowed the item from. For more information see our Interlibrary Loan FAQ at mywpl.org/article/interlibrary-loan-faq.

How will my items be renewed?

• Items with available renewals will be automatically renewed. Patrons will be notified of the success or failure of the renewal by email. If you do not have email, you may view the status of renewals by logging onto your library account.

What if I keep my items beyond the due date?

• You may be charged an overdue fine depending on the type of material. Please see our Borrowing and Fines Policy at mywpl.org/article/borrowing-and-fines-policy for specifics.

I tried to borrow material from the library and I was told my account is blocked. What do I do?

• Borrowing privileges are blocked when library materials are not returned, returned in poor condition, overdue fines reach or exceed $10, the library card expired, or a patron has 50 items checked out. A patron must come in to the library to resolve the issues before enabling full borrowing privileges.

I have fines on my account, how do I pay for them?

• You may pay for your fines online or by coming in to the library. The Worcester Public Library accepts payments in cash, checks or credit card. If you choose to pay by credit card, there must be a minimum $1 fine on your account. There are payment stations at the Main Library that accept credit card payments. At all other branches, you may pay by cash, checks or credit card. If you choose to pay by credit card, you would first need to use one of the public computers and log onto your library account before proceeding with your payment. Please note that the Mobile Libraries cannot accept payments for fines, lost or damaged items. You may pay online by logging into your library account, but there must be a minimum $0.50 fine on your account.

How can I pay my late fines on items from other libraries?

• You may pay for your fines from other libraries online or at any Worcester Public Library location.

I returned my library books, but my account says they are lost.  What do I do?

• Please contact the library. If a patron claims to have returned materials, the library will search for the missing items, and the cardholder is encouraged to do so as well. It may be that an item was returned damaged or with a missing part, and the item will remain on your account until the problem is resolved. Long overdue items will be billed to the cardholder’s account.

My child borrowed items from one of the Mobile Libraries, can they be returned to any library?

• Items from the Mobile Libraries can be returned to any Worcester Public Library location or any library in the CW MARS consortium.

I was told I could not borrow materials from Worcester Public Library because my home library is decertified, what does that mean?

• Public libraries in Massachusetts that do not meet minimum standards for funding and service necessary for certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner are “decertified” by the Board. Worcester Public Library does not lend materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.