Bigelow Free Public Library

Bigelow Library added a GRIT Freedom Chair to its Library of Unexpected Items.

Read more from The Item newspaper.

CLINTON — The Bigelow Fee Public Library was recently awarded one of the AARP’s Livable Communities grants. With this grant, the library was able to purchase a GRIT Freedom Chair to add to its circulating collection of the Library of Unexpected Items (LoUI).

The Freedom Chair is available to adult patrons with a valid CWMARS library card, who must pick up and return the chair to the Bigelow Free Public Library. This off-road wheelchair can be disassembled at the library, stored in a car, then reassembled at the off-road site.

Library staff and Friends recently tested the chair at Clinton’s Rauscher Farm. The chair can be maneuvered by its occupant using levers or patrons can borrow additional push bars for another person to push from behind.

“I can see someone riding this chair down this trail,” said Ray Stowell, a member of the Rauscher Farm Subcommittee, who tried out the chair. “It opens up many possibilities.”

The Freedom Chair can be borrowed for up to two weeks with a valid library card. It can be used to explore the trails around Clinton, as well as Mass Audubon or Trustees of Reservation properties. Discount passes for these areas can also be borrowed with a valid library card.

For more information about the GRIT Freedom Chair or to borrow any of the LoUI collection, you can call (978) 365-4160, visit at 54 Walnut St., Clinton, or view the collection online at www.bigelowlibary.org. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Did you know that you can support the Bigelow Library’s future plans by donating to the Bigelow Free Public Library Capital Improvement Fund Every dollar donated gets us that much closer to our goal of a new or renovated library, and Clinton residents closer to the best library possible!

Did you know that the Bigelow Free Public Library
offers discount passes to 24 local attractions?

Did you know that you can make a reservation
for a discount pass with your library card online?

The library now has an online system to reserve your own museum passes —
you can search by date or by museum.

Please check the particular museum’s website to find out the most accurate and up-to-date information concerning open hours, museum pass discounts, benefits, and restrictions before your visit.

Did you know that we have a YouTube channel?
It’s a great place to catch up on our recorded virtual programs and other fun videos!
Check us out!

Nurture your creative side with 1000+ video classes
in painting, knitting, crafting, sewing & more!
*Use your Bigelow Free Public Library card to log in and create an account!

Our library provides free access to ConsumerReports.org, a buying advice tool that will ensure you get the best deal or product. You can use it to find reliable ratings and reviews for thousands of products and help you make the most of your time and money. You can also access money-saving advice and tips, buying guides, videos and more.

*To access from your mobile device,
please enter your Clinton library card number when prompted.

Ready to learn something new?
Try Universal Class with your Bigelow Library card!

More than 500 classes to choose from!

Continue Your Education with Universal Class

Knowledge is Power
Learn something new today! Universal Class offers hundreds of online CE classes facilitated by dedicated instructors sharing their knowledge on almost any imaginable topic. Join us today, and let’s start learning together.

Assessment of Your Progress
Verify your learning progress with the assessment of assignments and exams. Receive actual grades and feedback regarding your performance.

Earn CEUs and Certificates
Earn a certificate documenting your CEUs, contact hours, and course completion. Build your online portfolio and share your achievements with others.

Go At Your Own Pace
All courses are self-paced. This means you can learn when you want on your own time. You do not need to be online at a specific date or time.

We are so excited to offer Mango Languages to our library customers!

Mango offers 72 languages plus 36 specialty courses
(including Wine & Cheese French or Russian slang).
Sign in with your Bigelow Library card number & create an account to get started.

Mango prepares learners for realistic conversations and strengthens everyday communication skills in over 70 world languages, including English. Want to learn more than one lesson? Gain further access to Mango’s 70+ languages or 21 English courses by signing in with your library card number and creating an account! 

Gale presents: Peterson’s Career Prep*

• • • • Create a Résumé: Create the perfect résumé using an intuitive résumé building tool!
    • • Find a Career: Self-paced, easy-to-use guide for self-discovery, exploration and connection with training, education, and employment
    • • Career Colleges Search: Explore over 1,000 accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools that offer career specific education options for students seeking entry into trades, occupations, or professions
      • Advice: Learn how to find a new career, land the job, and thrive in your new position with the Virtual Career Library.

*An account is required to access this resource. On your next visit, you can use this account to get access to your saved Career Prep materials. An email address is not required to signup for an account.

• The Library of Things (LoT)?
• Library of Unexpected Items (LOUI)?
• Non-Traditional Items?
• Non-Book Materials?

It doesn’t really matter what this collection is called.
All that matters is that you are aware it exists!

Loan Instructions:

• Must be 18 years or older to borrow
• Must have a valid CW MARS Library Card in good standing
• Item must be picked up inside the Library and returned to the main desk
• Items have a two-week loan period
• Must be a Clinton resident to borrow a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Just ask at the main desk for more information!