Get a Library Card
Welcome to the Bigelow Free Public Library! We’re glad you’re here.
In order to take advantage of all the Library has to offer, be sure to register for a library card.
- Library cards are available free of charge to all adults and children 5 years of age and older residing in Massachusetts. Cards are issued in person at our Main Desk or Youth Services Desk.
- You will need a photo ID listing your current address. If your ID does not list your current address, please bring a piece of mail or document with your name and address on it. This can be a lease agreement, bill, etc. and may be printed or digital. If proof of address cannot be provided, we will mail your new card to you.
E-Cards
You have the option to register for an online card, which will give you immediate access to your 24/7 library. If your Massachusetts address can be verified in the system, you’ll receive an eCard that is good for one year; this allows the use of online resources such as Libby, Hoopla, and Mango Languages. You will still need to go to the Library to convert to a full library card if you wish to check out physical items, including discount museum passes.
REGISTER ONLINE FOR AN E-CARD
Books and More
Using Your Card
Present your library card at the Main Desk or Youth Services Desk to check out (borrow) physical items. You can check out up to 50 items on your card at a time. Physical items you can borrow include:
- Books
- Large Print Books
- DVDs and Blurays
- Audiobooks
- Video Games
- Library of Things (available to borrowers 18+)
- Wi-Fi Hotspots (available to Clinton residents 18+)
- Museum Passes (available to borrows 18+)
Loan Periods for Bigelow Library-Owned Items
| Books and audiobooks (including large print and VOX books) | 3 weeks + one automatic renewal |
| TV Series (DVD + Bluray) | 3 weeks + one automatic renewal |
| Library of Things | 2 weeks, no renewals |
| Wi-Fi Hotspots | 2 weeks, no renewals |
| Movies (DVD + Bluray) | 1 week + one automatic renewal |
| Video Games | 1 week + one automatic renewal |
| Museum Passes | Due the day after use |
165+ Libraries
The Bigelow Free Public Library is a member of the CW MARS Library Network. Your library card entitles you to borrow materials from us as well as all 165+ member libraries in the system, which covers most of central and western Massachusetts.
- If we do not have what you are looking for in stock, many items from participating libraries can be sent directly to the Bigelow Free Public Library at no charge to you. You will be notified when the item has arrived at the Library and is available for pickup. Items will be held for seven days before being returned to their home library. This is called “Placing a Hold” or requesting an item.
- Visit our catalog to search all 8 million+ items in the system.
Accessing Your Account
Logging into your account allows you to see the status of your holds and checked-out items, place holds yourself, make lists, and edit account preferences. To access your account:
- Visit our catalog
- Click on “Sign In”
- Enter your library card number (the 14-digit barcode on the back of your card, without spaces)
- Enter your password (defaults to the last four digits of your phone number)
If you are having issues signing in, you may be able to receive a password reset link via the email associated with your account. Click on “Reset My Password” to do so. We are also happy to troubleshoot your account and reset your password via phone (978-365-4160).
Request a Book or Movie
Placing a Hold
- Visit our catalog
- Find an item by browsing the homepage or performing a search
- Click on the item you wish to place on hold
- Scroll through the list of options to find the format you would like (book, audiobook, etc.) and click the “Place Hold” button next to your preferred format.
- If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. See Accessing Your Account above for instructions.
- You will be notified through your preferred method of communication when your hold is ready for pickup.
