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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

1904

Q: What are the key dates to be aware of?

Thursday, August 3rd until 5pm: The last day to choose Marlborough as a pickup location for holds.
Friday, August 11th until 5pm: In preparation for the move, this will be the last chance to pick up holds, reserve and pick up museum passes, and return materials to the Walker Building.

October 2nd at 10am: Join us in the courtyard for our official ribbon-cutting ceremony! Doors open to the public immediately following the ceremony.

Q: I have books, DVDs or other library materials, and I need to return them. How do I do that when the library is closed?  Will the book drop be available while you are closed? 

A: The last day to return items to the temporary Marlborough Public Library located at the Walker Building at 255 Main Street is Friday, August 11th by 5pm. The book drop will be unavailable while we're closed. You are welcome to keep your materials until we resume services at the renovated library at 35 West Main St. You may also return your materials to any CW MARS library. Nearby CW MARS libraries include Berlin, Hudson, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough. Please remember that MPL no longer charges or collects fines.

Q: My books are already overdue. Will I need to pay fines?

A: No, MPL no longer charges or collects fines. Any fines that may accrue are forgiven when the materials are returned. Any Marlborough items still on accounts when we close will be renewed automatically.

Q: If the library is closed, can I go to another library and check out books?

A: Yes! You are part of the CW MARS network of libraries, which connects most of the libraries in the central and western parts of the state. Your Marlborough Public Library card will be welcome at any of the member libraries, and we're sure that they'll be happy to serve you. Nearby CW MARS libraries include Berlin, Hudson, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough.  Sudbury and Framingham are part of the Minuteman network and your Marlborough library card will not work there.

Q: I'm trying to place an item on hold, but I'm unable to choose Marlborough as my pickup location.

A: You can choose a neighboring CW MARS library as a pickup location while our library is moving. Log in and place holds through our connection with CW MARS as usual; however, you will need to select a different pickup location to complete the hold request. Marlborough will be “grayed out,” making it unavailable as a pickup location, so choose which local library best suits your needs. Nearby CW MARS libraries include Berlin, Hudson, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough. Sudbury and Framingham are part of the Minuteman network and your Marlborough library card will not work there. Whatever you do, please remember that you will need to consider the hours the library is open and your own availability. Once an item has arrived at a library, it is hard to send it to a new spot. And, a small note: It might “look like” the hold was placed successfully, but unless you pick a new pickup location the hold request won’t actually "go through" or be completed.

Q: What will happen to my holds during or because of the move?

A: If the item hasn't come in before we have started our move, any holds which are scheduled to be picked up at the Marlborough Public Library will be held until re-opening.

Q: Can I still request Museum Passes?

A. Coupon passes that have already been reserved for the month of August will be will be available for pickup until August 11th.  Museum passes will not be available while the library is in transition.

Q: Why is the library closed to the public during the move?

A: We anticipate that the transition will be challenging, and we won't be able to offer services during this time. If things change, we will let you know!

Q: I have a question about my account/my account is expired. What can I do?

A: Please reach out to us at our contact form. We will respond as soon as possible Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. You can also call another CW MARS member library for help with your account.

Q: I need some advice about what to read.

A: We have a number of wonderful tools on our website that can help with this. We might suggest you try Novelist or consider other tools on our "Find a Good Book” page. 

Q: What does this mean for your Summer Reading Program?

A: The move to our new library may have gotten in the way of our regular annual Summer Reading Program, but we've still got you covered! This year, we're offering a year-long Reading Challenge for kids and teens, running from June 2023-May 2024! To participate, simply register for the MSLA Reading Challenge in our Beanstack portal, then meet simple monthly reading requirements such as "read a book set in a country you would like to visit," and "read an award-winning book." Each month you participate, you'll be eligible to win a raffle prize! Participate every month and earn a chance to win an awesome grand prize!  

Q: I noticed that the library still has tarps on windows, scaffolding, and other things that look unfinished. How will you be ready to open to the public with unfinished work?

A: There are a few items, like the historical Carnegie building, that need some final touches. These final touches will not affect our opening date.  

Q: May I drop off donations during the closure?

A: Storage space is limited at this time. For all donations, please wait until we reopen or donate them to another nearby library.

Q: Wow, this all sounds like a lot! How can I help?

A: The best thing you can do is to be patient with us as we work towards opening the new building. We’re sure there will be surprises along the way, but hope that with your support we can successfully move forward into this new chapter of the Marlborough Public Library together.