Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a library card?
What is my PIN?
How many items can I borrow, and for how long?
How do I renew an item?
Why won’t it let me renew these items online?
How do I sign up for e-mail notification of reserves and overdues?
What museum passes do you have? How do I reserve one?
Does the Library have wireless Internet access?
Do you have study rooms? How can I reserve one?
Does the Library take book donations?
Q: How do I get a library card?
A: Come in person to the library. You must be at least 6 years old (or in the 1st grade) and have identification with your current address. You do NOT have to be a resident of Groton. Your first card is free; replacement cards are $5. See Borrowing for more information.
Q: What is my PIN?
A: Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a password code of 4-8 numbers or letters that enables you to access your account online. See Borrowing for more information.
Q: How many items can I borrow, and for how long?
A: Limits per card for each type of material (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) and loan periods are listed here.
Q: How do I renew an item?
A: Come to the Circulation Desk or call the library. To renew an item online, click on My Account and login with your library card number and PIN. Click on “Current Loans” and check the box for the items you wish to renew and click “Renew” in the bar above.
Q: Why won’t it let me renew these items online?
A: You will not be able to renew items that are already overdue, have been renewed twice, or are on hold for another patron. Call the Circulation Desk at 978-448-1167 or the Children’s Desk at 978-448-1168 for assistance with renewals.
Q: How do I sign up for e-mail notification of reserves and overdues?
A: Next time you are in the library, ask the librarian at the Circulation Desk to set your account preferences to email notification. If we don’t already have your email address, we can enter it then. You may change your email address at any time by logging in to “My Account” and clicking on the “Edit Account.“
Q: What museum passes do you have? How do I reserve one?
A: The Library has 23 museum passes that offer free or reduced admission to area museums, gardens, zoos, and other area attractions. You can reserve a pass online or by calling the library.
Q: Does the Library have wireless Internet access?
A: Yes. The Library provides free wireless Internet access throughout the building. See Computers for more information.
Q: Do you have study rooms? How can I reserve one?
A: There is a Quiet Study Room on the upper level available on a first come, first served basis. The Quiet Study Room and Small Conference Room on the mid-level may be reserved. See the Meeting Rooms sections of this site.
Q: Does the Library take book donations?
A: The Library no longer holds an annual book sale. If you are wondering what to do with your gently used books, here are some suggestions: Got Books (www.GotBooks.com or 978-664-6555) accepts books, CDs and DVDs. It has a pick-up service and local drop-off at the Groton Transfer Station.
Hands Across the Water (www.surplusbooksforcharity.org) collects books at Groton School for distribution to needy non-profit organizations overseas.
Operation Paperback ( www.operationpaperback.org) or Books for Soldiers (www.booksforsoldiers.com) accept donations of popular paperbacks and recent magazines for U.S. military personnel overseas. If you are interested in finding book sales at other libraries, check out the area listings at Booksalefinder.com.