Westfield Athenaeum Library
Library Cards
In order to check out library materials or request items from other libraries, you will need a current library card.
If you have a card from another public library in Western Massachusetts that is a member of the Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing, Inc. (C/W MARS), you may use that card at the Westfield Athenaeum. This does not include College Libraries. Look for C/W MARS on the card.
Library cards are not transferable. No one may use another person's library card, with one exception : Homebound residents may designate another person who may use their card to borrow materials for them.
How to Get a Library Card
Signing up for a library card is easy! We offer both wallet-sized and keyring-sized cards. Adults can apply for a library card at the adult Circulation Desk, and parents or children can register in the Boys and Girls Library. To register you for a library card, we will need the following forms of identification:
Adults must show ONE current picture ID with current name and current address, OR TWO alternate forms of ID, one of which must show current name and current address. Please click here for examples of acceptable IDs.
Youth up through age 17
Any of the required acceptable IDs for adults OR the in-person request of the child's parent or guardian who has any of the required adult ID's.
Children
Children will need a parent or guardian to co-sign their application.
Students at Massachusetts Colleges and Universities
Required IDs for students at Massachusetts colleges and universities are:
- a current validated student ID AND
- (any) ID or document with current local address AND
- an ID with the permanent home address.
Present a photo ID, such as a driver's license, a passport, or school ID.
Present proof of current address, such as recently cancelled mail with current address, a driver's license with current address, pre-printed bank checks with current address, a lease, up-to-date car registration, or FID card.
Neat Things You Can Do with Your Library Card
- Borrow in person at more than 80 member public libraries in the C/WMARS Network.
- Return your materials to any of the 80 member public libraries and have them cleared immediately from your record.
- Check your library record, renew materials yourself, cancel holds online or reserve materials.
- Request materials yourself online from all member libraries and have them delivered to the member library of your choice.
- Receive overdue notices and holds available notices by email. Click here for instructions on how to sign up for email notices.
Check Your Own Circulation Record
Use your card to check your record online
- Go to the C/WMARS catalog
- Click on the LOGIN button
- Type in your library barcode number (found on the back of your C/WMARS card)
- Type in your PIN (Personal Identification Number)
The first time you access your record online, you will be prompted to choose a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Your PIN can contain numbers, lowercase letters, or a combination of both, not to exceed 40 characters. If you forget your PIN, go to any circulation desk and give the staff your library card. Since the PIN in your record is encrypted, staff will not be able to tell you what it is, but they will delete it and you can go back to the Online Catalog and create another one. For more information, click here.
Your record will display your name and address and all the materials you have checked out from any C/WMARS libraries, their due dates, and any outstanding fines.
If your name or address has changed since you first got your library card, please show the Circulation Desk staff some proper identification with your new name and/or address and they will update your record
Your record will also display any outstanding HOLDS you have placed for other library materials, and will give you the opportunity to renew materials.
Lost Library Cards
If your library card is lost or stolen, please report it to the library immediately. We will block the record so no one else can use your card. You may report the loss in person to one of our Circulation Desk staff members or by calling us at 413-568-7833.
You may request a replacement card by presenting a picture ID with your current name and current address to any Circulation Desk staff member. The replacement cost is $2 for adults or children.
Confidentiality of Library Records
In compliance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7, public libraries in Massachusetts are prohibited from providing information concerning the identity or intellectual pursuits of any library user to any other individual or representative of an outside agency.
