Library Card & Account FAQs

How to Get Your Library Card

Anyone age five and over may apply for a library card. Please visit the Main Library or the Islington Branch to fill out an application. You will need:

  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of current local address
  • Ex: driver’s license with current local address fulfills both requirements

Applicants below 7th grade need a parent or guardian with identification present to sign the application.

You can also get started with an online application for a library e-card. Apply online for digital access and complete your account registration in person.

Go to E-Card Application
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Download the App

Get the Minuteman Mobile App for quick access to your library collections and library card on your mobile device.

  • Quickly search our collections and reserve titles 
  • Browse new and popular titles in our featured booklists
  • Manage your holds, checkouts, lists, and account settings
  • Store a digital copy of your Minuteman card on your phone
  • Skip the line and checkout library items with your device’s camera
Download the Minuteman Library App

Frequently Asked Questions

Loan Periods, Replacement Fees, & Lost Items

You can always log into your library card account to see your checked out items and when they are due back. The standard loan periods for types of items are:

Type of ItemLoan PeriodRenewals
DVDs1 week2
AudioBooks, CDs3 weeks2
New Books2 weeks2
Books3 weeks2
Magazines2 weeks2
Lucky Day2 weeks0
Museum Passes24 hours0
Hotspots2 weeks0
Console Games3 weeks0

Westwood Public Library is fine free! No overdue fees will be charged to your account. We ask that you still try to return materials promptly so other people can enjoy them. Only the unnecessary hoarding of library materials can send you to library jail. See our Fine Free Policy for more information.

If something is lost, please alert library staff. We promise to be nice about it. A lost item must be paid for or replaced with an exact, unused copy of the item. Please check with a librarian before purchasing a replacement copy, as we may not accept the replacement. The replacement cost is based on the original price of the item. For a lost museum pass, there is a default charge of $25.00.

Some Library of Things items are expensive and breakable. If anything happens, please let us know (again, we will be nice). There may be replacement fees depending on the item. But we understand accidents happen and will do our best to find the best outcome both for you and the library.

Any replacement fees paid online or by credit card CANNOT be refunded, even if the lost items are found. If you paid a replacement cost by check or cash and can provide the receipt plus the items, a refund will be issued.

Holds, Pickup, & Book Return

Place holds on library materials through the Minuteman Library Catalog or by using the Minuteman Mobile App. If you need assistance, ask in the library at any service desk or call 781-326-7562.

We applaud your enthusiasm and yes, there is a limit of 50 holds per library card at one time.

You will be notified when your items are ready either through email, text or a phone call depending on your selection during the initial setup of your library card account. If you are unsure what method you choose or need to change it, let us know.

Both the Main Library and the Islington Branch have dedicated hold pick up shelves. Remember that items from the hold shelves must be checked out before leaving or they shall remain in Library Limbo forever. You will be asked for your library card during checkout.

Books from the Main Library and Islington Branch can be returned at the library’s circulation desk or by using the return slots located outside the building and just inside the vestibule. Westwood Library books can also be returned at other Minuteman Libraries and will make their way back to us. Please note that items from the Library of Things, including puzzles and games, must be returned in person at the Main or Islington Library.

Still have questions?

Get in touch!

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