Accessibility
The building is accessible via a lift next to the front staircase. Once inside, an elevator serves all floors.
A Kurzweil machine for the visually impaired is available in the Reference Department.
Library Cards
Any resident of a Massachusetts community which receives State Aid to Libraries Grants, or full-time student in Massachusetts, is entitled to a free library card. Current library cards from other public libraries in CWMARS (Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing) may be used to borrow Forbes materials by residents of communities which receive State Aid to Libraries Grants.
If you need a card, please ask for an application at the main desk. A photo ID is required, as well as proof of address. Why we always need your Library Card Renewing your card
Borrowing
Loan periods: most items circulate for 3 weeks, with the following exceptions:
New books (from the "New" sections in the Reading Room and Arts & Music) circulate for 2 weeks.
DVDs, videos, and magazines circulate for 1 week. Museum passes circulate for 2 days.
All materials except museum passes may be renewed once for the same period.
Borrowing Limits: The following material types are limited. Each patron may borrow up to
- 5 DVDs (may include 3 Children's)
- 5 Books on CD
- 3 Playaways
- 5 Music CD Boxed sets (within a total of up to 20 Music CD titles)
- 1 Game
- 5 Current Magazines
- 5 Graphic Novels
- 20 VHS videos (or 15 if you are taking 5 DVDs, for a total of 20 movies overall)
Fines: Overdue DVDs and videos are charged a fine of $1.00 per day with a maximum fine of $5.00 per item.
All other overdue materials are charged at .10 per day with a maximum fine of $3.00 per item.
Blocked cards: a patron is prevented from borrowing when there is more than $10.00 owed in fines or in overdue, lost or damaged materials.
Paying Fines Online
You can now pay library fines or make a donation using your debit or credit card. Click here for details.
Renewing Library Materials
To renew items you have charged out, see instructions here. If you'd rather have library staff renew them for you, please phone during open hours.
Reading History
You can track your borrowing history by maintaining an online "Reading List." Here's how to set it up.
Holds/Requests
If the items you want are not on the shelf, you can request them from any library in the CWMARS network.
Book and Media Drop Boxes
You can return materials in our outside drop boxes when the library is closed, or when you are just passing by and don't have time to come into the building. There are three boxes along the left edge of the exit driveway for returns. One box is for audio-visual items (movies, music, audio-books), one for books, and one for children's books. Please ask a staff member if you have any questions.
You can return Forbes items at any participating western Mass. library, and vice versa.