4 Pond Road, Harvard, MA 01451
 978-456-4114

Circulation Information


How can I get a library card?  
Can I use my card at other libraries?
What do I do if I lose my library card?
How much can I borrow and what are your loan periods?
Can I renew library materials over the telephone?
Can I renew library materials over the internet?
What if I lose or damage something?  
How can I get an item if it is out to another borrower?
How can I get an item if Harvard Public Library does not own it?


How can I get a library card?

Anyone is welcome to use the Harvard Public Library.  To borrow library materials, patrons must register for a Harvard Public Library card, or possess a card from another library which is a member of Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing network (C/W MARS). To obtain a library card you must be at least 7 years of age, and present printed identification showing your name and current address. Parents or guardians must co-sign the application for children 12 and under.

Your Harvard Public Library card may also be used at other libraries that are members of the C/W MARS network.  Residents of towns included in the C/W MARS Consortium should obtain library cards in their hometown library.  The card can be used throughout the consortium.

Can I use my card at other libraries?

You may use your library card at any of the 126 online members of the Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing network (C/W MARS).  

What do I do if I lose my library card?

Please report a lost or stolen card immediately so you will not be held responsible for any items checked out on it.  You may apply for a new card upon presentation of identification and payment of $1.  Your card must be clear of any fines or delinquencies before you can reregister. 

How much can I borrow and what are your loan periods?

Each cardholder may have a maximum of 40 items checked out to his/her card at any one time. 

Type of Material Loan Period Renewal Options Overdue fines
New adult books  2 weeks may be renewed once $.10 per day
All other books  3 weeks may be renewed once $.10 per day
Periodicals  1 week may be renewed once $.10 per day
Videos - limit 4  1 week may be renewed once $1.00 per day
DVDs - limit 4  1 week may be renewed once $1.00 per day
Audios - limit 5  3 weeks may be renewed once $.10 per day
CDs - limit 5  2 weeks may be renewed once $.10 per day
CD-ROMS - limit 1  2 weeks may not be renewed $1.00 per day
Museum Pass - limit 1  1 day may not be renewed $1.00 per day


Can I renew library materials over the telephone?

Yes. Please have either your library card or the items to be renewed with you when you call. Our phone number is 978- 456-4114.

Loans cannot be renewed for items two weeks overdue, nor for titles requested by another patron.

Can I renew library materials over the internet

Yes. Please click here for instructions.

What if I lose or damage something?

The Library charges for the replacement of lost or damaged titles. A list of standard replacement rates is available at the Circulation Desk.

How can I get an item if it is out to another borrower?

You may reserve Harvard Public Library and other Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing network (C/W MARS) items that are out in circulation by:

  • Filling out a book request form at the Circulation or Reference Desk
  • Phoning the Reference Desk (978-456-4114)
  • Requesting it yourself through the online catalog.  (Click here for detailed instructions).

How can I get an item if Harvard Public Library does not own it?

If you find an item in the C/W MARS catalog that Harvard Public Library does not own, you may:

  • Go to another C/W MARS Library Consortium library and use your Harvard Public Library card to check it out, or
  • Complete a book request form at the Reference Desk or telephone the Reference Desk (978-456-4114) and request that we borrow the item for you, or
  • Request it online (Click here for detailed instruction).  

If an item is not listed in the C/W MARS catalog, you may complete a book request form at the Reference Desk, or you may telephone the Reference Desk to request it.  These items usually take longer to obtain.