Other Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a favorite author whose latest books you just can’t wait to read?   Do you rush right out and buy their newest releases?  The library’s Adopt-an-Author program is perfect for you!

Here’s how it works. You agree to adopt a particular author, and the library promises to order each new book that author publishes.  When a new book by your author arrives, you pay the library’s cost (which is often discounted by as much as 43%).  The library adds the book to its collection, puts an “Adopt-an-Author bookplate in the front of the book, and checks it out to you as the first reader.  After you return the book, it goes on the new book shelf for other readers to enjoy.  Everybody wins!  You get to read your favorite author’s newest books without delay, your bookshelves stay uncluttered, and the library’s book budget stretches a little bit further.

You will need to log in to your library account to renew materials online.  Click on the Login to My Account link on the right side of this page.   Then type the barcode number from the back of your library card in the box.  Do not put in any spaces.  Your password is the last 5 barcode digits, again typed with no spaces.  If you are not able to log in, you may need to have your card renewed or your password reset.  Call the library for assistance if you are not able to log in.

When you see an item you want to place on hold, click on the words “Place hold” under the listing for the item.  You will be prompted to log into your library account. The barcode number from the back of your card is your login (typed without any spaces) and the last 5 digits of that number are your password. 

Interlibrary loans are available free to library members in good standing.

Interlibrary loan requests can be made in person at the Help Desk, over the phone (244-7036), or through our ILL Online Form.  If you make your request by email, please give as much information as possible about the item – author, title, format (book, CD, DVD), and edition (if that’s important to you).  Include your current contact information and a “need by” date if you are working on a deadline.

When your items arrive at the library, someone will contact you as soon as they are ready to pick up.  Please pick them up promptly, since interlibrary loans will only be available for a few weeks. When you borrow an interlibrary loan, you are responsible for observing the rules of the lending library and for paying any charges for lost or damaged materials.

Volunteers are valued at the Library!

Volunteers are an important part of the Library, helping library staff accomplish some of the core tasks required to provide high-quality service. The Library staff works hard to make the Library a fun and rewarding place to volunteer by providing meaningful work assignments, training, ongoing support, and a respectful work environment. In turn the library seeks committed, dependable volunteers.

At Waterbury Public Library, volunteers help with a number of different tasks and staff will try to match a volunteer’s interests and abilities with appropriate activities. Volunteer shifts are generally 1 – 2 hours once a week, but we also sometimes have spots available for less frequent help or for special projects. For those 16 and under, please see our Youth Librarian for volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please stop by and pick up a volunteer application. The Library cannot always accommodate the number of interested volunteers, but will keep applications on file for at least a year.

The Friends of the Waterbury Public Library is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization which was organized in 1966 to promote and enhance the library, to be a liaison between the library and the community, to strengthen library services through financial contributions, to provide volunteers for special projects and activities, and to raise funds for the construction of new or improved library facilities.

The Friends always welcome new members. The Friends meet on the first Monday of the month at 5:15 PM.  Meetings are open to the public. For more info on meetings and activities, please contact the Library at [email protected] and we will forward your email to the Friends.

The Friends can use volunteers to help with many projects, from maintaining the Friends’ website and Facebook page to cleaning up the library grounds in the spring, presenting library programs, providing refreshments for special events, and stuffing envelopes for the annual fund drive.

You can become a silent Friend by making a financial contribution.  Checks payable to the Friends of the Waterbury Library can be dropped off at the library or mailed to:  Friends of the Waterbury Public Library, PO Box 384, Waterbury, VT  05676.

The Library is now accepting a limited number of used books, movies and audio books on CD. Donations are accepted only when the Library is open.

Please bring your donations to the Help Desk for review.  Donations should NOT be left in the book drop box or outside the door.

          Rules for making donations:

¨     Limit of not more than 10 items at a time.

¨     Items must be brought in when the Library is open.

¨     Books must have been published within the last 10 years, unless a “classic”

¨     All donations must be in “good”, “excellent” or “like new” condition.

Receipts can be provided only stating the number of items donated, not a value.

The following are NOT accepted:

Magazines

Reader’s Digest

Textbooks or encyclopedias

Anything with yellowed or stained pages, dusty or musty materials

The Library reserves the right to decide how donations are used.
All proceeds from the book sale benefit the Friends of the Waterbury Public Library.

Is there a book, e-book, DVD or CD you wish the library would buy for its collection?  Tell us about it!

You can Contact Us by email and give as much information as you can about the item you are recommending (author, title, format, etc.)  Please include your name so we can let you know the status of your request.  If you don’t want to email, call us (244-7036) or speak to a librarian the next time you visit the library.