A: The library requires that you provide proof of ID with current address. Please fill out the Library Card Application Form at the Circulation Desk. If you do not have an ID with a current address, please bring an alternate form of ID that verifies your address. Acceptable alternate IDs include:

- Utility bill
- Rent receipt
- Lease or checks with current address and a valid drivers license or state ID.

A: Yes, you can access your account from home. To access your account, click on the “My Account” button at the top of the home page. This will take you into the “My Account” portion of the S.H.A.R.E. catalog. Enter your entire library card barcode number (found under the barcode on your library card) and your 4 digit pin number. If you forgot your pin number, or do not have one, give us a call and we can assist you.

A: Yes. Two renewals are allowed on most materials. Items that are on reserve for another patron cannot be renewed. Renewals extend the loan period of the item for the same amount of time as the original checkout. Renewals are from the date renewed, not from the original due date.

A: Help the library save money and stay up-to-date on your library card activity by requesting e-mail notifications. To receive e-mail notifications from Watertown Public Library for reserved items available at checkout, an overdue notice when an item is past due, or a courtesy notice a few days before your items are due.

A: The meeting room is reservable on a first-come first-serve basis and involves filling out the Meeting Room Application. This application can be found on our web site under "About". There is no charge for the meeting room and there are two available. Each room has internet capability. The library gives precedence to library programs. All activities conducted in the meeting rooms are non-profit only. For more information, please call the library at 262-4090.

A: Budgetary and space constraints limit all libraries’ ability to purchase material. We encourage purchase suggestions and seek to acquire what our patrons want. Librarians evaluate material and make every effort to provide selections for a wide range of reading interests. Qualitative standards are used, including recommendations from acceptable professional and commercial reviews. Popularity and community demand are among the major criteria for selecting material. Consideration is given to material which may be of interest to a few patrons as well as that of interest to many patrons. Materials owned by other libraries may be obtained through the consortium (S.H.A.R.E.) as well as through interlibrary loan.

A: Lending periods vary depending on the type of item. Here is a list of lending periods by item:

New Books: 14 days
Books: 28 days
All Children's and Teen (YA) Books: 28 days
Videos, DVDs, and Blu-Rays: 7 days
Non-Fiction Videos, DVDs, and Blu-Rays: 14 days
Games: 7 days
CDs: 14 days
Audiobooks/Play-away: 28 days
Magazine: 14 days (cannot checkout current issue)
Pamphlets: 14 days
Kits: 28 days
Ereaders: 14 days
Childrenʼs Room CD-ROMs! 14 days

A: There is no limit to how many items you can have out, except in the case of DVDs (10 out at a time) and games (2 out at a time).

A: Yes. Follow these steps to pay by credit card...

1) Enter the SHARE Library Catalog (click on the "Online Catalog" link at the top right of this page)
2) Log into the catalog in the upper right hand corner
3) Click 'My Account'
4) Click 'Review My Account'
5) Go to the 'Bills' tab
6) Click 'Pay bills online with credit card'
7) Enter your first name, last name, credit card number, and amount (amount defaults to total amount of bills owed)
8) Click 'Pay bills online with credit card'

A: Fines depend on the type of item. Here is a list of fines by item:

New Books: $.15/day
Books: $.15/day
All Children's Books: $.15/day
Videos, DVDs, and Blu-Rays: $1/day (max. fine not to exceed $5)
Non-Fiction Videos, DVDs, and Blu-Rays: $1/day (max. fine not to exceed $5)
Games: $2/day
CDs: $.15/day
Audiobooks/Play-away: $.15/day
Magazines: $.15/day
Newspapers: $.15/day
Pamphlets: $.15/day
Kits: $.15/day
Ereaders: $5/day
Children's Room CD-ROMs: $.15/day

Effective April 2011, there will be a 3 day grace period for all overdue items.

A: Because computers vary so widely and their setup is unique to the user, the library does not offer any "tech support," per se. Rather, we are happy to find you vendor/manufacturer tech support contact information, point you to the bounty of books on the subject, and provide you time on our patron computers so that you may search the internet for more information specific to your needs. Further information regarding our policy for computer assistance can be found on our web site under "About".

A: Please let the library know right away so that we can prevent others from using it. You can replace your card for $1 at the Circulation Desk.

A: Watertown Public Library Board recognizes the pluralistic nature of this community and the varied backgrounds and needs of all citizens, regardless of race, creed, or political persuasion. The Watertown Public Library Board believes that censorship is an individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject for oneself materials which do not meet with the individualʼs approval, one cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others. The Watertown Public Library Board adopts and declares that it will adhere to and support the American Library Association Bill of Rights.