Access My Account

Through your online account you can find books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks – and more! Open 24/7 with your Springfield City Library card.

Log into your account:

  1. Go to the login page of the online catalog.
  2. Enter the barcode that appears on the back of your Springfield City Library card in the username field. (You can change your username once you’ve logged in.)
  3. Enter your PIN in the password field.
  4. Click on the “Log in” button located below the username and password fields.

If you are unsuccessful after following these instructions, click on the link “Forgot your password?” to the right of the “Log In” button. Follow the instructions on this page. An email will be sent to the email address that we have on record for you. If you do not receive email in response to your reset request, please consider each of the following before contacting the circulation staff at one of our Springfield City library locations:

  • You have not made cwmars.org a trusted domain on your computer. In this case, the email may be going directly to your spam folder.
  • Your computer security software (your firewall) is blocking the email.
  • You are checking a different email mailbox than the one that is listed in your library account.

If you still are unable to access your patron account, please feel free to contact the circulation staff at your local Springfield City Library location.

Report a Lost or Stolen Card

Notify any Springfield City Library location by telephone or in person as soon as you notice your card has been lost or stolen so that we can block anyone else from using it.

You may also always call the Central Library at 413-263-6828, ext. 218 or ext. 239.

We will not hold you responsible for items that are checked out after you reported your card was lost or stolen, but you will be responsible for items checked out before that.

To get a replacement card, come into the Library with a current picture ID.

Place A Hold

However you request your materials, we will call you or send you an email, text, or a postcard notification when your materials are ready for pick up.

Place Your Own Item Requests

Electronically
You may place your own item requests electronically through the online catalog either from a computer in the Library or from your home or office. You may have up to 20 active hold requests at a time. Enter your library card number and PIN, request the item, and use the drop-down menu to choose your preferred library location for pickup.

In Person
Request assistance to place a HOLD at any Branch Library Reference Desk. You must have your library card with you to do this since we will need your barcode number to place the request for you.

By Telephone or Online from your home or office
Use our AskALibrarian service online or telephone the Reference Desk at any Springfield City Library location. Please include your mailing address, telephone number, and library card number, along with details of the items you want.

We will hold the item for you for one week at the circulation desk of the library location you specified for pick up.

Renew An Item

One renewal of library material is allowed for the original loan period if no one else has requested the item.

You may renew in person or by telephone at the circulation desk of any Springfield City Library location. Please have your library card number ready when you call.

You may also view your library record and renew online by logging in to your C/WMARS account. Enter your library card number in the user name box and enter your password or PIN. For first time card holders enter the last 4 digits of your telephone number.

Loan Periods, Limits and Fines

The listed policies apply at most C/WMARS libraries. Other libraries may have different overdue fines, rules, and policies.

C/WMARS stands for Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing. The Libraries in the C/WMARS network, including the Springfield City Library, share library items with each other.


How long you can borrow items:
1 week – Movies, Magazines, Video Games
2 weeks – New Adult Books
3 weeks – All other library materials

Items in the Springfield Library of Things such as mobile hotspots, cake pans, and musical instruments are subject to different loan periods. Ask a librarian for more information.

Audio-Visual Material Check Out Limits:
(applies to Springfield City Library items)
3 Video Games
8 Each of DVDs and CDs

C/WMARS Network Check Out Limits:
20 Total CDs/Video Games
50 Items checked out on your card
20 Holds (items you’ve requested)

Renewals
If you’d like to borrow your item for longer, you can request to Renew your item. You get one renewal, meaning you can borrow the item for another 1-3 weeks depending on the item type.

Interlibrary Loans (from non-C/WMARS libraries)
Late fees for interlibrary loan items are set by the lending library.

Lost Items
Items that are kept out for four weeks past their due date will be considered lost, and the borrower will be charged a lost item fine. The fine will vary depending on the original cost of the item. If the item is later returned in usable condition, the lost item fine will be waived.

Get A Pin

You may view your library record, place and view holds, keep track of due dates and renew online, or pay a fine by logging into your C/WMARS account.

  • Enter your library card number (no spaces) in the user name box.
  • Enter your password or PIN. For first time card holders enter the last 4 digits of your telephone number.
  • To change your user name or password click on Account Preferences, then click on CHANGE to the right of password or user name.
  • If you have a problem logging in or forget your pin call any Springfield City Library location for help. You will need your library card number when calling.
  • If your email address has been entered into your account, you can request a PIN reset electronically. Click on “Forgot your password?,” and enter your library card number (barcode).

Get A Library Card

If you already have a card from another CWMARS public library, you may use it at all of our library locations — you do not need to apply for a separate card.

How to Get a Library Card

You can get a library card by visiting your local library branch in person to get full access to all of our physical and digital resources.

If you would like instant access to our online resources, you can apply for a CW MARS eCard online! The eCard can be upgraded to a full library card later, if desired.

If you already have a card from another CW MARS public library, you may use it at all of our library locations — you do not need to apply for a separate card specifically for Springfield City Library locations. Visit the CW MARS website for a list of member libraries.

ID Requirements for Adults

  • When applying for a card in person, or picking up a card you applied for online, you will need to present a valid Massachusetts driver’s license or Massachusetts state identification card that has your photo, name, and current address.
  • If you don’t have a state ID, you can present another form of photo ID (such as a current passport, military ID, school ID, or another state’s ID) along with an official document showing your Massachusetts residential address (such as a utility bill or lease.) PO Boxes and business addresses may not be used to obtain a library card. A piece of mail with a valid postmark from the last 30 days sent to your current address may also be used.
  • If you have a photo ID but no means to verify your address, we can fill out and mail a Residence Confirmation postcard to you. Bringing that postcard back to the library once you have received it will count as proof of address.
  • Alternatively, a letter from a social services provider may be used as proof of residency as long as it is on their official letterhead and dated within the last 30 days.

ID Requirements for Children

  • Children age 11 and younger will need to have a parent or guardian present when signing up for their card, who will need to present their own identification.
  • A parent or guardian cannot obtain a card for a child if the child is not present.
  • A child’s parent or guardian is responsible for all lost and damaged item fines on their children’s library cards. Official library correspondence will be addressed to the parent or legal guardian listed on the child’s card.
  • Children between the ages of 12 and 17 who have the necessary documents from the “ID Requirements for Adults” section may sign up and be responsible for their own card, without a parent.

ID Requirements for Out-of-State Residents

Persons who do not live in Massachusetts may still obtain a Springfield City Library card if they meet the criteria below:

  • If you own property in Springfield, you may present a deed or other document confirming your ownership in addition to the documentation in “ID Requirements for Adults.”
  • If you own a business in Springfield or work in Springfield, you may present proof of business ownership or employment within the city in addition to the documentation in “ID Requirements for Adults.”
  • If you live outside of the state, do not meet the other requirements of this section, and still wish to obtain a Springfield City Library card, you can obtain one by paying an annual fee of $35, in addition to presenting your home state’s version of the documentation in “ID Requirements for Adults.”

For more information about library cards, library policies and borrowing privileges, call any Springfield City Library location.

For first-time card holders, your PIN number is the last 4 digits of your telephone number. This can be changed when you Access Your Account.  Your PIN allows you to place a hold, use the electronic resources on the eLibrary, and so much more.

Print | Fax | Scan

Printing in black and white is available at all Springfield City Library locations. Please check your local branch library for specific details.

Mobile Printing

Mobile printing is available at five of our branch libraries during library hours from your phone, laptop, home computer, or other device. You don’t have to be in the Central Library to print but you must pick up the print job on the same day. Ask a staff member for assistance.

Printing is available in black and white only, and costs 15 cents per page

Instructions

  • Visit print.princh.com
  • Enter the six-digit Printer ID from the table below
  • Follow the instructions to upload your document. Remember to check the box to accept the Terms and Conditions
  • Enter your email address. This will be used to identify you at the print release station
  • When you’re finished uploading files, click “Done”
  • Your printing will be added to our queue, and will be released when you visit the print release station or reference desk to pay for the printing

Locations

BranchPrinter IDAddress
Central Library – Wellman Hall109262220 State Street
Central Library – Children’s Room109881220 State Street
East Forest Park109283136 Surrey Road
East Springfield10926521 Osborne Terrace
Forest Park109297380 Belmont Avenue
Mason Square109291765 State Street

Printing is available in black and white only, and costs 15 cents per page. 


Faxing or Scanning

Self-service faxing and scanning stations are available at the Central Library and the following branch locations: East Forest Park, Forest Park, Indian Orchard, Mason Square and Sixteen Acres.

Faxing and scanning is available during open hours.

There is a $1 per job charge for a traditional fax (in black and white only). Scanning is free, with options to send your documents to an e-mail address or to save them to a USB drive, tablet or smartphone.

Ask a staff member for assistance.

Please note that our libraries are unable to receive fax transmissions.