Library Card Information

Circulation Policy

Renewals

Overdue Fines & Other Fees

The Library does not charge overdue fines.  However, having overdue material will stop you from checking out additional material.  The staff will renew overdue material as library policy allows, but not all material may be renewed. 

Lost or damaged material - original cost
Broken CD cases, lost inserts - $1.00
Damaged audiobook albums - cost of album
Lost earphones (Play-a-ways) - $5.00
Lost museum pass - $20

Internet Policy

Manchester Public Library public-access computers are a valuable asset to the residents of Manchester and therefore permission to use them is given based on presentation of a valid Massachusetts public library card, or, for out of state visitors, presentation of identification.  Visitors under 12 without a library card must have an adult with identification sign in for them. 

·         The Library does not take responsibility for any personal accounts accessed on public internet computers. When using pass-worded services, be sure to log off the service when finished.  Users should be advised that because security is technically difficult to achieve in a public environment, electronic transactions and files could become public.

·         Library staff is not available for drop-in computer training.  Training sessions are scheduled on an individual basis.  Ask at the Reference desk.  Reference assistance is available for subscription databases found on the menu.

·         Please do not attempt to make adjustments to the computers or printers.  Do not switch terminals when having a problem.  Ask for assistance.

·         Do not attempt to download, upload or install additional programs to the computer.  Not every internet program or email attachment is supported on library computers.

·         The workstations will be shut down 15 minutes before the Library closes.

·         We regret that in the event of terminal downtime, maintenance, or library programs, this service will not be available.

·         PC #5, the iMac, is the designated Homework Center workstation and is reserved for students K-12, Mondays –Thursdays, 3-5 PM, following the public school schedule.

·         The library’s public internet stations are used by all ages.  Please be considerate of the public environment when viewing graphic material.

Children's Room CD-ROM Station

This work station is for educational games only. 

This workstation is for educational games only.  There is no internet connection or word processing.  Very young children should be accompanied by an adult.

(Approved July 20, 2006)

Library History

In the early eighteen hundreds, Manchester residents were eager to share literary resources.  A "social library" was formed with some 150 volumes. This effort was short lived and a second effort was tried and failed as well. In 1830, the Lyceum Association, a group of men who met for regular lectures and debates on topics of interest, was founded. The Lyceum Library was an outgrowth of this association. 

When the Lyceum Association disbanded in 1871, the collection was bequeathed to the town. It was moved to School Street and became the Manchester Free Public Library. Delucena L. Bingham Jr. was put in charge as librarian. When the collection outgrew this location, Mr. Bingham spoke of the need for a new library building and memorial hall. Summer resident, Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, gave the building as an outright gift to the town. 

The building was designed by Charles F. McKim and built of New England ashlar stone. The building was dedicated in October of 1887, in three parts: the east room as the library, the west room as the headquarters for the Grand Army of the Republic, and the central hall as a war memorial to those Manchester residents who lost their lives in the Civil War. In 1927, when the last GAR veteran died, the west room was transferred to the library. As the collection and services grew, the central hall became used for the library. The only addition to the building has been the children's room that was added in 1965. 

In 1988 the Library joined the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, which began the new era of on-line services. In 1996 three public terminals to the internet were added. The building was updated with new lighting and new carpeting also in 1996. In 2003 the library was air conditioned for the first time.  The front doors were refinished by Crocker Boat Yard and the grounds were landscaped in 2004.  

A two-part restoration of the building's masonry was accomplished in 2005-2006.  The first major renovation to the Circulation Hall since 1965, was done in 2006, thanks to the Friends of the Library. 

2007 marks the 120th Anniversary.  The Trustees announced a capital campaign to continue interior renovations. The Reference Room and the Reading Room were renovated as a result of that fundraiser.