front of building

Levi Heywood Memorial Library


55 West Lynde Street

Gardner, MA 01440

phone: 1-978-632-5298

 

 

Hours:
Monday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.*
*Closed Memorial Day - Labor Day

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Mobile Printing
Print from computers & mobile devices $.10/page

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During inclement weather call 978-632-5298 for Library closings/delays or check our facebook page

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Services Overview

The Levi Heywood Memorial Library provides a wide variety of materials and services, free of charge, to help meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of residents of all ages.

Materials Include

  • books
  • large print books
  • paperbacks
  • easy reader books for children
  • reference materials
  • audiobooks for adults, children, and young adults
  • local history materials
  • e-books, e-audios and databases (offered through C/W MARS and the MBLC)
  • local and select major newspapers
  • magazines
  • DVDs
  • CDs
  • art prints
  • and much more

If an item you are looking for is currently checked out or is not owned by our library, we can try to obtain it for you through network transfer/inter-library loan. For more information please call or visit the Library.

The Library also offers public access computers, wireless internet access, meeting/study rooms, faxing and a copy machine that can be used by the public. The copy machine makes black and white copies only at a cost of $.15 per page.

Fax Policy

The Levi Heywood Memorial Library is pleased to provide fax service to the public. Patrons needing fax service will be accommodated as soon as possible, but library services and operations will take priority.

  • Operation of the fax machine is limited to library staff.
  • The cost for faxes sent is $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page. Fees must be paid prior to transmission (CASH ONLY). No international fax transmissions will be allowed.
  • Documents must be in a condition acceptable by the fax equipment.  Documents to be faxed must be one-sided letter size (8.5 x 11) sheets.  If copies need to be made the patron is responsible for standard copying cost ($.15/page).  Proper copy is the patron’s responsibility.
  • Patrons must complete a supplied cover sheet to send a fax.  There is no charge for the cover sheet unless it is the only page sent.
  • The library is NOT responsible for the quality of the fax sent including missing pages, bad transmissions, failure to transmit or incomplete information.  Patrons are expected to confirm the receipt of the fax by the other party.  Library phones cannot be used for this purpose.
  • Patrons must be present when the fax is sent. If transmission is unsuccessful after 3 attempts, the patron may try back no sooner than one hour later.
  • All fees must be paid at the time the fax is sent. If the fax cannot be transmitted, prepaid fees will be refunded in full. 
  • The Library will NOT receive faxes for patrons.  All faxes received will be destroyed.
  • The fax service may not be used for any illegal purpose and patrons must abide by all copyright laws.
  • Abuse of the fax service may lead to denial of future use.
Borrowing Policy

Borrowing Library Materials:

A valid library card must be presented in order to check out materials from the Levi Heywood Memorial Library. Network transfers (inter-library loans) must go out on the card that was used when requesting the item(s).

There is a bookdrop located to the left of the main entrance (clock-tower side of Library) that is open 24/7 for returns. Materials returned in the bookdrop after closing time will be checked in the next day the Library is open. Fines are not charged on Gardner items for days that the Library is closed. Network transfers are subject to the owning library's fines rules, hours, and policies.

Checkout Limits and Loan periods:

  • Books (limit of 50 items per card) circulate for 21 days
  • Magazines (limit of 6 per card) circulate for 21 days
  • DVDs (limit of 4 per card, can only be checked out on an Adult card) circulate for 7 days
  • Music CDs (limit of 6 per card) circulate for 21 days
  • Books on CD (limit of 6 per card) circulate for 21 days
  • Art prints (limit of 1 per card) circulate for 21 days
  • Museum passes (limit 1 per card, must be a Friends Member to borrow) circulate for 1 day, no renewals

With the exception of Museum passes, all materials may be renewed online, in person or by telephone with patron barcode.  Renewals are limited to one additional circulation.

Fines and Overdue Notices:

  • DVDs accrue fines at $1.00 per day with a $5.00 cap per item
  • All other materials from the Adult collection accrue fines at $.10 per day
  • Materials from the Children's collection accrue fines at $.05 per day
  • Museum Passes accrue a fine of $10.00 when returned late
  • Fines must be paid down below $3.00 to retain borrowing privileges
  • Patrons who have provided an e-mail address will receive a courtesy e-mail notification approximately two days before materials are due reminding them of the due date. If materials are not returned an overdue notice will be e-mailed approximately 2 weeks after the due date.
  • When an item is 4 weeks overdue the patron will receive a bill. At this time the patron's borrowing privileges will be suspended until the materials are returned or the replacement costs are paid. A $5.00 per item processing charge will also be added to each item set to "Billed."
  • Items borrowed from other libraries are subject to the owning library's loan, renewal, and fines policies but may be paid at the LHML.

Patrons are responsible for fines and costs of replacing lost or damaged items checked out on their card. The Library does not accept replacement copies of lost or damaged books in lieu of replacement costs. It is important not to lend your card to anyone, or check out materials for use by another.

Library Telescope:

This telescope was donated by Kevin and Nancy Boucher and will be maintained by the Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. as part of their Adopt a Library Program.

Click here for the Telescope Borrowing Policy

How to Get a Library Card

Applying for a Card:

  • Any Massachusetts resident with proper photo identification displaying both name and current address may apply for a card. If the photo identification does not contain current address you must provide an additional document with your name and current address (i.e. utilities bill, automobile registration, etc.).
  • Parents of minor children will need to show their own identification in order to register their child for a library card.
  • Your first card is free. Replacement cards cost $2.00.
  • Your library card may be used at other public C/W MARS member libraries in Central Massachusetts. If you already have a library card from another public C/W MARS member library you may use it here.
  • Your borrowing privileges at C/W MARS member libraries are determined by where you live and not by where you get your library card. If you reside in a community with a closed or decertified library, you will not be able to borrow or request materials from the Levi Heywood Memorial Library.
  • Library cards are issued immediately at the Library’s Adult Circulation Desk or Children's Circulation Desk upon the presentation of completed application form and acceptable identification.
  • Library card expiration dates: Library cards are renewed periodically. At that time, borrower information is verified, and the card's expiration date is extended.

For your convenience you can print a patron registration form and bring the completed form to the Library with the required identification.

To print Patron Registration Form click here.

Public Access Computers
  • PLEASE NOTE: INTERNET COMPUTERS SHUT DOWN 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO LIBRARY CLOSING

  • Internet computers are for use by all patrons with a valid C/W MARS library card. Patrons under the age of 12 are asked to use the terminal in the Children’s Room, when available. 
  • Computer reservations and time management for Internet use are handled through PC Reservation software.  Patrons must use their own library card account number to reserve and use computer time.  A parent may use their adult library card to reserve computer time for their child, but must remain with the child while the computer is being used.  Guest passes will be issued to visitors and/or out-of-state patrons at staff discretion for a limited number of uses.
  • Patrons may sign up for a 15-minute or a 55-minute computer session with a maximum per day limit of 110 minutes. Reservations are made in person only and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.  The Library’s computers shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.
  • Patrons may bring in compatible storage disks or devices to save or print material.  The Library is not responsible for damage or loss of storage devices or data files during use of the Library’s computers.
  • Printouts are black and white only, cost 10 cents per page, and are released from the Reservation Print Manager PC. 
  • Staff will assist patrons with basic questions about computer use and bookings, but cannot offer individualized instruction.
  • No more than two individuals may use or be seated at a terminal at one time.
  • Use of the internet by minors, defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act as “anyone who has not attained the age of 17,” is the responsibility of the minor’s parent or legal guardian.  The Library urges minors to review the internet safety guidelines provided on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website www.netsmartz.org or on the FBI’s website www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-safety.
  • Patrons may not use the internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright, viewing or dissemination of pornography, or accessing unauthorized networks.
  • Any inappropriate behavior or disregard of this policy will result in loss of access to the Library’s internet service.  Any unlawful activities will be reported to the police.

Approved by the Trustees on March 10, 2010; Amended on January 14, 2015

Levi Heywood Memorial Library WiFi Policy
Persons utilizing the wireless connection agree to comply with all provisions of the LHML acceptable use policy as described herein.
  • The Library’s wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered. Use of the wireless connection is done at the patron’s own risk.  By using this connection, patrons acknowledge any security risks associated with wireless service and agree to hold the Library harmless from any unauthorized use or access into the patron’s computer, as well as from any damage done to the patron’s equipment from viruses, spyware, or other internet-borne programs.

  • Patrons may not use the internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright, viewing or dissemination of pornography, or accessing unauthorized networks. Any unlawful activities will be reported to local law enforcement.

  • The Library accepts no responsibility regarding the ability of patron owned equipment to connect to the wireless network. Library staff will not change settings on patron equipment.

  • The Library’s wireless connection is shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.

  • Wireless printing from portable computers is available by following prompts on the Library’s website.

  • Any inappropriate behavior or disregard of this policy will result in loss of access to the Library’s internet service.
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    Services for Shut-ins

    This service is currently suspended.
    ~ This program is for individual GARDNER RESIDENTS who have a current library card; it is typically utilized by the elder community and those with health-related impairments that may affect mobility for an extended period of time. Items are delivered by volunteers every 3 weeks.  Please note that this is not an on-demand or short-term service as there are certain registration procedures and coordination with the volunteers required for each new shut-in.