Get a Library Card

The Grafton Public Library is a member of CWMARS, a consortium of more than 160 libraries across central and western Massachusetts. Your Grafton library card may be used at any library within the CWMARS network. If you already have a card from another CWMARS library, you may use it at the Grafton Public Library.
Please note that each library in the network provides access to its own selection of databases and electronic resources using your library card number.

Physical Library Card

A physical library card gives you full access to library services, including:

  • Physical materials such as books, DVDs, video games, kits, tools, and equipment
  • Museum passes
  • Electronic materials and digital resources

To get a physical card, please visit the library during regular operating hours. Bring:

  • A photo ID with your name
  • Proof of residency (if your ID does not show your current address, please bring a piece of mail, utility bill, lease, or another official document showing your address)

E-Cards (Digital Access Only)

If you do not already have a card from another CWMARS library and would like immediate access to digital materials, you may apply for an e-card.
An e-card allows access to electronic materials only. To apply, complete the online application form available on our website.
E-cards may be upgraded to a full physical card by visiting the library with a photo ID and proof of address.

Library Cards Are Free

Getting a Grafton Public Library card is always free.

If you previously had a card with us and have outstanding fines, lost items, or overdue materials, we are happy to work with you to restore borrowing privileges. In most cases, any unresolved issues from other libraries must be cleared before a new card can be issued.

Borrowing Materials

Please bring your library card with you each time you check out materials.

Loan periods:

  • Most items (books, DVDs, video games, kits, equipment, tools): 3 weeks
  • Magazines, DVDs, and 7-day books: 1 week
  • 7-day books: not renewable

Renewals are generally automatic for an additional loan period unless another patron has placed a hold. Renewals can also be made in person, by phone, or online.

Digital materials follow different lending models. Some are always available, while others may have waitlists similar to physical items. You may:

  • Check out up to 10 digital items at a time
  • Place up to 10 digital holds
  • Choose loan periods of 7, 14, or 21 days
  • Renew items if no one else is waiting

Digital items automatically expire at the end of the lending period and are returned without fines.

Fines and Borrowing Limits

The Grafton Public Library is proud to be fine-free for Grafton-owned materials. Some other CWMARS libraries may still charge fines for their items.

  • Items overdue by 30 days or more may be billed as replacements
  • You may check out up to 50 items at a time
  • You may have up to 20 holds at one time

Accounts with $10 or more in fines or replacement fees will be blocked until the balance is resolved.

Payments can be made online using a credit card. To access your account, log in with your library card number as your username and your PIN as your password. Credit card payments are available when balances exceed $5.00. You can access your account through the “My Account” link in the top bar of the home page or click the link: https://grafton.cwmars.org/MyAccount/Home.