Library of Things

We have loanable Wi-Fi hotspots available to patrons 17+. They can be checked out for two (2) weeks with one (1) renewal.

The hotspots are being made available through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Hotspot Lending Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act grant.

You can download our Hotspot Lending Policy as a PDF, or read the full text below:

• The Forbush Memorial Library offers the loan of a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to patrons ages 17+, limited to one hotspot per household per loan period. Devices are unfiltered.
• Library cardholders in good standing may check out a hotspot for 14 days with one automatic renewal. Upon returning a hotspot, patrons must wait 24 hours before borrowing an additional hotspot. Borrowers must be 17+, no checkouts on cards for people under the age of 17. No checkouts on children’s cards.
• The hotspot must be returned to the main desk at the Forbush Memorial Library. Book drop returns are not allowed. Hotspots will not be sent through delivery to another library.
• Hotspots cannot be “claimed returned”.
• Fines are $5.00 per day with a maximum of $25.00; if the item is lost the charge is $145.00.
• Users agree to conform to and follow the Library’s Internet Use Policy, and abide by Local, State and Federal Laws.
• Users understand that open, unsecured wireless network “hotspots” are freely and easily accessible and are unsecure. Users understand that the Service Provider, Library, and their officials and employees are not responsible for, and will not be held responsible for, any files, data, confidential, or personal information accessed, transmitted, lost or damaged as a result of using the hotspot.

Directions:

Connect your Wi-Fi device to the Mobile Hotspot

1. Power on the mobile hotspot (hold the power button for 3 seconds).
2. On your computer or other device, search for available Wi-Fi networks* and select the network name (Forbush Library).
3. Enter password: LibraryWest (case sensitive).
4. Wait. It can take 2-3 minutes for the devices to sync and connect to the cellular network.

This hotspot runs on the T-Mobile network, so service depends on availability of network, your location, and your device’s specifications.

*How to find available Wi-Fi networks:

1. From a Windows computer: left click Wireless Network Connection on the task bar to view available networks. Choose the Network name (Forbush Library) from the list of available networks.
2. From a Mac computer: Select System Preferences-Network-Airport. Click Advanced to choose SSID (network name) from the list of available networks.
3. From an IOS device: Setting- Wi-Fi. Choose SSID (network name) from the list of available networks.
4. From an Android device: Settings- Wi-Fi Settings. Choose the SSID (network name) from the list of available networks.

We have a limited number of loanable Chromebooks available to patrons 17+, with preference given to Senior Citizens. The Chromebooks are on loan to the library from the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District (AWRSD).

You can download our Chromebook Lending Policy as a PDF, or read the full text below:

• In order to use a library Chromebook, you must have an existing Google account. You can create a Google account with your existing email (for example, a Comcast email) and that google account will allow you to use the Chromebook

• Library cardholders in good standing may check out a Chromebook for 14 days with one automatic renewal.

• The Forbush Memorial Library offers the loan of a Chromebook to patrons 17+, limited to one Chromebook per household per loan period.

• No checkouts on children’s cards.

• Chromebooks must be returned to the main desk at the Forbush Memorial Library.

• Chromebooks cannot be returned to any other library.

• Book drop returns are not allowed.

• Chromebooks will not be sent through delivery to another library.

• Chromebooks cannot be “claimed returned”.

• Fines are $5.00 per day with a maximum of $25.00; if the item is lost the charge is $145.00.

• The library reserves the right to remotely disable any laptop that is more than 48 hours overdue, or that has been reported lost, without further notification to the patron.

• Users agree to conform to and follow the Library’s Internet Use Policy, abide by Local, State, and Federal Laws.

• Users understand that the service provider, library, and their officials and employees are not responsible for, and will not be held responsible for, any files, data, confidential, or personal information accessed, transmitted, lost or damaged as a result of using the Chromebook.

The library has a compact, high-powered telescope available for loan. The telescope may be checked out for one (1) week, with one (1) renewal permitted. You can reserve the telescope in-person at the main circulation desk, or by calling 978-874-7416.

You can download our Telescope Lending Policy as a PDF, or read the full text below:

• Borrowing is restricted to Westminster residents over 17 years of age with no overdue charges or lost materials currently on record.

• A Telescope User Agreement must be completed with each checkout.

• The telescope and all components must be returned in person to a staff member at the main circulation desk of Forbush Library.

Including:

• Carrier box with 2 pillows
• Telescope with attached eyepiece and finder scope
• Belt pouch with headlamp
• Zippered pouch containing:
  • Instruction manual
  • Klutz Guide to Backyard Stars
  • Starry Night
  • Heavens Map (National Geographic)
  • Cornerstones of Science Star Program (book)
  • Constellations (book)

• The loan period is 7 days. It may be renewed once.

• A late return fee of $15.00 per day will be charged after the loan period.

• If the telescope is not returned within 2 weeks of the due date, $375.00 will be charged to cover the replacement cost.

• Forbush Library will not be held liable for any injuries incurred as a result of telescope use.

Guidelines for Telescope Care and Use

• Never look directly at the sun through the telescope or the finder scope, even for a moment; eye damage could result. Pointing the telescope at the sun could damage the instrument.
• Read the instruction manual for proper care and use of this telescope
• Practice with the telescope indoors before night use
• Do not loan the telescope to anyone
• Children must be supervised while using the telescope
• Keep all parts together at all times
• Do not remove parts or attempt adjustments
• Do not try to clean mirrors or lenses
• Keep the telescope in a clean, dry, dust-free space, safe from rapid changes in temperature and humidity
• Keep dust caps on the front of the telescope and focuser when not in use
• Remember to turn off the rangefinder when not in use
• Use a seatbelt around the case when transporting in a vehicle

Date Borrowed: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________ Date Due: _______________________________

PLEASE REMEMBER:

• Late return fee is $15 per day
• Telescope must be returned in person at the main circulation desk
• NEVER look at the sun through the telescope

There are several kits available. Each kit contains a themed audio CD, coloring book, colored pencils, and a stress ball. Themes include:

• Birds

• Celtic

• Sleep

• Whales

• Yoga

Kits can be checked out for three (3) weeks with one (1) renewal.

Are you an aspiring ornithologist? We have a birdwatching kit available! It includes the following contents:

• Binoculars

• Massachusetts Trail Guide

• Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America

• Birding for the Curious

• Sibleys Backyard Birds of the Northeast (pamphlet)

The kit can be checked out for three (3) weeks with one (1) renewal.

The Children's Room has kits on various topics. Each one is a lesson in a bag! Check our Educational Resources page for more information.