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I Want To…

These are the most common tasks performed by our patrons. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or if you need more information, please visit the Reference Desk, call 781-721-7171 x320 or email winill@minlib.net.

Check out a book/movie/CD/etc.

You can check out materials at the Circulation desk on the main floor or in the Children's Room. Self checkout stations are available at both locations. You will need your library card or a photo ID to check out. Please see Borrow and Return for our borrowing policies.

Get a library card

Library cards are available for no charge at the Circulation Desk. You will need photo ID and proof of your current address. You do not have to be a Winchester resident to get a library card. Please see Borrow and Return for details.

You can also get a library card online. The online card will allow you instant access to many of our online resources. You'll also be able to place holds on print materials, movies, music and more. See the online registration page for more information.

Use a computer

There are 13 Windows computers in the Reference Room which provide access to the Internet, databases, and some commonly used programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Saving files to flash drives is allowed. You must have your library card with you to use a computer though visitors may request a guest card.

We also have 12 Chromebooks available for borrowing for 3 hours at a time. Ask at the Reference Desk.

Connect to the library’s wireless internet

The Library offers free wireless internet access. The network name is “winchester” and there is no password. If you have trouble connecting, please come to the Reference Desk.

Print a document

Black and white printing is available in the Reference Room for 15 cents per page. Color printing is available for 35 cents per page. Wireless printing is available. We also have a microfilm/microfiche machine that can print for 15 cents per page.

Scan a document

Digital scanners are available in the Reference Room for no charge.

Make a photocopy

Black and white copying is available for 15 cents per page in the Reference and Children’s Rooms. We currently do not have a color copier.

Send a fax

Send-only fax service is available at the Reference Desk for $1 per page, with a 20-page limit, within the continental U.S. The proceeds from this service benefit the Friends of the Winchester Public Library.

Research a topic for school

The Library's online resources collection is the best place to start your research. Databases cover virtually every topic and are available for different age groups from kids to adults. You can also book a librarian for a 30-minute help session. If you are looking for print materials, please start with the library catalog.

Download an ebook or audiobook

Free ebooks and audiobooks are available in the Library’s Digital Catalog.  If you are a Winchester resident, you also have access to Hoopla for ebooks and audio. These services are available on almost any computer or mobile device including iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle, Nook, Android, Blackberry, and Windows phones, Mac, and PC. If you need help with this service, please come to one of our drop-in help sessions on Tuesdays 7:00–8:00 pm. Contact the Reference Desk to make appointments outside of these times at 781-721-7171 x320.

Watch movies and TV shows online

The Library uses OverDrive for streaming video. Overdrive allows access to a selection of feature films, documentaries, and TV shows. If you are a Winchester resident, you also have access to Hoopla for tv series and movies. 

Learn English

The library offers many resources and services for English Language learners. Click here for details.

Reserve a Quiet Study Room

There are two Quiet Study Rooms available in the Library. Study Rooms are available on a walk-in basis but can be reserved up to a month ahead of time. Please visit or call the Reference Desk at 781-721-7171 x320 to reserve a Study Room.

Reserve a meeting room

There are two meeting rooms available in the Library. The Small Meeting Room can accommodate 3-10 people. The Large Meeting Room can accommodate 11-60 people. Groups of 2 or less must use the Quiet Study Rooms.

  • Meeting Rooms shall not be used for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit, or for fundraising.
  • No goods or services shall be promoted, sold, or exchanged upon the premises or by sample, pictures, or descriptions.

Please read the Meeting Room Policy before submitting your request. Requests that do not meet the terms of the Meeting Room Policy will not be approved.

To reserve a room, please fill out our reservation form.

Suggest a purchase

If you would like the Library to consider an item for purchase, please fill out the Purchase Request Form. The Library cannot guarantee that a suggested item will be purchased.

Show my art in the Library

Please click here for details.

Get a museum pass

Museum passes can be reserved online. You may also visit the Reference Desk or call 781-721-7171 x320 to reserve a pass. Museum passes are only available to Winchester Residents. Popular passes such as the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science should be booked at least a week ahead of time but many passes are available without reservations.

All passes can be picked up at the Reference Desk. Some passes are only available for pickup on the day that you are going to the museum. Please check with the Reference Desk if you need to pick up your pass early.

Museum passes are generously provided by the Friends of the Winchester Public Library, the EnKa Society, and the Winchester Rotary Club.

Download the library app

Search the catalog, place holds, keep tabs on your account, renew your items and more with the Minuteman Library Network app. Download the app to your smartphone or tablet. If you are a patron at any of the Minuteman Libraries, you can see your local library's information as soon as you log in. It is available in the App Store and on Google Play.

Renew a book

You can renew items online by logging into your account with your library card number and PIN. Items can also be renewed at the Circulation Desk or by calling 781-721-7171. Please see Borrow and Return for details.

See a list of all the items I’ve checked out in the past

By default, the Library doesn’t keep records of what you’ve checked out but you can opt-in to save your reading history. Log in to your account with your library card and PIN number. From here, click on “My Reading History” and select “Opt in.” All checkouts performed after you opt in will be recorded on your Reading History page.

Request an item that’s checked out

You can add your name to a waitlist for checked-out items by finding the item in the Library Catalog and selecting “Request.” You will be asked to log into your account with your library card number and PIN. The Reference Desk is happy to place your requests for you in person or over the phone at 781-721-7171 x320.

Request an item that isn’t available in Winchester

Winchester Public Library has borrowing agreements with libraries across the country. If we don’t own an item that you’re looking for, it is likely that we can get it for you from another library. Please see our Interlibrary Loan page for details.

Request an article that isn’t available in Winchester

Please visit the Reference Desk, call 781-721-7171 x320, or send an email to winill@minlib.net for all article requests. If you are requesting an article through email, please include as much detail as possible including the author, article title, journal or magazine title, date of publication, volume / issue numbers, and inclusive pages. If you don't have this information, give us a call and we can help you find it.

Research local history

Please visit our Local History page to get started.

Read a newspaper or magazine

The library receives over 100 newspapers, magazines, and journals in print including The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, The New York Times, USA Today, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, The Woburn Times, The Winchester Star, and the Chinese-language World Journal. All periodicals are found in the Reference Room. Most newspapers arrive by 9:30 am.

Read online: you can also read new copies of many popular magazines and newspapers online. Check out the library databases, including Zinio where you can get the newest edition of your favorite magazine instantly on your computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone.

Get help with legal issues

Due to the complexity and risks involved with legal issues, most legal questions are referred to the Middlesex Law Library in Woburn, MA. The Law Library is friendly, free, and open to the public. Law Librarians can provide expert assistance with legal research and have full access to all state law documentation. They are located on the 3rd floor of the Middlesex Superior Court. Visit their website for more information.

You may also want to try the Legal Resources Reference Guide. Created by the Newton Free Library, this guide is intended to serve as a starting point for finding legal information on a topic, legal forms, and further legal assistance, primarily in Massachusetts.

Volunteer at the library

Please visit our Join and Support page to get started

Donate to the library

Please visit our Join and Support page to get started.