LIBRARY SERVICES

By Telephone:  Call 781-821-5027 to renew library materials, place reserves, receive Reference services, and reserve meeting or event spaces.

Via the Web: Check the Events Calendar, search the OCLN Catalog, or maintain your borrower account on line.

Reference & Database Searching- Most on-line databases to which the library subscribes are available from public workstations in the library or may be accessed from anywhere with your library card.  Reference Librarians can provide assistance in topical research using the Library's in-house collection and subscription databases, as well as provide direction to authoritative websites on topical research.  The Reference Department can assist with Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and document delivery for items located at other libraries located in Massachusetts and beyond.

Computer Access- Computers are available for public use with a borrower card in good standing, for Internet access.  Word Processing and other desktop software is also available on all public workstations.   Black & white printing is $ .10 per page; color $ .75 per page.
 
Museum passes- Available for Canton residents, free/reduced rate admission to the following museums courtesy of the Friends of the Library.   Passes may be reserved in advance with a library card, or by calling the Circulation Desk at 781-821-5027.  A small fee is charged for most of the passes to help offset costs.

Meeting Rooms:- A small study room is available for reservation on a first come first served basis through the Reference Department. The Community Room, Art & Activity Room, and Trustees' Conference Room are available to groups for a fee.  You can apply via on-line form, or print out a form to apply via fax or maill, or call the Library Director at 781-575-6632 for further information or to have an application sent to you.

Photocopying- A photocopy machine is available for public use at $ .15 per copy.

On-going used book sale- Offered by the Friends of the Library, the sale shelves are located behind the Main Circulation Desk across from the Media stacks. 

Microfilm Reader/Printer- A microfiche reader/printer is available for public use for $ .15 cents per copy. The Library holds archival issues of local newspapers and vital records, as well as selected magazines, academic journals, and the New York Times.  Ask the Reference Librarian for assistance.

Tax forms- During tax season the library has a limited supply of Federal and Massachusetts income tax forms. Reproducible forms are also available for $ .15 per copy. Forms may also be downloaded and printed from the IRS website and the Massachusetts Dept of Revenue or call the Mass. Department or Revenue at 1-617-887-MDOR.

Bulletin Boards- Boards are available for community announcements of a non-commercial nature. Please submit notices to be posted to the main desk.

 

ONGOING LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Children's Programs

Story Times- The Children's Library conducts 8-week Storytime sessions in the Spring and Fall for Canton residents.  All Storytimes are held in the Discovery Room located in the Children's Library.  No registration is required, but no child will be admitted after the program has begun.  Two age-specific series are offered:  Read-To-Me is open to  Toddlers (ages 2 ˝ - 3 ˝) meeting on Tuesdays at 1:00 or Fridays at 10:30 for about 30 minutes. Parents participate in these sessions with the child.  Preschool Storytime (ages 3 ˝ - 5 ˝) meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 or Fridays at 1:00 for about 45 minutes.  Parents do not participate in these sessions but must remain in the building.  Please visit the Children's Library for more information or call us at 781-821-5027.

Summer Reading Program- A state-wide summer reading program with different theme each year to encouraging kids to continue reading during the summer. The program includes a Read-to Me group aimed at those children who have not yet begun to read. The program begins with a kick-off party to introduce the theme, and ends with a celebration when progress charts are returned and prizes are awarded.

Craft programs-  Craft programs are offered for ages 6 - 10 one Saturday per month during the school year at 2:30 p.m. in the Discovery Room.  During the summer, crafts are offered every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.  To ensure sufficient craft supplies, children must be pre-registered at the Junior Room Desk for all craft programs.  

Adult Programs

Friends with Books- This book discussion group for adults meets (usually) on the last Thursday or each month from 7:30 – 9:00.  Selections include bestsellers, classics and general non-fiction.  New members are always welcome. For more information contact Nancy Mark (781-828-5939) or Linda Murphy (781-821-2031)

The Film & Discussion Series- Films are shown in the Community Room normally on the third Tuesday of each month.  Some films are foreign and by independent producers, some have been released commercially.  All films are chosen for their ability to encourage discussion.  Participants may suggest films to be shown.  (Commercial films included in this series are shown legally through a public performance license underwritten by the Friends of the Library).

The Open Book Coffeehouse- This volunteer supported music venue offers a wide variety of acoustic music, including folk, singer/songwriter, jazz, blues, and bluegrass.  Performances are held in the Community Room on the third Saturday of every month except for July, August, and December.

Seminars, workshops, and presentations on a variety of topics are held throughout the year.

Please check the Events Calendar for current program schedules.