Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a library card?
The library staff will issue a library card free of charge to any Massachusetts resident from a city or town with a state-accredited library. 
  • Adults, 18+ years or older must bring picture I.D. and proof of Massachusetts address
  • Teens ages 13 - 17 may take the application home and return it with a parent or guardian's signature and proof of Massachusetts address
  • Children ages 5 - 12 may register for a library card in the Marjorie Hattersley Children’s Room if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
    • Parent or guardian must provide proof of current Massachusetts address and be present to sign the registration form.
Your Bancroft Memorial Library Card is valid at all CWMARS member libraries.
Are there any overdue fines collected?
In order to provide equitable access to the public library, the Trustees of the Bancroft Memorial Library adopted a "Fine Free" Policy in April 2021, waiving overdue fees for the following items:
  • Books
  • DVDs and CDs
  • Audio books
Please note that fees will still be charged for the following items:
  • Lost items
  • Overdue Hotspots ($10.00 per day)
  • Overdue Museum Passes 
Fines are calculated on a per-day basis only for days that the library is open.
Is the Library Handicap Accessible?
Yes.
  • There is accessible parking located behind the Library at the end of the lot facing the building.  A sidewalk leads from the space to an ADA-compliant automatic entrance door equipped with a hands-free sensor for easy access.
  • ​Inside, there is an elevator to provide access to the Main Library upstairs.
Is the Library’s collection available on-line?
Yes, the Library’s collection can be accessed online.
With a CWMARS library e-card, you can perform the following tasks from the convenience of home: See our Digital Resources page for more information.
Does the Library take book donations?
Almost every month the Friends of the Hopedale Library host Book Donation Days.  Please check the Event Calendar for more information and to see upcoming Donation Days.
Does the Library offer special programs for children?
Yes.
The Library offers regular Story Hour sessions, a Summer Reading Program and other special events for children.  Check out the following resources for more information:
Does the Library offer Museum and Park Passes?
Yes.
The library offers passes to several area museums.
  • Passes may be reserved in advance for up to 30 days using the online reservation system.
  • Museums may charge a fee at the time of entry.
  • Available passes are subject to change without notice.
  • Some passes are available to Hopedale residents only.

​We are grateful to the Friends of the Hopedale Library, Hopedale Cultural Council, Hopedale Foundation and Hopedale Technologies for their generous support.

Passes sponsored by the Friends of the Hopedale Library:
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Massachusetts State Parks (DCR parking pass)*
  • New England Botanic Garden

Passes sponsored by the Hopedale Foundation:
  • American Heritage Museum
  • Museum of Science (Boston)*
  • New England Aquarium (Boston)* 
    *Available to Hopedale Residents only
Does the Library offer printing or fax services?
Yes.
See our Service Offerings page for a complete list and associated fees.
Does the Library offer computers for public use?
Yes.
There are a few different options for computer use. 
  • In the upstairs Reading Room, there are 2 laptops and 1 desktop computer with Internet access and word processing software that patrons may use.
  • Two additional laptops are located in the Children's Room.
  • There is a color printer connected to the computers in the Reading Room. 
Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Patrons may use a computer for 30 minutes with the possibility of an additional 30 minutes if no one else is waiting to use it. 
  • Patrons may also access the Library's free Wi-Fi using their personal computers and devices. 
    • The Library's Wi-Fi network is named LibraryPublicHotspot.
When can the book drops be used?
There are two book drops that are always open:
  • one at the main door that faces Hopedale Street
  • one at the rear of the Library at the ADA-compliant entrance
IMPORTANT:
  • Returning DVDs, CDs and Museum Passes in the book drop is discouraged as these items can be easily damaged.  If you do use the book drop for these items, please place these items in a large padded envelope. 
  • Hotspots must be returned inside to Library Staff - do not use the book drop.
What types of materials are included in the Library’s collections?
The Library's collections include physical and digital content.
The library purchases materials in multiple formats including:
  • Large print
  • Downloadable eBooks and Audiobooks through Overdrive
  • DVDs
  • Downloadable videos on the free streaming service Kanopy
  • Local newspapers
  • Magazines (including 150+ digital magazines available through Overdrive)
  • Museum passes
Can borrowed materials be renewed?
Eligible physical items will be automatically renewed once, two days before the due date.  
Can items be reserved?
Yes.
All circulating items may be reserved by either telephone, in person or online.
  • DVDs and magazines circulate for seven days. 
  • HotSpots circulate for two weeks. 
  • All other materials circulate for three weeks. 
  • Museum passes vary. 
  • Newspapers and reference materials do not circulate.
what is the statuE of hope?
​The Statue of Hope was a gift from Susan Preston Draper to the Town of Hopedale in 1904. The statue includes a fountain and was originally used as a drinking fountain until the State Board of Health outlawed shared drinking glasses. The Statue of Hope was sculpted by Waldo Storey in Rome from Carrara marble that was quarried in Italy.
what is the history of the BML building?
​The Bancroft Memorial Library was built in 1898 by Joseph Bubier Bancroft in memory of his wife, Sylvia W. Thwing Bancroft. The building is constructed of pink Milford granite with a slate-shingled roof. It was designed by C. Howard Walker of the Boston architectural firm Walker & Kimball. The Library was fashioned after the Merton College Chapel at Oxford. The Library was dedicated to the public on December 14, 1899, at which time Joseph Bancroft transferred ownership of the Library to the Town of Hopedale for $1.00.
​It has served as a public library without interruption since that time. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Hopedale Village National Historic District.
Where can i park at the library?
The following parking is available for library patrons:
  • On-street parking in front of the main entrance.
  • There is a Handicap accessible space and additional parking in the rear of the library.
  • Designated library spaces are also located in the parking lot adjacent to the library (where the Town Hall offices now reside).
is curbside pickup and homebound service available?
Yes.
​
The Bancroft Memorial Library offers Curbside Pick-Up for patrons who are more comfortable with this option.  For those unable to visit the Library, we offer a delivery service for homebound residents.  Please call the Library for more information on this service.  

CURBSIDE PICKUP PROCEDURES
  • Search our online catalog to find items you want and place a hold on the item
    • You must have an active library card to place holds on local items
  • Call or email us with your requests.