Frequently Asked Questions: Table of Contents

Select a category to jump to a section.


Frequently Asked Questions

Library Cards

Can I use my Marshfield library card at any other libraries?

Yes! You can use your Marshfield library card at any library in the Old Colony Library Network. Please note that many OCLN libraries require you to present a physical library card in order to check out items. 

How do I register for a library card?

To register for a library card, visit the check out desk with a photo ID with your current address on it, or a photo ID plus some other proof of address. You can also register for an eCard, which will allow you to check out digital items, but if you'd like to check out physical items, you'll need to visit the library in person with your photo ID and convert the eCard into a physical card.

For more information, see: How Do I Get a Library Card?

Who is eligible to register for a library card?

Everyone! There is no age limit or residency requirement. Please note that if you have a library card from a different OCLN library, you can use that card here - you don’t need to register for a Marshfield card.

Can I send someone to sign up for a library card for me?

No, you must come to library yourself with your own photo ID to register for a physical library card in your name. However, you can sign up for an ecard at home that will allow you to check out digital items. See How Do I Get a Library Card? for more information.

If you a Marshfield resident who is homebound and cannot come to the library in person, please call us at 781-834-5535 if you are interested in getting a physical library card.

What is my PIN?

Your PIN is the same for the online catalog and Overdrive/Libby. This PIN is OCLN by default if you've never changed it. If OCLN doesn't work as a PIN, please contact us with your library card number and we will reset your PIN for you.

Why isn't my library card working?

  • If you haven't used your physical library card in 2 years or your eCard in 180 days, your card has probably expired. Please call us at 781-834-5535 or email circulation@marshfield.ocln.org to check whether your library card is still active.
  • Make sure you're typing in your library card number without any spaces.
  • Try contacting us to reset your PIN.
  • If you've recently been issued a replacement library card, your library card number has changed. Check whether your browser still has your old card number saved as your login. In Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, you will need to go into your account settings and change your card number; if you need assistance with this, please bring your device to the Reference Desk or call us at 781-834-5535.
  • If you have $15 or more in bills on your library card, you will not be able to check out any items or reserve museum passes. You can see any bills on your library card by logging into the online catalog. See Managing Your Account for instructions.

I’ve lost my library card. Can I get a new one?

Yes! Just come to the check out desk with your photo ID and we will give you a new library card for free. Please note that it will have a different number from your old library card, but all your information, holds, and checkouts will remain on your account.

Return to top

Checking Out and Returning Items

Can I return items from other libraries to the Ventress Memorial Library?

You can return most items from any OCLN library to the Ventress Memorial Library, and you can return most of our items to any other OCLN library. However, some special items must be returned directly to the owning library. See Borrowing Rules for a list of Ventress items that cannot be returned to other libraries.

If you aren't sure whether an item has to be returned to the owning library, please contact that library to ask.

Note: The Clift Rodgers Library in Marshfield Hills is not part of OCLN. We cannot accept CRL returns.

Do I need to bring my library card to borrow items from the library?

Yes. We will also accept a photo of the library card on your phone, or the card entered into a virtual wallet app as long as there is a scannable barcode. If you've forgotten your card, we can look up your account from your photo ID as a one-time exception.

If you've lost your library card, we can give you a new one for free - just come to the check out desk with your photo ID.

An item I already returned is still showing up on my library card.

The item may have been returned to the shelf without being checked in. Please call us at 781-834-5535 or email circulation@marshfield.ocln.org and we’ll take a look for it. 

I am a Marshfield resident who cannot visit the Ventress Memorial Library due to disability or lack of transportation. Is there any way I can still borrow books?

Yes! We have a homebound delivery program for patrons who cannot visit the library. Please call us at 781-834-5535 or email Jodie Flynn at jflynn@marshfield.ocln.org if you are interested in joining the program.

If you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can also use Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla to check out ebooks, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines with your library card. You can also stream movies and TV shows with Hoopla and Kanopy. These services can be used through a browser, or through apps on Android and Apple devices. Feel free to call us if you need assistance with these services.

Return to top

Placing and Picking Up Holds

How do I place a hold?

You can place a hold on an item in the online catalog, or you can call us at 781-834-5535.

For more information, see How Do I Request a Book? and How Do I Use the Catalog?

I can't find an item in the OCLN catalog.

You can also search Commonwealth Catalog, which allows you to request items from other Massachusetts library networks. If the item isn't available in ComCat, you can try placing an ILL request and we'll try to get the item from out of state.

For more information, see Requesting Items from Outside OCLN.

I’m not getting notified when my holds are available.

We may not have your up to date contact information. You can update your contact info in the online catalog. See Managing Your Account.

If you’re set up to receive email notifications, the notifications might be going to your spam folder. Please note that some school and business email providers, including the Marshfield school system, block all automated email notifications from the library.

Can I pick up my family member’s holds?

You can only pick up another patron’s holds if you have their library card with you, or if you are part of a library card group. This holds true even if you are trying to pick up holds for your child or spouse. Library card group forms may be picked up at the check out desk.

If you or someone you know cannot visit the library due to disability or lack of transportation, please ask about our homebound delivery program by calling us at 781-834-5535 or emailing Jodie Flynn at jflynn@marshfield.ocln.org.

I can’t make it to the library by the pickup date. Can I have extra time to pick up my hold?

Please call us or email circulation@marshfield.ocln.org; we might be able to keep your hold for a few extra days.

Do you provide curbside or after-hours hold pickup?

Yes - for curbside pickup, please call the library from our parking lot and be prepared to give your library card number over the phone. For after-hours pickup, please call us at least 2 hours before we close and we will put your hold in an outdoor locker for you.

Return to top

Lost or Damaged Library Items

How do I pay for a lost or damaged item?

For bills of $5 or more, you can pay by credit or debit card in the online catalog. See Managing Your Account. You can also pay by check or cash at the library check out desk. We cannot accept credit or debit card payments at the desk. If you need help paying your bill online by card, please ask at the reference desk.

We cannot accept cash payments for lost or damaged items that belong to other libraries. If you would like to pay in cash, you’ll need to visit the library that owns the item.

I’m being billed for a lost item, but the item isn’t lost - I still have it at home.

Any items that are 45 days overdue are considered lost, and you will be billed the replacement cost. If you return the item to the library, the bill will be removed. (If the item belongs to a library that charges late fees, you may still have to pay the late fee.)

I’m being billed for a lost item, but I already returned it.

It’s possible the item was returned to the shelf without being checked in. Please call us or email circulation@marshfield.ocln.org with your library card number and we’ll look for it.

Can I give you a replacement for a lost or damaged item instead of paying for it?

Sometimes, but this varies on an item-to-item basis. Please contact us before buying a replacement for a lost or damaged item. If the item belongs to a different library, please contact the owning library, as some libraries do not accept replacement items.

Return to top

Internet and Technology

Can you help me print something from my email/scan a document/fill out an online form/etc.?

Yes - just stop by the reference desk and we can help you on one of the public computers or on your own device. 

Can I print from my own device at home?

Yes. You can print from your own device either at home or at the library. See Mobile Printing for instructions. Please note that mobile printing jobs will only stay on the server for 24 hours. If you don't release your print job within that time, you'll need to send it again.

How much does printing/copying/scanning/faxing cost?

  • Printing and copying: 20 cents / page black and white, 50 cents / page color. Please note that a double-sided page counts as 2 pages. We can accept payment by cash, card, phone payment apps, or check.
  • Scanning: no cost
  • Faxing: $1 / page, not counting the cover sheet. We can accept payment by cash or check only.

Can the library help me get internet access at home?

We loan wireless hotspots that can give you internet access anywhere you can get a cell signal. We also loan out Chromebooks if you need to borrow a computer.

Return to top

Meeting Rooms

How do I reserve a meeting room?

See Meeting Rooms to book online, or ask at the check out desk, or call us at 781-834-5535. Meeting room reservations are subject to the following rules:

  • Rooms may be reserved for a maximum of 2 hours.
  • Meeting rooms may not be reserved for for-profit purposes. Groups or individuals looking to use a meeting room for for-profit purposes may still use a meeting room on a walk-in basis if one is available at the time of the meeting.
  • Individuals or groups may not have more than 3 reservations scheduled at one time.
  • Meeting rooms must be vacated no later than 15 minutes before we close.

Please read our meeting room policy for the full list of rules.

You will be contacted to let you know when your meeting room reservation has been approved.

How do I cancel or reschedule a meeting room reservation?

If you received an email confirmation when you reserved the room, you can use the cancellation link in the email. Otherwise, please call us at 781-834-5535.

Return to top

Programs and Events

Does it cost money to attend library programs?

All library-run programs are free of charge. 

How do I register for a library program?

Click on the program in our Event Calendar and follow the registration link. Some programs do not require registration.

How do I cancel my registration for a library program?

Please contact the staff member listed in the program description in the event calendar.

Return to top

Museum Passes

How do I reserve a museum pass?

View Museum Passes to reserve a pass online. You will need to choose a specific date for your museum visit - most museum passes must be used on the same date they have been reserved for. Museum passes are available to all OCLN patrons with a library card in good standing. You will need to enter your library card number to reserve the pass.

Do I need to come to the library to pick up my museum pass?

It varies. Most museum passes fall into one of three categories:

  • Online passes or discount codes. These are emailed to you when you reserve them and do not need to be picked up in person. Some museum passes require that you purchase tickets in advance using the discount code.
  • One-time-use coupons. These are physical coupons that need to be picked up from the library and presented to the museum. They do not need to be returned to the library.
  • Returnable passes. These can be picked up from the library on the day before or day of use. They must be returned before we open the following day.

How do I cancel a museum pass reservation?

If you received an email confirmation of your pass reservation, you can use the pass cancellation link at the bottom of the email. Otherwise, please call us at 781-834-5535 or email circulation@marshfield.ocln.org. Please note that passes that have already been picked up (including online passes that have been either printed or accessed through the link in the confirmation email) cannot be cancelled.

Can I reserve a museum pass from another library if the one I’m looking for isn’t available from the Ventress?

The following OCLN libraries allow any adult OCLN cardholders to reserve and borrow their museum passes. 

Additionally, the following OCLN libraries allow OCLN cardholders from other towns to borrow museum passes on the day of use if they are available (but not reserve passes in advance):

If you have any questions about museum passes at other libraries, please contact the library in question.

Return to top

Book Donations

Can I donate books to the library?

Yes! The Friends of the Library accept donations of like-new or gently used books, DVDs, CDs, video games for current-generation consoles, board games, and puzzles. Donations in good condition are usually sold in the Friends of the Library book sale to raise money for the library.

Please bring your donations to the check out desk during our open hours.

We cannot accept the following items:

  • Textbooks
  • Encyclopedias and reference books
  • Books that are ripped, moldy, water-damaged, or have writing in them
  • Board games or puzzles that have missing pieces
  • VHS or cassette tapes
  • Software CDs

Can I donate an item to be added to the library’s collection rather than sold in the book sale?

All donations to the collection are reviewed by the library director and decided on a case-by-case basis in line with our collection development policy. If you would like to donate an item specifically to be added to the collection rather than sold in the book sale, please ask a library staff member.

Return to top