Fine Free
What will I be charged for overdue items?
As of January 2024, the Trustees of the PLCML voted to no longer charge overdue fines. All general circulating material is fine free with the exception of hotspots, equipment, museum passes and Library of Things.
Some libraries in the C/W Mars network are still working towards removing overdue fines. Because patrons may borrow materials from different libraries, they may see overdue fines on some materials not owned by the Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library.
Replacement costs for lost items may be paid at any CW MARS library. Charges may also be paid by credit card by logging into My Account online patron portal.
- Hotspots: $5.00/day
Can I pay fines by debit or credit card?
Yes, you may pay fines by credit or debit card online, but not at the Circulation desk. Log into your account from the link at the top of this page to pay online.
Do You Have Questions?
If your question is not answered below, please contact the library at 508-949-8021 and we will gladly assist you.
Who can get a library card?
Adults and young adults12 and over need to present an ID that contains current mailing address information. Children and young adults 12 and over who do not have an ID can also obtain a library card as long as the parent or legal guardian presents an ID with current mailing address information. There is a $1.00 fee to replace a lost card. Please note that if you already have a card from a C/W MARS library in Massachusetts you do not need a second library card.
How many items can I check out at one time?
At any one time on your own library card, you may check out up to 50 items.
Can I use my Webster (or Oxford, Southbridge, etc.) card in Dudley? Can I use my Dudley card in Webster (or Oxford, Southbridge, etc.)?
Yes. These libraries are all C/W MARS member libraries. You can use your card at any CW MARS library - the list can be found at https://www.cwmars.org/memberlibraries. OLA and academic member libraries may have different borrowing rules.
What type of media can be checked out from the library?
The library has a variety of materials available for checkout. DVDs, Books on CD, children's Playaways and WonderBooks, video games, educational software, music CDs, and downloadable audio and ebooks from the C/W MARS Digital Catalog are available, as well as a telescope, mobile hotspots, memory kits and ukeleles.
How long are your check out periods?
- Books, audiobooks, music CD's and games ~ circulate for 21 days, with one 21-day renewal if there are no holds on the item.
- Magazines ~ circulate for 7 days with one 7-day renewal if there are no holds on the item.
- Movie DVDs ~ circulate for 7 days with one 7-day renewal if there are no holds on the item.
- TV series DVDs ~ circulate for 14 days, with one 14-day renewal if there are no holds on the item.
- Telescope ~ circulates for 7 days with one 7-day renewal if there are no holds on the item.
- Wireless Hotspot - circulates for 7 days with one 7 day renewal. Hotspots can only circulate to patrons 17 and older.
You must renew the above items online, in person, or by calling the Library during open hours.
OTE: THESE LOAN RULES APPLY TO CRAWFORD LIBRARY ITEMS. ITEMS BORROWED FROM OTHER LIBRARIES ARE SUBJECT TO THE OWNING LIBRARY'S LOAN RULES.
Can I pay fines by debit or credit card?
Yes, you may pay fines by credit or debit card online, but not at the Circulation desk. Log into your account from the link at the top of this page to pay online.
How long can I use the computer?
We use PC Reservation software to manage our public computer use. When you log in with your library card, you will have 2 hours with additonal time being allowed.
Can I print documents?
Yes. Printing from a computer in the Adult or Young Adult area sends the job to the main Circulation desk. Printing from a computer in the Children's Room sends the job to the Children's desk. The cost is 10 cents per page. Printing from the wireless network is not available.
Can I return books from another library?
Yes. We will check in all materials belonging to another C/W MARS library and the item will be sent back via the daily delivery van. We cannot, however, return items belonging to the local school district or out-of-state materials as they are part of a different system.
How do I reserve the meeting or study rooms?
The Meeting Room Use Policy and application can be accessed online here.
Do you take donations?
Yes, we gladly accept donations of books, magazines, and audio-visual materials. We will give you a receipt for your records, but we cannot assign a value.
Do you have a public fax?
We have a self-serve public fax machine located near the public copy machine. There is no charge for this service.