Resources

Below are websites to support your library experience. You can search the entire MLS system or limit to the Ashby Free Public Library.

To Find and/or Request a Book – CWMars

    1. Search the online catalog
    2. Once you find your item, click the Request button (follow instructions)
    3. Library staff will notify you when the material is ready for pick up.

To Access Universal Class

1. Go to Universal Class
2. You must have an Ashby Free Public Library card beginning with 20459. If you have a card from another town we can get you an Ashby Card.
3. Search through the classes and register for the one you want.  All of the classes are free and several offer CEU points.

To Use the Commonwealth Catalog

  1.   Navigate to the Commonwealth Catalog 
  2. Click on the Patron FAQ to get instructions on creating your account. Make sure you pick Ashby as your home library if you want items to be picked up in Ashby.

Resources for Finding Books of Interest

To Find and/or Request a Book – Boston Library

    1. Register for a card

    1. Search the online catalog

    1. Once you find your item, click the Request button (follow instructions)

    1. Boston Public Library staff will notify you when the material is ready for pick up

To Reserve a Meeting Room

    1. Review the Meeting Room Policy.

    1. Complete a reservation request online or at the Circulation desk at the library.

To Renew a Book

    1. Log-In to Your Patron Record

    1. Enter your name (1st time only)

    1. Enter your library card number

    1. Enter your PIN (If you do not have a PIN, you can create one)

    1. Check the boxes next to the items you’d like to renew

    1. Click on “Renew Selected” button at bottom. (Or “Renew All”; no need to check boxes.)

Online Help

MLS Catalog and Information Database Search

Looking for reliable information? Search our databases to find full-text articles and citations from journals, magazines, and newspapers, as well as primary sources, statistical data, and more. All databases are funded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System unless otherwise noted.

Available MLS & MBLC databases
Massachusetts Newsstand: newspapers from across the state
Virtual Catalog: search multiple Massachusetts library catalogs
Full-text magazines, news, encyclopedias, and e-reference books

Additional Online Resources:

Free online ASL courses until July 2023!
Agriculture Information
Boston Globe, The
Encyclopedia Britannica
Fine Arts and Music Information
Gardening and Landscaping Information
Health and Wellness Resource Center
Home Improvement Information
InfoTrac Newstand
InfoTrac Newsstand Student Edition k-12
Kid InfoBits
Learning Zone
Literature Resource Center
New York Times
Perkins – Digital Books
Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
Science Online
Small Business Resource Center – NEW!
US History Information
World History Information
Ask a Law Librarian

Other Links

Boston Public Library eCard – Sign up for access!
Video, Audio, and E-Books Online from C/W Mars
Digital Treasures – A collection of digital photos from Central Massachusetts
Ashby Town Sit