The Monterey Library opened in May 1891, and moved to its present location, 452 Main Rd., in 1931. We finished our recent renovation in July 2019. We belong to the Massachusetts Regional Library System. The collection consists of around 10,000 items including books, magazines, books on tape, videocassettes, and local museum passes. We have a local history section including town reports, a complete collection of the Monterey News, and other manuscripts and books about Monterey. We belong to the Central Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing network(CWMARS), and anyone with a CWMARS card is welcome to use our library. If you don't have a CWMARS card, stop in and get one so you can utilize this system that starts to the east of Worcester and goes all the way here to the New York border. Our catalog, which includes the entire system, is available online at cwmars.org. Holds and renewals may be placed online through that website. Programs are available throughout the year, with special emphasis on the children's summer reading program sponsored by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Check out the events calendar on this website. We have a public access internet computer with printing available. We also have a copier available for public use. The last Saturday of July is our used book sale and donations are welcomed.
Library Trustees
Mickey Jervas, Chair to 2025
Judy Kaminstein to 2026
Nancy Kleban to 2024
Cheryl Zellman to 2024
Rebecca Wolin to 2025
Sam Reggio to 2026
The library trustees usually meet every second Monday at 7:00pm. Check the library events calendar for any changes.
Policies
Monterey Library Services and Borrowing Policy: The mission of the Monterey Library is to provide library and information services to the full- and part-time residents of all ages in the Town of Monterey in accordance with the needs of the community.
CWMARS: The Monterey Library is a circulating member of the Central Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing network. After registering for and receiving a card from the Monterey Library (or if you already have a card from another member library), log on to CWMARS.org from your home computer at any time to see what circulating materials and other services are available through the network. You may also search via our Resources page here on the website.
Patrons can request materials from other libraries and access other services (databases, etc.) through the site.Lending: Books for patrons of all ages as well as periodicals (except current month), videos, DVDs, audio books on CDs.
Loan Periods: Museum passes may be checked out for 4 days and cannot be renewed. Videos, DVDs, and back issues of periodicals may be checked out for 7 days. All other circulating material may be checked out for 21 days.
Renewal Periods: Museum passes may not be renewed; renewal periods for other circulating material are same as original loan period. Renewals are automatically made if there are no holds on the item. Renewals may also be made in person or by telephone (413-528-3795) when the library is open.
Interlibrary Loans: A larger selection of books can be obtained from other libraries. Holds on materials from other libraries will be delivered to the Monterey Library.
Public Internet Access: Three fiber connected desktop computers and two iPads available for patron use. Patrons must sign in and there may be a time limit. The library is a wifi hot spot, so high speed Internet access is available for patrons bringing laptop computers. The wifi network is Monterey Library and there is no password. The wifi extends out of the building so feel free to stop by outside and access it anytime.
Friends of the Monterey Library: A volunteer group that supports the library by advocating for support at all levels of government as well as raising money for special projects. Sign up at the library or via our Friends page here on the website.
Volunteering at the Monterey Library: Volunteers are welcome and provide valuable service for the Library. Please come in and talk to Library Director Mark Makuc about volunteer opportunities.
Selected Monterey archives are available including Town Reports, all issues of the Monterey News, and local history section.
Special Programs: Available for children and adults throughout the year. Check at the library and our Events page here on the website for upcoming programs.
Copier/scanner: Available to the public. Download Canon Print Business app and wireless print from your device, or print off our desktops, or bring in your own USB flashdrive.
Return Boxes: For returning materials when library is closed. A rubber band should be placed around audio and video cassettes, CDs, and DVDs before putting them in the box so that contents will not spill out and be damaged. There is a separate return for media.
Outside lockers: If you are unable to pickup materials during library hours there is an exterior locker system and with pre-arrangements materials will be available in the lockers 24/7.
Home Delivery: Makes library materials available to shut-ins.
Online Catalog: Allows patrons to quickly find materials in the Monterey Library and other libraries. See our Resources page.
Handicapped accessible. All public areas are accessible, including the bathrooms.
Annual used book sale: The last Saturday in July. Donations accepted all year until mud July. Must be in good condition with no mildew, water damage, pest damage, or any smell. No foreign language books, text books, magazines, VHS tapes, or audio cassettes.