South Hamilton, MA 01982
| Reference |
We are here to help you answer your questions and to use our print and electronic resources to find the information you need. Librarians can assist you in person, on the phone, through e-mail, and by using the virtual reference chat program. |
| Ask a Question |
Visit Call Email Virtual Reference Chat
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| Computers |
Eighteen computers with access to the library catalog, the Internet, Microsoft Word and Excel are available for public use in the reference area. Click here to read our Computer Use Policy. The library now has wireless access for more information please see our Wireless Network Information below. |
| Databases |
Your library card entitles you to access thousands of full-text magazines and newspaper articles, encyclopedia and reference book excerpts, TV and radio transcripts, e-Book collections, downloadable audio books and fiction guides. |
| Genealogy |
| There are current genealogy books and information in the reference area. The Dewey Decimal numbers for genealogy books are in the 929's. We also have pamphlets listing pertinent books and web sites. |
| Local History |
| The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library has a local history collection that can be accessed during normal library hours. To gain access to this collection you need to speak with the reference librarian. These items can only be viewed on the second floor of the library. The library has town annual reports, vital statistics and the Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle (since 1949), and many other useful materials. |
| Magazines and Newspapers |
| Magazines older than 6 months are kept in the closed stacks on the second floor. Most magazines are kept for 2 years. See the Periodical list for a complete listing. All of the back issues of the Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle are kept in this room. We have the present edition all the way back to the first edition from 1949. Please note that some issues are missing so call or email us at cgrove@mvlc.org ahead of time if there is a specific date that you are looking for. By using our online databases you may access articles from the Boston Globe (1980 to present) and the Boston Herald (1997-present), as well as thousands of magazine articles including Consumer Reports. |
| Media |
| Except for the newest releases, which are located in the New Book section on the first floor, all of the library's CD's and Tapes are kept in spinning racks on the second floor. Complete list of the library's CD's. |
| Non-Fiction Collection |
The non-fiction collection is located on the second floor of the library. These books are organized by subject and shelved by the Dewey Decimal number. For example the 610s are where you can find a book on medicine. The Biographies are located at the end of the non-fiction collection. These books are organized by the subjects' last name. They have a call number of "B" and the the last name of the biographee. Our young adult non-fiction collection is interfiled with out adult non-fiction collection. |
| Online Databases |
| Are available at the library and from home. From the home page just click on "Magazine/Newspaper Databases" for access to thousands of magazines and newspapers, as well as excerpts from encyclopedias and numerous reference books and e-Books. H-W also has 2 genealogy databases, 1 geography and 1 encyclopedia database. Go to H-W Databases for more info. If you're at home, just click on "Research from Home," choose the database you want and enter your library barcode number. Please feel free to call the reference desk if you need help using the databases. |
| Oversize books |
| Our collection of oversize books are located on the 2nd floor. Anytime you see OV in front of the call number that means it is an oversize book. |
| Photocopier |
| One black and white photocopier is available. Copies cost .15 a page for 8 1/2 X 11 and 8 1/2 X 14. |
| Printers |
| One black and white printer is hooked up to all of the computers for your printing needs. Prints cost .15 a page. |
| Reference Collection |
| Our Reference Collection is located on the second floor of the library and contains over 800 volumes of print materials. Reference books all have a call number that begins with "R" and a yellow sticker on the spine label that says "Reference". These books can not be checked out, but will always be here when they are needed. |
| Study Rooms |
| The library has three study rooms on the second floor. Two of the rooms are for one or two people and the third room can hold as many as six people. The rooms are available on a first come first serve basis and they many not be reserved. To use a study room; patrons must sign-in for it at the reference desk. |
| Tax Forms |
| The library has paper copies of the state and federal tax forms on the second floor of the library near the reference desk. You can also find reproducible versions of most tax forms at the following web sites. *Federal forms, publications, and information: www.irs.gov *State forms, publications, and information: www.dor.state.ma.us *Forms and information for other states: www.1040.com |
| Wireless Network |
| The library offers wireless "WiFi" access for users with properly equipped laptops. Please see our Wireless Access Point Policy for more information. |
The Head of Reference is Cindy Grove cgrove@mvlc.org
Need to find an answer to a question when the library is closed? Contact Reference on Call for free library reference service by phone, email or chat. This service is available for residents of northeast Massachusetts during hours that supplement local library services.