Frequently Asked Questions

        How do I get a library card?

Any Thomaston resident is entitled to a free library card. A replacement fee of $1.00 is charged for a lost or damaged card. Simply inquire at the adult or children's circulation desk. Your local library card may be used at any public library in Connecticut.

        How long can I keep library materials?

Books
  - New titles (including new audiobooks): 14 days
  - Older Fiction and Non-fiction titles: 21days
Music CDs: 21days
Magazines: 14 days
Videos (VHS format):
   -Fiction: 7 days
   -Non-fiction: 14 days
DVDs:
   - New Releases (Library Owned): 3 days
   - Circuit Titles: 3 days
   - Older Fiction and Foreign Films: 7 days
   - Non-fiction (Instruction, Exercise, Travel, etc.): 14 days
   - TV Series, Multi-Disc Series: 14 days
   - Children's Dept. (Library Owned): 7 days

        What are the overdue fines?

The Thomaston Public Library does not charge overdue fines on late books, however patrons with overdue materials may donate to the Conscience Box. Fines of $1.00 per day are charged on late videos and DVDs up to a maximum of $3 per item.

        Can borrowed items be renewed?

New books may be renewed once for an additional 14 days and older books may be renewed once for an additional 21 days in person, by telephone or through your on-line account. Movies and magazines may not be renewed.

        Can I reserve materials?

If a book is checked out to another patron, you may reserve it by submitting a request form at the adult circulation desk or by requesting it directly through our online public access catalog, either in the library or at home. You must have your library card available when requesting books through our online catalog. The library will notify you when the item is available. Movies (videos and DVDs) may not be reserved.

        Can books from other libraries be obtained?

Yes, books owned by other libraries may be requested and borrowed through our online catalog, including the state-wide "Request" system, however, not all libraries loan all items.

        What services are provided by this library?

The Thomaston Public Library offers a wide range of services and opportunities for personal and cultural enrichment. The library's collection includes more than 40,000 adult books and 20,000 children's books. Special collections include the Marjorie Conklin Collection of Art Books, the Allen C. Innes Collection of Books on Connecticut History and the Phyllis and Walt Robinson Women in History Collection.