The first Southwick Library was established in 1892 and the building was used until 1999 when the current building opened.
The current building was dedicated in the fall of 1998 and opened to the public in February 1999. The building was built with community support including volunteer labor. For more information contact the Reference Desk at the Library. In 2007 Southwick celebrated 115 years of public library service in the community.
About the Library:
As a Mass. Public Library it is open to the public including non-residents of the Town. Visitors to the area can use the Library resources. For information on obtaining a Library Card contact the Circulation Desk at the Library (413) 569-1221.
The Southwick Public Library is a free Wi-Fi hotspot the first free hotspot in Town. In addition if you don't have your W-Fi enabled device the Library has computers available for public use. For more information contact the Reference Desk at 569-1221.
WMRLS
The Library collection includes material for all ages including books, magazines, newspapers, movies on DVD and books on CD. Additional items are added to the collection during the year. To view the list of items added during the previous monthclick here. The entire collection can be searched in the Library or from anywhere via the Internet click here. In addition hundreds of items are available in the Reference Area for use in the Library. The Library also has public access computers with access to the Internet as well as software to use by the public. A reference librarian is available during most times the facility is open to assist the public with research, how to use the computers and the Internet. The Library is also a repository for Board of Selectmen meeting minutes as well as some other Town committees, boards and commissions. For assistance ask at the Reference Desk. Do you need information on income tax, retirement plans, etc.? The Library has books and CD's on these topics.
The Library collection is supplemented by the resources of the Western MA Regional Library System (WMRLS) The regional library systems in Mass. are expected to be eliminated effective July 1, 2010 based on the current state budget proposals by the Mass. House of Representatives (House Ways and Means Committee) and the MA State Senate. The approved Town of Southwick budget reduces the non-salary portion of the Library budget by 10 percent. This is in addition to a 6.9 percent cut in the current fiscal year from the Town. Income from the State of MA to the Library currently has been reduced by some 29 percent from 2009. The materials (books, subscriptions, etc.) budget for the new year (July 1) has been reduced by more than $ 2,000. The Library continues to be supported by the Friends of the Southwick Public Library, the Southwick Cultural Council, local individual contributors and area charities. One local charity has notified the Library that they will no longer provide funds to local government entities (e.g., Southwick Public Library) which does impact the ability of the Library to purchase materials for the public in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The Library recently added a new feature to the collection monthly audio book summaries on CD of current business related books. In addition summaries of the books are available in print. Visit the Business Center to review the current holdings.
The Library recently received a gift of a Monday - Saturday subscription to the New York Times. The gift was from the Friends of the Southwick Public Library.
If you want to do research on the Internet and want some help finding websites to start your search ask at the Reference Desk.
For the latest information on the Library, events, additions to the collection, etc. read Library Links click here in pdf format.
Readers Advisory Resources
For Readers Advisory Resourcesclick here New York Timesbest seller lists click here
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A list of new material at the Library is available at the Circulation Desk. Typically as new books, DVD's, etc. the Library purchases some of these (limited to funding being available). Ask at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk where to find the latest additions to the various collections at the Library. Click here for a list of new additons.
The following services are available subject to State of MA funding. Funding by the State is subject to an annual appropriation from the State Legislature. At this time (mid-May) funding for the year July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 is unknown.
Braille and Talking Books resources:
For information on braille and talking books and newspapers contact the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. Call (800) 852-3133 or (617) 972-7240 or visit the website at www.perkinslibrary.org Funding is provided by the State of MA. for this service.
Large Print:
The Library has a large selection of fiction and non-fiction books in large print format. Ask a member of the staff for the Large Print area.
Art Exhibit Schedule
For information on the art on display in May 2010 click here.
The contents of this website are copyrighted by the owner of this domain 2008-2010.
