Library Cards
A valid Library card is required to borrow any materials for use outside the building. Cards are available at no cost to all residents of Woodstock, Bridgewater, and other towns that may provide taxpayer support of the NWPL.
Non-resident cards are available for an annual fee equal to the per capita tax allocation paid by Woodstock residents. Temporary cards may be purchased in six- and 12-month increments. These cardholders enjoy the same privileges as Woodstock residents. A non-resident patron who cannot afford the fee may request a reduction or exemption from the Library Director. It is the intention of the NWPL Board of Trustees that no one be denied access to borrowing privileges due to limited income. All staff in Woodstock schools are eligible for a free Library card.
Currently, the annual membership fee for non-residents is $70 per household.
Cards may be issued to children under age 16 with the signature of a parent or guardian accepting responsibility for materials borrowed.
A registered borrower has full use of the Norman Williams Public Library. This includes but is not limited to checking out circulating library material, access to inter-library loan items, downloadable audio and e-books, online databases, internet and word processing access.
Non-registered borrowers may use library material while in the building, may attend programs and may have free internet access. They may obtain circulating materials from the Norman Williams Public Library by asking their local library to request the materials through interlibrary loan.
More information and details: Library Card
ABLE Library
The Vermont Department of Libraries, Special Services Unit is a regional network of the ABLE Library – an acronym that stands for their primary services – Audio, Braille, Large-print, and Ebooks. They provide recorded, large print and braille books, audio-described videos, and other materials to qualifying individuals.
Applying for these free library services is easy; anyone desiring these services just needs to fill out an application and have it approved by the Special Services Unit. Once approved, the materials are delivered to the individual’s home and may then be returned postage free.
This must be filled out by hand and mailed to Berlin as it requires an original signature by the “Certifying Authority” attesting to the individual’s disability. The document may be downloaded from the Department of Libraries site or by contacting the library. Once on the State site you may look at the available materials via the online catalog and be referred to other sites of interest.
Interlibrary Loan
Materials currently checked out to other patrons may be placed on reserve using the NWPL’s online catalog, or by speaking to a staff member. Books not owned by the NWPL, or the Catamount Library Network, may be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
ILL is available to all Library cardholders and can be used to borrow library materials and to obtain photocopies from other libraries. When a patron is notified that requested ILL material has arrived, the patron will have three days to pick it up.
Museum Passes
The Passes available to Library patrons provide free or reduced entry to ten locations around the region. For the most accurate information about hours of operation, special events, and current exhibits, patrons may wish to check with the museum or park directly, either online or by phone. Passes may be borrowed for 3 days, and may not be renewed. Please note that passes are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
| American Precision Museum in Windsor Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock Brattleboro Museum & Art Center in Brattleboro Echo Science Center and Aquarium in Burlington Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury |
Shelburne Farms in Shelburne Vermont Historic Sites around the state Vermont Historical Society Museum in Montpelier and Leahy Library in Barre Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee Vermont State Parks around the state |
More information and details: Museum Passes
Technology at NWPL
The Norman Williams Public Library is pleased to offer you free access to the Internet. The library has computers and two printer/scanners for the use of all patrons and visitors. (We ask 25 cents per page for printing to help defray costs. Scanning is free.)
One-on-one tutorials are available to help patrons access information on the Internet and technical/computer support. Please schedule a time for a session at the front desk.
More information and details: Technology & Tech Help
Use of Venue
Need meeting space? Have an idea for a program? Hosting an important event?
The beautiful architecture and stately rooms of the Norman Williams Public Library can provide you with a unique venue for a memorable event.
The library hosts many small private and public gatherings and invites you to reserve the open, elegantly arched mezzanine; the intimate, wood-paneled meeting room with state-of-the-art AV equipment; or – in season – the colorful and secluded side garden.
We are happy to work with you to create a successful event as outlined in the Program and Events Policy.
Please contact the Programming Librarian to begin planning.
Book Recommendations
Reading lists and recommendations – from here at NWPL to around the globe – are available.
The library subscribes to several printed book reviews: The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, and many daily papers can be found in the Reading Room.
We have an ongoing staff recommendations list as well as an eclectic selection of titles generated by the library’s four book discussion groups.
New books in NWPL’s collection are in the online catalog.
The library compiled a selection of titles to learn about racial justice.
In addition, Bookbrowse is an online magazine for book lovers and book clubbers that sends news and reviews via email.
More information and details: Books / Music / Movies
…and more!
The Norman Williams Public Library offers other support services to our community! From recycling to gathering books for shut-ins, we are committed to being a valuable community resource for materials, information, and programs.
The WeRecycle Battery Box
Thanks to funding from the Friends of NWPL, we collect batteries and small electronics for recycling. The WeRecycle Battery Box is a certified alternative to keep these items out of the landfill. Perfect for alkaline batteries from your remote control or wireless mouse, rechargeable laptop and cell phone batteries, even your old power tool batteries. Bring them to the circulation desk, bag them, and drop them in.
More information and details: WeRecycle Battery Box at NWPL
The NWPL Bag Mobile
Sometimes mobility issues and transportation challenges make it hard to get to the library.
Enter the Bag Mobile! We are happy to fill a special tote bag with your choice of books. This may be picked up at the library by a caregiver or friend. (We’ll even run it out to the curb if necessary.)
We now have a regular off-site delivery service to The Homestead, Melishwood, and Woodstock Terrace for patrons who request it. Currently, we pick up and deliver items weekly, on Tuesday afternoons. We will do our best to accommodate requests outside of those locations if you cannot send someone to pick up the Bag Mobile at NWPL.
Need help with a selection? That’s what librarians are for! Give us title suggestions, authors you enjoy, or simply some guidance about your reading preferences. We’ll choose 5 or 6 books, check them out to you, and pack them in a designated NWPL tote bag.
More information and details: NWPL Bag Mobile