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About Amherst Life in 2020

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1. What kinds of things are you looking for?

You can document any aspects of your life during this time, especially with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, that you feel comfortable sharing. Our form allows you to remain anonymous. You can also keep a journal, write poems or stories, create art, write or record music, create video or audio recordings, or take photographs. We’re interested in almost anything that helps to document the Amherst community during these times. If you email or mail us your responses and wish to remain anonymous, please make your choice clear. Don’t worry - we are not going to judge anyone on spelling or grammar!

Note: Please do not include any identifiable medical information about yourself or others.  

2. Do you have to be an Amherst resident?

No - while our focus is on the experiences of those who live and/or work in Amherst, we welcome submissions from any area resident who would like to share their thoughts.

3. Can submissions be anonymous?

Yes. Please be clear when you submit that you would like to remain anonymous or simply do not include your name if you are submitting our form..

4. Can my submissions remain private for a certain length of time?

Yes - you can request that your submissions remain private for a specified length of time (say, 10 years) and they will be classified as “restricted” within the collection and will not be available to the public during that time period.

5. Are there limits to the amount of times that I can submit?

Absolutely not! Our current situation is changing so quickly that we encourage more than one submission. Conversely, you could submit everything all at once at a later date.

6. Will my submissions be made public immediately?

Submission will not automatically be made public; however, they will be available in our Special Collections department, which is accessible to everyone. If we use any portion of your submission in our own work (i.e. in exhibits, on social media, etc.), we will not include any personally identifiable information.

7. What will you do with these submissions?

All submissions will become the property of Jones Library Special Collections and will be included in the Documenting Experiences Collection. The collection will be open for public use.

8. When will you stop taking submissions?

We are always interested in materials documenting Amherst’s history and, while the form may not always remain available, we will always be interested in materials by or about our community members. You can call or email us at any time to discuss donations.

9. What if I'm not sure what I have is worth collecting?

We’re probably interested! However, you can always get in touch with us by phone or email and we’re happy to provide guidance regarding what we collect.

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Fine Free

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1. Why eliminate fines?

• Fines serve as an economic barrier that impedes access to library materials and services for financially disadvantaged people within our community, particularly children.
• Overdue fines often prevent parents from allowing their children to take out large numbers of items.
• Patrons who are blocked stop using the Library.
• Patrons who are blocked as children/teens often come back to the library as adults, but because the block does not go away (as long as they remain living in central or western Massachusetts), patrons are deterred from becoming library patrons once again, and if they have children, those children are prevented from become patrons. This affects early literacy.
• In our experience, overdue fines are not what teaches children the importance of returning their books. Statistics show that in libraries where overdue fines are not charged, patrons of all ages continue to respect the fact that library books belong to all citizens and therefore returning them on time is an important civic duty.
• Data shows that the number of library card holders increases when overdue fines are eliminated, circulation increases, and voluntary donations to the library increase when overdue fines are eliminated.

2. What happens if I don’t bring materials back by the due date?

When materials have no more automatic renewals and are overdue by 2 to 4 weeks (depending on the format) they enter “Lost” status in our circulation system, and your account is charged a replacement fee. This may block your ability to request items from other libraries, or borrow items from Jones Library. When materials are returned and checked in, the “Lost” status is cleared from your account and no fines will remain for that item.

3. What if materials don’t come back?

There is no data showing that library fines deter patrons from returning library materials on or before the due date. Studies have shown that 95% of items are returned within one week of their due date. Studies also show the only way fines serve as a deterrent is by imposing steep fines. We will continue to maintain our collection and replace lost items in accordance with our Collection Development Policy.

4. Has the library eliminated replacement fees?

No. The library will still charge patrons to replace lost or damaged items. However, if a library item enters “lost” status and is subsequently returned in good condition, no fines or fees will be associated with the item.

5. Will it take longer to fulfill holds?

So far, we have not seen a change in our circulation statistics as a result of eliminating fines. The number of reminders we send out for books that are 60 to 90 days late has not changed. The number of adult AV items specifically that become “Lost” each week has not changed. This data affirms our belief that holds will continue to be fulfilled in a timely manner and our collection will remain robust.

6. How will the library replace revenue from fines?

By law, overdue fines have always been turned over to the Town of Amherst. With automatic renewals and increased usage of electronic items, the amount we receive in overdue fines continues to decrease substantially every year. Although the amount we receive in overdue fines has been a source of revenue for the town in the past, the staff and Trustees feel that overdue fines do more harm than good.

7. What about other libraries’ materials?

All materials returned through the Jones Library System will be checked in without fines, even if they belong to another library. Overdue fines stay at the library where the patron is paying them, so the owning library loses that revenue anyway. We have made this policy decision based on what we feel is best for our patrons.

8. I liked paying fines! How can I support the Jones Library now?

Thank you! We have collection boxes at our circulation desks and are grateful to accept donations in lieu of fines. Donations can also be made online. These donations will continue to support library services and collections.

9. Do you have a question not answered here?

Please contact Director Sharon Sharry at sharrys@joneslibrary.org.

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General Questions

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1. How do I apply for a Jones Library card?

It's easy! See Get a Library Card for details.

2. How many items can I borrow?

You can borrow up to 50 items. See Borrowing for details.

3. How can I renew my items?

Renewable items will renew automatically! See Renewing for details.

4. How does the library calculate overdue fines?

As of August 2019, no overdue fines accrue on Jones Library and its branches’ materials. However, having overdue items on your account may restrict further borrowing and access to digital collections. Please see What happens if I have overdue items? for details.

5. Can I pay my fines online?

Yes, you can pay your fines online with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, by logging into My Account.

6. What happens if I have overdue items?

See Borrowing for details.

7. What if I lose or damage something?

See Borrowing for details.

8. What if a library CD, DVD, or other item gets stuck in my car or home player?

Please notify the Audio/Visual Department staff at 413-259-3089 or audiovisual@joneslibrary.org. We are willing to waive overdue fines on our items in this case. Please note that the library is not responsible for damage to your equipment from our items. You may need to take your player in for repair to remove the item.

9. Does the library have any apps?

Yes! We have several free apps for accessing our collections and services. See Library Apps for details.

10. I think the library should own a particular item. Can I suggest that you purchase it?

Yes. We appreciate hearing your suggestions. Please submit a Purchase Suggestion.

11. I'm not able to visit the library. Are there services for the homebound?

Yes, we offer free delivery service to homebound residents of Amherst. See Homebound Delivery for details.

12. Can I use a library meeting room?

Normally, yes. But until our buildings reopen, our meeting rooms will be unavailable.

13. Can I borrow museum passes?

Yes! See Museum Passes for details.

14. Can I borrow musical instruments?

Normally, yes. We have a large collection of instruments! Unfortunately, only our ukuleles can be borrowed at this time. Check the availability of a ukulele and place a hold. Or learn more about our collection of musical instruments.

15. Can I borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Yes! See Wi-Fi Hotspots for details.

16. Can I print while your buildings are closed?

Yes. See Print from Home / Pick Up at Jones for details.

17. Can I volunteer at the library?

Thank you very much for your interest in the Jones Library and branches. We are not accepting applications for general library volunteers at this time. However, we encourage you to volunteer with our ESL program or our Homebound Delivery program, or join and volunteer with the Friends of the Jones Libraries.

18. How can I get a job at the library?

Thanks for your interest in our libraries. If we have any available positions, they will be posted under Jobs.

19. Can the library proctor my exam?

Unfortunately, no. We aren't able to do exam proctoring at this time. Please ask your school to help you locate other possible proctors in the area.

20. Can I donate used books to the library?

While our buildings are closed, we are unable to accept donations. Normally, we accept books and other materials according to our Donating Materials to the Library Policy (PDF). We also maintain a list of other local organizations that accept book donations (PDF).

21. Are donations to the library tax deductible?

Yes, contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Thank you for your interest in supporting our libraries!

22. Do the public libraries close on school snow days?

Town libraries close when other Town offices – not the schools – close due to hazardous winter weather. Announcements regarding library closings are made after 6:30 a.m. via TV stations WWLP Channel 22 and WGGB Channel 40, as well as via the library closure line at 413-259-3094. You can also sign up to receive news alerts by email or text message.

23. Can I apply for a library card at other libraries in Amherst?

Normally, yes, but not during the pandemic. During normal times, all three of the large academic libraries in Amherst allow unaffiliated local residents to apply for a library card and borrow items at no cost. Residents of Massachusetts are eligible to apply for a card at the UMass Du Bois Library. "Adult residents of Hampshire County or one of the four immediately adjacent counties" are eligible to apply for a card at Amherst College’s Frost Library. "Area residents" are eligible to apply for a card at Hampshire College’s Harold F. Johnson Library.

24. Who is in charge of the library?

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Amherst's public libraries. The board has legal responsibility for the provision of library services, custody of library property, appointment of the library director, expenditure of funds, and determination of library policy. One of the primary functions of a board is to ensure that library services effectively meet community needs. The Board has six publicly elected trustees. Board meetings are open to the public.

25. Whose house was this?

In the 1920s, the Trustees of the Jones Library decided to create a library building that would embody the image of "Mother Amherst welcoming her children" into a large, overgrown Colonial revival style home. The original reading rooms were designed to resemble living rooms with wood paneling and fireplaces, oil paintings, sculpture, and oriental rugs. They very consciously rejected the Carnegie library style at the time which sought to create a "temple of learning."

In 1993, the original building was enlarged with a glass-roofed center courtyard and new Reference, Audiovisual, and Special Collections rooms. The front face of the library remains the same, however, and the interior rooms preserve its traditional homelike atmosphere. While some people seem to live here, this was never a private home.

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Wi-Fi Hotspots

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1. Where can I borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot?

You can reserve a Wi-Fi hotspot for pick up at the Jones Library or the Munson Memorial Library. See below for details.

2. Who can borrow a hotspot?

You must be at least 18 years old and have a CW MARS library card in good standing to borrow a hotspot. Limited to one hotspot per household.

3. Can I place a hold on a hotspot?

Yes. You can place a hold through our catalog using your library card and PIN. Please note that hotspots can only be picked up and returned to the Jones Library and the Munson Memorial Library.

4. How long can I borrow a hotspot?

Wi-Fi hotspots check out for 14 days and there are no renewals. If a hotspot isn’t returned by its due date, the wireless service to the hotspot will be remotely turned off.

Our hotspots are very popular, so we ask that you please return it by its due date.

5. Can I renew a hotspot?

No. Wi-Fi hotspots are not renewable. But you may place a hold on another hotspot.

6. What is the coverage area of a Wi-Fi hotspot?

The hotspots connect to the T-Mobile network. See the T-Mobile coverage area.

7. How do I use a hotspot?

A User’s Manual is included with the hotspot.

You can also view the manual (by hotspot type) here: Franklin T9 (PDF), Coolpad Surf (PDF), or Alcatel Linkzone (PDF).

TO GET STARTED:

1. Turn on the hotspot by pressing and holding the Power button for 3 seconds. (If the device does not turn on, you may need to charge the hotspot using the USB cable.)
   
   NOTE: For Alcatel hotspots, press only the Power side of the button and not the WPS side — pressing both sides together can disable the hotspot.
   
   
2. Wait about 10 seconds for the hotspot to turn on.
3. Once the Network and Wi-Fi indicators are lit up, you’ll be able to connect your device.
4. Go to Wi-Fi settings on your device.
5. Select the network: Amherst Hotspot
6. Enter the password: amherst!

If the hotspot’s battery indicator flashes red, it needs to be charged. You can plug the hotspot into a wall outlet using the charging cable. It may take 3 to 4 hours for the battery to fully charge, but it can be used while it is charging.

Need help? Call T-Mobile at 1-800-375-1126.

8. Are there any restrictions on data or internet use?

Data usage is unlimited and internet content is not filtered. The library does not track internet usage. By borrowing and using the hotspot, you are agreeing not to engage in illegal activity. The library is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed or transmitted using the Wi-Fi hotspot.

9. Can I use a hotspot outside the U.S.?

Hotspots can be used inside the continental U.S. and in Puerto Rico. There is no international data or roaming available. See the T-Mobile coverage area for further details.

10. What if I lose or damage a hotspot?

If you lose or damage a hotspot you will be charged a replacement fee, as described below:

•         Hotspot (including parts): $50
•         Lost cable: $5
•         Lost adapter: $5 (if applicable)
•         Lost carrying case: $10