Borrowing Questions
How do I get a library card?
Patrons wishing to receive a library card must apply at the Library's Circulation Desk at the main library.
Adults are required to have TWO forms of identification: one must be a photo id (license or state ID), and the other can be a utility bill, check book, car registration, or a recent piece of mail (no more than three months old) with current Waterbury address. Children who wish to obtain a library card are required to have a parent or legal guardian present who has the above two forms of identification. A card is available to any Waterbury resident.
How do I get a card for my Company?
Any company located in the City of Waterbury may obtain a library card by submitting a request on company letterhead (including street address and phone number). The letter must be signed by the chief executive officer, state the company's agreement to be responsible for any delinquencies that may occur and provide the name, address and phone number of a company contact person for this service.
Can I get a library card if I do not live in Waterbury?
With a valid hometown (CT) library card, out of town residents may borrow the same materials as our Waterbury card holders. Library cards are available to all Waterbury Public School teachers, even if they are not city residents.
How old does my child have to be to get a library card of his or her own?
Library cards are available for children of any age. The child must be present with the parent or legal guardian. To obtain a library card, the parent or legal guardian is required to have two forms of identification: one must be a photo ID and the other form must show a current Waterbury address.
How long is my library card valid?
When first issued, your library card is valid for one year. It's renewed every three years thereafter
How do I renew my library card?
When first issued, your library card is valid for one year. It's renewed every three years thereafter. Library cards can be renewed in person at the main library or the Bunker Hill branch with identification showing a current city of Waterbury address.
Can I return my books after the Library closes?
Night drops are available at the Main Library and the Bunker Hill branch.
Can I renew my material without coming in?
You may renew library materials from outside the library by calling the Main Library Circulation Department at (203) 574-8206 or the Bunker Hill Branch (203) 574-8240 during regular hours and ask a staff member to assist you. Videos, DVDs, 14 Day Books and reserved materials cannot be renewed.
Will I be notified regarding the books I requested?
You will be notified by phone when your requested material is available. Note: your borrower record must have a current phone number.
Can I return borrowed items to any Silas Bronson Library location?
Yes, the main Library is located at 267 Grand Street and the branch is located at 192 Bunker Hill Avenue
How Long Long Can I Keep an Item Out?
You may borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs, videocassettes, compact discs, and many other kinds of materials. Most items can be checked out for 21 days; however, there are some exceptions:
21 days - most items including fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks and music CDs. May be renewed once.
14 days - new adult fiction and non-fiction. No renewals.
7 days - DVDs, videocassettes and video games. No renewals
How do I reserve a book?
You can reserve any item that is not on the shelf in person at any Silas Bronson Library branch. Alternately, you may reserve items not on the shelf via the web through our On-Line Library Catalog
How Much Are Fines?
Overdue Charges (per item per day)
$.20 most materials
$1.00 DVDs, videocassettes, video games
Lost Library Cards Fees
$3.00 all replacements
*If an item is lost, the retail price is charged along with a service charge of $5. Borrowing privileges will be suspended for delinquent accounts ($5.00 or more) and may be referred to a third party collection agency.