Requesting through library staff

If you want an item which is currently out or only available at another C/W MARS Network Library, you may request the item in person at the Information, Reference, or Children’s Desks, or by phone at 413-789-1550 x4.  We will notify you by e-mail or phone or text when your item arrives at the library.

Requesting Online

Try searching the whole state of Massachusetts by using the Commonwealth Catalog. Start by entering the title of the book you’re looking for in the box labeled “Enter Search For Keyword” & then click “Request This Item” After this  the login screen will appear. Enter your library barcode & pin number. Your pin number is the same as your password for logging into C/W MARS to check your library record. The next page will say “ILL Request”. Click SUBMIT button on the bottom of the “ILL Request” page & your request will be on its way!

Note: Your Commonwealth Catalog request will only be denied for two reasons; one, the material requested is already available locally in the C/W MARS Catalog or two, you have requested non-circulating material that doesn’t leave the owning library,

Requesting items outside of Massachusetts

To borrow something not listed in our library catalog, nor available from the Virtual Catalog, place an interlibrary loan request (ILL) at the Information Desk, in person, by phone at 413-789-1550 x4, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Interlibrary loans may only be placed for Agawam or Feeding Hills residents with a valid library card. Inter-Library Loan service is NOT available to non-resident or reciprocal card holders. You should be aware in placing an ILL request that it can frequently take 2 – 4 weeks or more to receive the desired material from another library. Also, please note that audiovisual (DVD/CD) materials, genealogy and reference books, and equipment are typically not available for loan.

Many libraries, particularly academic libraries, charge borrowing and/or photocopying fees of $15 to $35 when supplying items through ILL. We will make every effort to borrow requested items from libraries that do not charge for this service. When this is not possible, and with your prior agreement, any charges incurred will need to be paid by you before checking out or using the material at the library.