Research Help
- Reference Department
- Ask a Question
- Requesting Items in Massachusetts
- Requesting Items outside of Massachusetts
- Download Audiobooks, eBooks, & Video
- Databases
- Access Library Databases from your Mobile Device
- Recommended Websites
- Sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard
- Accessible eBooks for the Print-impaired
Reference Department
The Reference Department is committed to providing excellent customer service. Trained staff are available to: help you find information; locate a particular book, audio, or video; recommend a good book to read; place requests for items; and provide basic assistance in using the Internet and word processing programs.
Ask a Question
By Telephone
During library hours, staff are available by telephone to answer brief factual questions or to place requests for items at (413)-789-1550 ext. 8862.
In Person
For all other inquiries during library hours, we ask that you visit the library to consult with our reference staff.
Via E-mail
When the library is closed, please e-mail us at reference@agawamlibrary.org. Staff will respond to the question the next business day.
Requesting Items in Massachusetts
Requesting through library staff
If you want an item which is currently out or only available at another CW/MARS Network Library, you may request the item in person at the the Information, Reference, or Children's Desks, by phone at 789-1550 ext. 8862, or by e-mail at reference@agawamlibrary.org. We will notify you by e-mail or phone when your item is being held for you at the library.
Also, you may only request three items a day by phone or at the library. You can place more than three requests online, however you are allowed a total of 10 requests on your library card at one time.
Requesting online
You may also request the item yourself online. First start off by looking in the Agawam Library Catalog. Once you have found the materials you are looking for, click the Place Hold button and follow the on-screen instructions (make sure to have your Library Card handy for this step).
Don't see what you're looking for?
Try searching the whole state of Massachusetts by using the Virtual Catalog.
Start off by choosing which network you belong to, for Agawam residents pick CW/MARS. Then type in your Library Card number followed by where you would like to pick up any material you find while searching.
Click the Searching and Requesting button, and start your search. After finding the materials you are looking for, click the Request button and fill in the Create Request Screen. Once this is complete, click the Submit button.
Note: Your Virtual Catalog request will only be denied for two reasons; one, you have requested non-circulating material that doesn't leave the owning library, or two, the material requested is already available locally in the Western Massachusetts Regional Catalog.
If the item is not available through Massachusetts, please click on Requesting Items Outside of Massachusetts for further information.
Requesting Items Outside of Massachusetts
To borrow something not listed in our library catalog, nor available from the Virtual Catalog, place an interlibrary loan (ILL) at the Reference Desk, in person, by phone at 789-1550 ext. 8862, or by e-mail at illag@cwmars.org
Interlibrary loans may only be placed for Agawam or Feeding Hills residents. You should be aware that in placing an ILL request that it can frequently take 2 - 4 weeks or more to receive the desired material from another library. Libraries, particularly academic libraries, charge borrowing and/or photocopying fees 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 the material.
Download Audiobooks, eBooks, & Video
All you need is an Internet connection and a CW/MARS library card. Then, browse, check out, and download. You may enjoy titles on your computer, e-book reader (but not Kindle yet), MP3 player, iPhone, iPad, iTouch, or burn many to CD! To access the digital catalog click on: http://digitalbooks.cwmars.org
Access Library Databases From Your Mobile Device
Library patrons can now download the AccessMyLibrary Public Edition mobile app from Gale. AccessMyLibrary uses GPS to find public libraries within a ten mile radius. It then gives them free, unlimited access to reputable Gale online resources - without the need to authenticate with a library card.
iPhone, iPodTouch, and iPad users may get the application from: http://www.gale.cengage.com/apps/aml/PublicPatron/ and scanning in the appropriate QR code into their device or by clicking the black and white icon "Available on the App Store." Android users may get the application from the above website, or by clicking on the green droid on the white shopping bag.
For more information, contact the library's Reference Department at 789-1550 x8862.
Sign-up for a Boston Public Library ECard
Boston Public Library is making an eCard available to all Massachusetts residents, property owners, students, and people employed in the Commonwealth. The card provides access to magazines and journal articles from Boston's 140 databases and access to downloadable audio, video, and music. To check out books from the Boston Public Library you will need to upgrade to a standard card in person at any of their branches. Click here for more information.
Accessible eBooks for the print-impaired
The Agawam Library, in partnership with Bookshare and OverDrive , is pleased to introduce you to LEAP the Library eBook Accessibility Program. You can download up to 20 books per month free of charge for one year. There are tens of thousands of titles to choose from available in both DAISY and BRF formats. This program is only available to print disabled CW/MARS library patrons and/or qualifying print disabled US students.
Click here for accessible ebooks for the print- impaired.
