Using the Library
Getting a Library Card
Register on-line for an upgradable E-card.
Library cards are issued free of charge to residents of towns participating in the Old Colony Library Network. Non-OCLN patrons may register using a library card from their local library or by receiving a new Hingham Public Library card if they do not have their local library card. Current identification with proof of address will be required for all new registrations. Typically, adults are asked for a driver's license, but other forms of identification may be acceptable. Call the Library's Circulation Department to inquire. Hingham Public Library cards are individual cards, not family cards, and are, therefore, not transferable. Children and Young Adults under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian with them in order to obtain a card; children under age 13 are issued cards from the Children's Department. A Hingham Public Library card may be used to borrow from other Old Colony Library Network libraries. If a card is lost or stolen, notify the Library's Circulation Department immediately to prevent unauthorized borrowing. Lost cards are replaced at a charge of $1.00.
Hours & Directions
Regular Hours
| Monday – Thursday | 10:00 – 9:00 |
| Friday | CLOSED |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 5:00 |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Holiday Schedule 2011 - 2012
The library will be closed the following days:
| Independence Day Observed | Monday , July 4, 2011 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 5 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 10 |
| Veterans Day | Friday, November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 24 |
| Christmas Holiday | Sunday, December 25 & Monday, December 26 |
| New Year's Day | Sunday, January 1, 2012 and Monday, January 2 |
| Martin Luther King Day | Monday, January 16 |
| President's Day | Monday, February 20 |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 8 |
| Patriot's Day | Monday, April 16 |
| Mother's Day | Sunday, May 13 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 28 |
Driving Directions
From Route 3 Take Exit 14 and then follow 228N for approximately 6 miles. The Library is located on the right at the intersection of East Street (Rte. 228) and Leavitt Street.
Public Transportation Directions
From the T, take the Route 220 bus departing Quincy Center Station and stop at Hingham Center on Route 228. Follow 228N for about 5 minutes to reach the library.
When using the MBTA schedule, please note that the Hingham Center stop occurs 5-10 minutes after the Station Street stop.
MBTA Schedule/Map for bus Route 220.
Library Floor Plan & Directory
Color Coded Library Directory/Floor Plan - PDF
Borrowing & Fine Policy
Loan Periods
Most materials, except for new or special materials, may be checked out for 14 days. Reference and historical materials do not circulate. There are no restrictions on the number of books that may be checked out at one time, though we impose reasonable limits to insure equitable access during peak demand periods for specific titles or subjects. There are restrictions on the number of audio-visual collections which may be borrowed at one time. Restrictions are posted at the Audio-Visual Department desk.
Renewals
Materials may be renewed a maximum of two times as long as no one else has requested them. New materials and all AV materials may be renewed once. Telephone renewals are accepted for all items eligible for renewal except Rental Books; Rental Books must be brought to the Library for renewal. Users with internet access may renew eligible items on-line.
Reserves
To request a book or other item not on the shelf, patrons may place a "hold" on the item. The hold may be placed by the patron via the directions on the public access terminals or through our catalog on the internet. Staff also can place your hold. Request slips also may be filled out at the main desk for items you wish the Library to consider for purchase.
Returns
Borrowed items may be returned at any circulation point in the Library. Book and AV drops for use when the Library is closed are located near the library´s main entrance.
Fine Schedule:
| Item | Daily Rate | Maximum Fines |
| Books | .20 | $10.00 |
| Magazines | .20 | $3.00 |
| DVDs/Videos | $2.00 | $10.00 |
| Books on Tape/CD | $1.00 | $10.00 |
| Music CDs | .20 | $10.00 |
| Software | .20 | $10.00 |
Juvenile Fine Schedule:
| Item | Daily Rate | Maximum Fines |
| Books | .10 | $10.00 |
| Magazines | .10 | $3.00 |
| DVDs/Videos | $2.00 | $10.00 |
| Books on Tape/CD | .10 | $10.00 |
| Music CDs/Tapes | .10 | $10.00 |
| Software | .10 | $10.00 |
| Toys | .10 | $10.00 |
Charges for lost and damaged materials are based on the replacement cost plus accumulated fines.
Accumulated charges may result in suspension of borrowing privileges at the Hingham Public Library and throughout the Old Colony Library Network.
Rental Charges
The Rental Book collection provides popular titles for $1.00 per week with an overdue fine of .30 per day. Rental DVDs are loaned at $1.00 per day. Rental Audiobooks are loaned at $1.00 per week with an overdue fine of $1.00 per day. The Audiovisual Department also rents equipment - please contact this department for a current equipment and price list at 781-741-1405 x2605.
Computers & Internet
The Library offers public Internet Access. Users of this service must read and agree to abide by the Library's Internet & Safety Policy before using the service.
Three Internet access options are available for individuals age 15 and older. (1) use the Library's computers in the Reference Room; during busy periods this may require you to wait for a workstation to become available. (2) use your laptop with a wired connection in the Reference Room and in the lower level Study Rooms. (3) use your appropriately equipped laptop with the wireless network available throughout the entire library and courtyard.
View the instructions for connecting to the library's internet access using your laptop.
Children under fifteen must use the Children's Room workstations or use their own equipment to connect to the library's wireless network.
Room Reservations
To reserve a room please apply online or call the Reference Department at 781-741-1405 x2650.
Download the Library´s Meeting Room Policy and Meeting Room Disclaimer for information on the use of the Meeting Rooms.
Home Delivery
Elderly or disabled residents of Hingham need not miss out on library services. Thanks to a devoted group of volunteers, the Hingham Public Library offers a special home delivery service for people who cannot get out to visit the library.
The service works like this: the patron fills out a list of preferences, which is kept on file at the library. In addition to regular editions of books, patrons may also borrow from the library's wide-ranging collection of large print and of books on tape. Volunteers consult the patron's preference list in choosing titles, which are delivered to the patron's residence (including local nursing homes) on alternate Wednesdays; at the same time, materials borrowed earlier are picked up and returned to the library.
If you or someone you know could use this service, either temporarily or on a regular basis, please call the Circulation Desk of the Hingham Public Library at 781-741-1405 x2618 and ask to have Home Delivery started.
Book Store
Library volunteers operate a year round used bookstore on the Library's lower level. Our bargain prices can't be beat!
Regular Hours (occasionally subject to change; call ahead to confirm)
| Monday – Thursday | 10:00 – 4:00 |
| Wednesday Evening | 7:00 - 9:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 4:00 |
| Sunday | 1:00 - 3:00 |
Bookstore Price List
| Hardcover Books | $1.00 - $3.00 |
| Softcover Books | $.50 - $1.00 |
| Magazines | $.25 |
| Children's Books | $.25 - $1.00 |
| Movies, Music, Books on Tape | $.50 - $2.00 |
The store accepts donations of most materials in good condition for re-sale. We do not accept:
- Reader's Digest condensed books
- Textbooks or Encyclopedias
- Copies of software, movies and music
- Paperbacks over seven years old
- Damaged or marked up books or magazines
- Books with mold or mildew
Monies earned from the sale of used books and other media support the purchase of new material and necessities for the Library.
More FAQ's
Meeting & Study Rooms
Study Rooms
The Library has three study rooms located near the main circulation desk. These rooms are for use by individuals or small groups, may not be reserved in advance, and use must be in accordance with the Library's Study Room Policy, also posted at the main desk.
Meeting Rooms
Download the Library's Meeting Room Policy and Meeting Room Disclaimer for information on the use of the Meeting Rooms. To reserve a room please apply online or call the Reference Department at 781-741-1405 ext. 2608.
OCLN Member Libraries
The Hingham Public Library is a member of the Old Colony Library Network. View the list of hours and directions for other member libraries.
Bulletin Boards
The library maintains several bulletin boards and several locations for distributing materials not produced by the library. Please see our Posting & Distribution Policy for more information.
Fax & Copier Services
Fax Services
The Library fax machine is available to the public for sending and receiving documents during library hours. A fee is charged for this service. Call the Circulation Department for more information on the fax service.
Copier Service
Self-service copy machines are available to make 8 ½" x 11" copies. Additional features include enlarging and reducing. The fee is .15 per page.
Special Needs
The Hingham Public Library's goal is to provide excellent service to all users. A variety of resources and services are available for people with disabilities.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing:
- Closed caption videos and DVDs
- Telex SoundMate personal listening to enhance listening for users of the Whiton Meeting Room
For people who are blind or visually impaired:
- Video magnification system
- Screen magnification software on some computers
- Audio books on tape and CD
- Descriptive videos (DVS)
- Large type books
- Website compliant with most screen readers
For people with mobility limitations:
- Home delivery of library materials
- Handicapped parking
- Automatic door opening at main entrance
- Fully accessible building with elevator to all floors
- Sit-down computer stations
