Frequently Asked Questions

What is my library barcode number?
How do I get a password and what is it used for?
I can't remember my password number. What should I do?
Is there a limit on the number of items I may check out at once?
Can I check books out for more than 2 weeks?
Can I renew my materials online?
Can I renew my materials online if they are already overdue?
Can I renew movies?
Does the library have passes to museums?
Where can I find out what programs are available for kids?
Does the library offer programs for adults?
I heard that I can get Consumer Reports online for FREE. How?

How do I get a password and what is it used for?
When you register for a library card, you are asked to choose a password to access your library account remotely. A password is necessary to login to your library account online, renew or place holds on materials, and to sign up for some library programs. The password consists of four to sixteen alpha-numeric characters that have meaning for you and are easy for you to remember.

I can't remember my pin number. What should I do?
If you forget your password, you must visit the library in person to have the password reset. Staff members cannot verify or assign your pin number over the phone or by email.

Is there a limit on the number of items I may check out at once?
There is no limit on the number of items you may check out.

Can I check books out for more than 2 weeks?
The library offers a “vacation loan” period for older fiction, nonfiction, and sound recordings when a patron expects to be out of town for longer than the 2 week loan period. Large print books may also be checked out for an “extended loan” as needed.

Can I renew my materials online?
Yes, visit How to renew items for complete instructions.

Can I renew my materials online if they are already overdue?
Yes, you may renew materials online if they are already overdue. Fines already accrued will be added to your account at the time of renewal. Renewals will not be granted if the balance on your card exceeds $3.00

Can I renew movies?
Yes, you may renew movies. Though, it is important to note, the renewal will be denied if there is another patron on hold for that movie.

Does the library have passes to museums?
The Amherst Town Library has passes to the Boston Children's Museum, the Currier Museum of Art, the Fells Historic Estate & Gardens on Lake Sunapee, Fruitlands, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Museum of Science, Seacost Science Center, and SEE Science Center. Passes may be reserved in advance by contacting the library by phone, email, fax, or online through the library’s web site.

Where can I find out what programs are available for kids?
The Amherst Town Library offers story times, crafts, musical performances and more. Visit the Children's Room web site for more information. For a complete schedule of adult and children’s programs, check out the Calendar of Events.

Does the library offer programs for adults?
Yes, the Reference Department offers informative, educational and entertaining programs for adults. Specific programs are scheduled beginning in September and continuing through May. Programs include cultural presentations on art, music, travel, and history; participatory workshops; hands-on instructional programs; author visits; and, musical performances, along with computer classes. For a complete schedule of programs check out our Calendar of Events.

I heard that I can get Consumer Reports online for FREE. How?

Printable instructions

1. Go to the Amherst Town Library website: http://www.amherst.lib.nh.us
2. Click on the picture of the magnifying glass to go to the Database and Website Subject Guide A-Z page
3. Select Consumer Information from the list.
4. Click on MasterFILE Premier
5. Enter the 14 digit number on the back of your library card.
6. Enter a search term in the Find box. [For example: washing machines]
7. Type Consumer Reports in the Publication box and click Search.
8. (Optional: Enter the date of the issue the product was reviewed in using the drop down menus.)
9. Click on the PDF Full Text link to read the review article.