The library's Reference department is the starting point for conducting and exploring research in all subject areas. The Maynard Public Library offers reference and information services to every segment of the community and is located on the second floor of the building.

Here is a sampling of some of the services the Reference Department offers:

Assistive Services

Do you know someone who can't get out of the house? Library materials can be brought to them!  If temporary or permanent limitations keep patrons at home, Maynard Public Library materials are still available. Library staff will gather selections and bring them to the door with deliveries made once a week.

Computer Training

Want to set up an e-mail address or learn how to use Facebook to connect with friends and family? Learn computer basics with a one-on-one half hour training session with a Reference librarian. Click the link above to learn more.

Databases

The library subscribes to a total of 49 subscription databases that supplement the Reference Collection. The databases cover a wide variety of information including genealogy, biographies, medical information, historical sources, and more.

The databases can provides you with quality information from many reputable sources. For example, Periodical databases such as Academic OneFile, General OneFile, and Massachusetts Newsstand provide thousands of magazine, journal, and newspaper articles in full-text. Novelist is a reader's advisory database to help you select new fiction books to read next. Opposing Viewpoints is a terrific starting point for research projects and provides contextual information and opinions on hot social issues. With Powerspeak Languages, you can be on your way to learning a new language in minutes with interactive exercises to train you.

Click here to access the all of the databases the library provides.

Interlibrary Loan

If you require material that is not available within the library or the Minuteman Library Network, the Reference staff will attempt to borrow the material from outside of the network. Click the link above to learn more.

Local History Collection

Materials about the history of Maynard are located in the Reference office and cannot be loaned out, but are accessible for in-library use. The library keeps books about Maynard history, important town documents, annual town reports (1872-present), high school yearbooks, and microfilm of town newspapers dating back to 1899.

Periodicals

The library subscribes to a wide variety of newspapers, newsletters, and magazines for a varied number of subjects. For a complete listing of the periodicals we subscribe to, click here.

Reader's Advisory

On a hold list for the newest best-seller and need something to read while you wait? Looking for more books by your favorite author or want to explore similar authors? Found a book you love and now ant more like it? Simply have no idea what you want to read next? If you have questions like these, ask the Reference librarian and we will help you find your next read! Click the "Reader's Advisory" link above for a list of online reader's advisory resources.

Reference Collection

The library's Reference Collection contains a wide variety of non-circulating books. Some types of reference books include encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, indexes, handbooks, and directories. These books must be used in the library and can only be checked out overnight. 

For more information...

Our Reference staff is available to help you answer your questions and to use our print and electronic resources to find the information you need. Librarians can assist you in person, on the phone, and through email. You can contact the staff in person on the second floor of the library or by telephone: 978-897-1010 x103. You can also ask your question on the “Ask a Librarian” form on the left hand side of this page.