Otis Library

OTIS LIBRARY WEBSITE HAS THEIR OWN WEBSITE CLICK HERE 

Information for you about The Otis Library and Museum

Otis Library Bylaws

MA Libraries OnLine Magazines & Newspapers

Otis Library Database

CWMARS Library Catalog

Otis Library Facebook Page

Otis Library is a Massachusetts Certified Library and a member of the CWMARS Library Resource System.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Otis Library  has been in existence since the middle of the last century. The Otis Library & Museum became certified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in December 2007.

OTIS is a CWMARS library. You may use your bar coded card throughout the Berkshires, Western and Central MA and You can browse the catalog on the computer to request what you want and have it delivered to the Otis Library. For electronic readers, CWMARS has over 2000 electronic materials available for downloading to electronic devices such as Kindles, iPads, iPhones, Nooks, and other tablets. To learn more go to e.books.masslibsystem.org. Also, you may come to the library for more information.

The Library has been fortunate to acquire a new wireless printer for patron use.  As we begin our Otis Library Annual Campaign for financial assistance, I ask for your utmost generosity so we can continue our services to you. You should be getting a request in the mail, but you may also pick up the form at the library.
We use all our funding to support the materials and technology needed to meet your needs. Please continue your support, we are most appreciative.

We have five computers for public use and we do not usually limit time unless we have people waiting. We have several sitting areas where you can access Wi-Fi on your own devices and please note our WIFI signal is on 24/7, We work very hard to keep our technology at a state of the art level, we have updated our public printer to a wireless printer, which can print from your own devices as well as our computers. We also replaced the Xerox machine. As this technology is used, more the bandwidth becomes limited and the signal becomes slow, our technology specialist has been in touch with Cornerstone, and we hope to be able to afford increasing out bandwidth for the busy summer months. ~

LIBRARY PASSES

Library Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. We have added passes to the Trustees Reservations this year. ~These passes offer either free or reduced admission for two adults and two children to over 100 trustees sites throughout Massachusetts, many here in the Berkshires! ~We have renewed our other museum passes, including the pass~to the USS Constitution and its adjacent museum. ~~
Passes: Amelia Park Museum, Amelia Park Ice Arena, Arrowhead Museum, Berkshire Botanical
Gardens, Berkshire Museum, Chesterwood Museum, Clark Art Institute, Hancock Shaker Village, Magic Wings, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts Parks Pass, The Mount, Norman
Rockwell Museum, Smith College Museum of Art, Springfield Museums (Dr. Seuss, Natural History, Science and the Planetarium), USS Constitution Museum,
Ventfort Hall ~
For discount passes to Six Flags or Otis Ridge call the Rec Center at 413-269-4541.

FIVE YEAR PLAN
Our trustees are undertaking a big job! ~They are preparing a five-year plan for the Otis Library. ~This involves several steps. ~Looking at the history of the Library, studying the design of the library, and reviewing the activity of the library.

HANK WINGATE – MR. OTIS!
Our most noteworthy news is that our longtime museum curator and expert has left his Otis residence and is now residing at Laurel Lake Kindred Assisted Living Facility in Lee. ~Hank Wingate was the Otis Museum expert! ~His knowledge and wisdom was well matched with his dedication and interest in the history of Otis and adjoining places in the Berkshires. ~He spent many hours organizing and arranging the artifacts, as well as the old and rare books. ~He donated many articles, wrote several pieces and shared all he had with anyone who would visit the Museum or the archive areas in the Otis Town Hall. I hope you will find time to jot a note and send it to Hank and he welcomes visitors. ~I hope to be able to arrange some library visits for him. We will host Hank at our annual library fair.

~I am lucky to refer all matters concerning the museum to our knowledgeable and dedicated trustee Eve Kummel, who has assumed this responsibility. ~Our thanks also goes to Diane Lynch who has agreed to maintain and organize the museum. ~VOLUNTEER – We~have received calls from people who are doing historic research involving Otis, and surrounding areas.~
If you would like to help with the museum, please contact me at any time.

THANK YOU
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have given us compliments and thanks. ~It has been great to have such appreciative and supportive patrons. ~As the winter comes and brings us a new picture of Otis and the Berkshires, I invite you to come and visit our library. ~Please see what we have to offer. ~It is a pleasure to provide services to such a wonderful community. ~We always enjoy hearing from you, and we love your ideas. ~Please feel free to give your suggestions.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Bort, Director
Otis Library