Borrow From Other Libraries

If an item you want is not part of the Athenaeum’s collection, you have several options for trying to find it elsewhere. 

Area Libraries: CW MARS

Use the CW MARS online catalog to find and request books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, CDs, and more! Not sure how to do it? Read these tips for searching the catalog. If you need help logging into your online account, call us for assistance. 

CW MARS is a consortium of over 100 libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts. You can borrow materials from any CW MARS library with your Westfield Athenaeum library card.

Massachusetts Libraries: ComCat

For physical items that aren’t available through CW MARS, search the Commonwealth Catalog. ComCat gives you access to millions of items from libraries that hold unique collections, such as Boston Public Library, UMass Amherst, and other academic, special, and public libraries in the Commonwealth. 

To request items, you’ll need to create an account using your Westfield Athenaeum library card number. To get started, check out the ComCat FAQ.

Interlibrary Loan: WorldCat

If an item isn’t available from a library in Massachusetts, we may be able to borrow it for you from an out-of-state library. To see if any libraries in the United States own it, look up your item in WorldCat. Then, contact us at (413) 568-7833 x 4 or reference@westath.org and let us know what you’re looking for.

You may request any type of physical materials via interlibrary loan except video games. Please note we may not have access to everything listed in WorldCat (such as new materials or very rare items).

eBooks and More: Overdrive 

Your Westfield Athenaeum library card gives you access to a large collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines in the CW MARS Overdrive Catalog. 

Thanks to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, CW MARS cardholders can check out electronic items from seven other library consortiums, all in one place. Learn more about getting started with Overdrive. 

Boston Public Library

If you are a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you can register for a BPL eCard. This gives you access to a large selection of electronic resources, including Hoopla for streaming a variety of media and Kanopy for streaming movies. 

Questions? 

Feel free to contact us at (413) 568-7833 x 4 or reference@westath.org.