Resources

Library Services

Books to Home

Books to Home is an additional service the Library provides so that you can enjoy our collection without having to visit the library.  Older adults or anyone who has difficulty getting to the library because of health problems, or just lack of transportation, is eligible.

Computers and Internet

• Chester Library has three computers with Internet access available for patrons to use for research, browsing the internet, and general word processing.
  Use of the library computer is limited to 1 hour per session. User courtesy in observing this rule is especially appreciated when someone is waiting for the computer.

• There is an Early Learning Literacy Station (AWE) in the children’s area. Thank you to a grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the Friend’s of the Library, children from ages 2-8 can enjoy over 4000 fun, engaging and interactive programs such as math, geography, reading, art & music and so much more.

• Internet Safety Policy

• There is wireless internet access in the library. The library has two docking stations for charging devices; on is located near the magazines, the other is downstairs by the computer.

• A printer is available at a cost of $0.15 per page for black and white printed, $.25 for color. Wireless printing is also available.

  Photo Copier
  A black & white, self-serve photocopier is available for use at a cost of $0.15 per page for black and white, $.25 per page for color.  Our copier also has the capability to scan documents to your email.

  Fax service is also available for outbound faxing only.  The cost for this service is $1.00 per page.

  Connecticard

  Holders of Chester Public Library cards may use them at other public libraries in Connecticut. Materials that have been checked out at other town’s libraries may be returned to the Chester Library. We will send the items back to the Connecticut library from which they were borrowed.

  Interlibrary Loan

  If Chester Library doesn’t own an item that you want, it is quite likely that it can be borrowed from another library through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).  There are some limitations, in that Chester does not request movies through ILL and other libraries typically don’t loan materials that are hot off the press.

  Generally, an ILL takes a week to 10 days to arrive in Chester, but it can be longer for some items, especially those coming from out-of -state.

  A librarian will call you when your material arrives.  It is important to return your ILL item to Chester Library only.

  Interlibrary Loans can be requested at the library, via phone call, or online through our consortium Bibliomation, at https://chester.biblio.org/eg/opac/home.

  Magazines and Newspapers

  Chester Library receives a number of popular periodicals.  These periodicals are circulated for a two week period.

  In addition, access to articles in a wider variety of popular and scholarly periodicals is available through researchItCT, Connecticut’s statewide search engine.  researchItCT may be reached by Chester Library’s homepage (Chester Library card barcode and password needed) and clicking on the link.

  On-Line Research

  Chester Library provides access to on-line tools.  Have your Chester Library card barcode number at hand and click on the name of the resource you want to use.
  
  Merriam-Webster Online - A commercial site that has both a dictionary and thesaurus.
  Oxford English Dictionary - Trace the origin and history of words and their meanings in this etymological dictionary.

To download e-books, audio books, and e-magazines, click this link to Overdrive.

Enjoy thousands of free eBooks, audiobooks, and more from your local library. The Palace app offers you all the eBooks at the library in one easy-to-use app, so you can search once, find your title, and start reading in just a few taps. Just click the icon to learn how you can get started!