Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Parking and Parking Meters
  2. Snow and Ice Removal
  3. Library Cards
  4. Loan Periods & Late Fees
  5. Services for Immigrants
  6. Donating Books to the Library
Don't see your questions answered here?

Visit our Frequently Asked Reference Questions page and/or send us your question online.


Parking & Parking Meters

  • Where can I park nearby?
  • There is a metered parking lot behind the library and metered on-street parking. A metered municipal lot is located one block from the library off of Lexington Street between Main Street and School Street.
  • How do the Pay-By-Space meters work?
    1. Park your vehicle, make note of the space number, and look for the sign indicating "Pay Meter Here."
    2. Once you are at the meter, press any button on the keypad to begin.
    3. Enter your space number and press the "#" key.
    4. Insert coins or bills (the machine doesn't give change or refunds).
    5. Press the green button to complete the transaction or press the red button to cancel it.

    For more information, see the Parking Brochure
  • All parking meters and metered zones in the City of Waltham are enforced Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.
  • Who do I call about a broken meter?
  • Parking Meter Division: Parking Meters
    Government Center
    119 School  Street
    Waltham, MA 02451
    781-314-3405 or 781-314-3402

    The Parking Meter Division is responsible for the installation and collection of parking meters, enforcement of all metered on-street parking and all city owned parking lots. They ensure the availability of short-term, on street parking spaces to support retail and commercial business throughout the City of Waltham. Enforce parking meter, loading zone, bus stop, crosswalk and handicap parking violations. This division is under the direction of the Transportation Director.

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Snow and Ice Removal at the Waltham Public Library

  • Who is responsible for plowing the parking lot? How do I contact them?
  • The Waltham Building Department
    781-314-3191
    Government Center Building
    119 School Street
    Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Who is responsible for sanding and salting the parking lot? How do I contact them?
  • Parking Lot Salting and Sanding
    Waltham Public Works
    781-314-3801
    City Hall
    167 Lexington Street
    Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Who is responsible for shoveling the sidewalks and entranceway to the library? How do I contact them?
  • Waltham Public Library
    781-314-3425
    735 Main Street
    Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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Library Cards

  • How do I get a library card and is there a charge?
  • It's easy to get your Library Card, the best bargain in town!

    1. 1. Fill out a short application. Stop at the Children's or Main Circulation desk and ask for a library card application, or print out this application, fill it out, and bring it with you. There is no charge.
    2. 2. Show a valid photo identification and proof of your current address. This can be a Massachusetts drivers license, but we will accept other forms of ID. Acceptable forms of address verification have imprinted on them the applicant's name and current address: a driver's license, a utility bill with your name and address, a checkbook or a piece of mail.
    3. 3. We will make your card right away. Now you may use and borrow many FREE things at the library!
    4. 4. As a first-time borrower, you may borrow up to three items when you receive your Library card. On later visits, the Waltham Public Library, as part of the Minuteman Library Network, allows a person to have up to 150 items checked out at one time.
    5. 5. Click here for more details about our Library Card Policy


  • Massachusetts residents* and out of state residents who work in Waltham may obtain library cards.

  • Please notify the library of any change of address, phone number, or email address.

  • Lost library cards should be reported immediately. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card until you report the card lost or stolen. Parents are responsible for materials borrowed by children 18 years and younger. A replacement card costs $1.00.

  • Waltham belongs to the Minuteman Library Network (MLN). A Waltham Public Library card is valid at all 41 MLN Libraries. Policies vary from library to library.

  • *Residents of cities and towns with libraries decertified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) may not obtain a library card or borrow items in Waltham. We take this action reluctantly. The Waltham Public Library Board of Trustees cannot ask Waltham taxpayers to make up for the refusal of other cities and towns to properly fund their libraries. Loss of service is one way to help decertified libraries build support to restore their budgets. This policy affects all individuals with a home address in an MBLC decertified municipality.


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Loan Periods and Late Fines

  • How long can I keep a borrowed book, a magazine, a DVD, a video or anything else?
  • Books, magazines & most other items can be checked out for three weeks at a time and can be renewed twice.

    Rental Books can be checked out for one week ($1) or for two weeks ($1.75).

    Rental DVDs & Video Tapes can be checked out for one week ($1) at a time and can only be renewed in person if the item is a not a new release and/or if no other patron is waiting for the title.

    Reference materials and Waltham Room materials do not circulate.


    Items with outstanding requests may not be renewed.


  • What are fines for overdue or lost materials?
  • - Overdue Items
    • Adult items - 10 cents per day per item.
    • Children's - 5 cents per day per item.
    • Book and video rentals - 25 cents per day per item.
    • Museum Passes - 5 dollars per day per item.
  • - Lost Items
    • The current replacement cost is charged.

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