When is the library open?
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday (September to May).
How do I get to the library?
You can view directions here.
How do I get a library card?
Branford residents can obtain a library card at any checkout desk. Please bring a photo i.d. and proof of Branford residency (a driver’s license with your Branford address, a utility bill, rent agreement, etc.). Stony Creek residents should obtain their library card from the Willoughby Wallace Library.
What are the loan periods?
- Museum Passes – 2 days
- Sewing Machines – 3 weeks
- Telescope – 3 weeks
- Books, Audiobooks, CDs, Magazines, DVDs – 3 weeks
Can I renew items?
Yes, with the exception of Museum Passes, as long as there are no holds on the item. Interlibrary loan items can be renewed if the loaning library allows renewals. Please call the Reference department at 203.488.1441, ext. 318 for interlibrary loan renewals.
How much are overdue fines?
Blackstone Library is fine free for Blackstone-owned items. The library will still have due dates and will automatically extend renewals if there are no holds on an item. If an item is lost or damaged, a replacement fee will be added to your account.
There are also no late fees for downloadable items since they are returned automatically. Please note that other libraries have different fine schedules and you will be responsible for those fines if your items are returned late.
Can I reserve books and DVDs?
Yes. Holds can be placed in person at the library, by phone or by using our online catalog. Log in with your library barcode number and last name, search for your item, and then place the hold.
Can I print at the library? How much does it cost?
The library offers public printing and copiers. Black and white printouts and copies cost $.25 each and color printouts and copies cost $.50 each.
Do you have downloadable books?
The library has both downloadable audiobooks and e-books. Many devices are compatible, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads, iPods, Sony e-readers, and many more. You can search or browse the downloadable collection here. If you are a Blackstone Library cardholder, you can also download a variety of items, including downloadable books, from Hoopla.
Do you accept book donations?
The Friends of the Library accept donations year-round for their annual book sale. Please drop off items at the Friends book drop, located in the parking lot at 30 Harrison Avenue. You can also drop off books in our donation bin, located in the rear of the building.
When is the library book sale?
The annual Friends of the Library book sale is held in the fall each year.
Does the library have a delivery program for residents who cannot get to the library?
Yes, please call the Reference department at 203.488.1441, ext. 318 for more information.
Are there any library book groups?
Yes. For additional information, or to place a hold on a book, please call the Reference department at 203.488.1441, ext. 318 or visit our book clubs page.
Does the library have a local history/genealogy collection?
Yes, we have an extensive collection. Please visit our genealogy page for in-depth information.
Do you have wireless and is there a password?
The library offers wireless internet service throughout the building and can usually be reached from our parking lots, if the library is closed. This is an unprotected network, and there is no password.
Do you charge for library programs?
The vast majority of our programs are offered free of charge. If there is a charge or suggested donation, that information will be posted on our flyers, both on the website and on our bulletin boards.
Does the library have a public fax machine?
Yes, we do. The reference librarians can send a fax for you ($1.00 per page, with a maximum of $5.00 per fax). Please note that we are not able to receive faxes for you.
Does the library have study rooms?
The library has a study room and conference room that can be reserved for two hours a day. Please stop by or call the Reference department at 203.488.1441, ext. 318 to reserve one of these rooms. There are also study tables available in the fiction stacks on the ground floor and in the Reading Room on the main floor. If you need a larger space, please read about reserving space at the library.
Does the library still have the museum?
No, we don’t, but many historical items are at the Branford Historical Society and the bird collection can be found in Westport at Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center. The arrowhead collection is still displayed at the library, in the Lucy T. Hammer Room.
Can I take pictures of the inside and the outside of the library?
We are happy to have people photograph the library. We ask that you let the Reference librarians know that you are doing so and that you do not photograph our patrons.