Worcester Public Library

Ask a Librarian

	When you need information fast, call us at 508-799-1655. Press 3 on your touchtone phone. Through the Telephone Information Service, you can get brief factual answers to questions right from home or work! This service is available Tuesday through Saturday during Library hours.
	TDD service for patrons with hearing disabilities at 508-799-1731. This service provides the same services as Telephone Information Service but using special equipment that permits questions and answers to be communicated via a keyboard and phone unit.
	Use this email form to submit a 'ready reference' question. A ‘ready reference’ question is one that can be answered with a brief, factual answer. (We are not able to do detailed research via email, but we can make suggestions for resources.) This is the best place to ask your genealogy questions.
	MassAnswers is a 24/7 quick chat reference service staffed by professional reference librarians from across Massachusetts and the United States. Ask questions and get answers anytime, day or night, right here on the Internet.
Instant Message	IM a Librarian! If IM is not available, use MassAnswers--a 24/7 chat reference. Or type in your email address and question into chat box, so we can get back to you through your email.

VISIT THE WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY

LIBRARIANS ARE READY TO HELP YOU AT ...

INFORMATION DESK

When you're not quite sure where to begin, the Information Desk is the place to start. Located in the center of the library on the first floor, the Information Desk is staffed with helpful staff to direct you in your search. Whether you are looking for a specific book, need to know where to start your research, need assistance using our online book catalog or need access to the Internet, the Information Desk is your first stop.

SECOND FLOOR REFERENCE DESK

Located directly across from the elevator on the second floor, this Reference Desk serves for the Library’s collections with Dewey numbers from 000 to 699. These include books on computers, philosophy and psychology, religion, the social sciences, languages, business and physical and applied sciences.
Special reference collections on this floor include SAMS Photofacts and MA & U.S. legal resources This floor also houses the Library’s extensive collection of business resources, the Career and Continuing Education resources and is the access point for the Federal and Massachusetts document collections. From this floor you will be able to search the Internet, do word processing and use online databases.

THIRD FLOOR REFERENCE DESK

Located directly across from the elevator on the third floor, this Reference Desk serves the Library’s collections with Dewey numbers 700-999 and B (biography). This includes books on art, music, entertainment, sports, literature, history and geography and biography. Special reference collections include literary criticism, musical scores and antiques/collectibles price guides. This floor also houses the Library’s Local History and Genealogy collection and the Grants Resource Center. From this floor you will be able to search the Internet, do word processing and use online databases.

PERIODICALS DESK

Located on the third floor, overlooking the Worcester Common, this desk serves the Newspaper and Magazine collection of the Library. These collections are available in a variety of formats; paper, microform and on-line. Ask the staff at this desk for back issues of newspapers and magazines and for assistance with on-line resources and microform reader-printers.