This week, we remind you about all the stuff you forgot

Like actual, physical stuff. And stuff you once enjoyed reading (remember magazines? Yup, they still exist). And the stuff you checked out from the library once upon a time and can't find. 

The lost and found is FULL

We are getting buried under piles of kids' jackets, water bottles, stuffed animal friends (pictured above, sad and lonely), and all sorts of other clothing items. In an effort to help reunite owners with their lost items, we have placed our lost and found buckets near the entrance of the Youth Services department in the Rotunda. Please take a look next time you pop in.

Small and more valuable items like jewelry, keys, eyeglasses, etc. are still behind the Circulation Desk; just ask if you have misplaced something.

We haven't cleaned out the lost and found in a LONG TIME, so even if you think you're too late, you're probably not. 

Remember when you looked forward to reading the newspaper or finding your favorite magazine in the mail?

There is just something about starting your day with a newspaper. And who could forget how fun it can be to read a magazine dedicated just to that thing you love? The library has physical copiers of periodicals to suit any taste, but our digital collection also allows patrons to read the latest issues of popular newspapers and periodicals for free. Make paywalls a thing of the past!

Big-name newspapers:

• New York Times Home Access
• Wall Street Journal Home Access
• Boston Herald (full image issues through Newsbank)
• New York Post (full image access through Newsbank)

Newspapers from your favorite vacation spots:

• Cap Cod Times (full image issues through Newsbank)
• The New Hampshire Union Leader (full image issues through Newsbank)
• Caledonian Record (VT) (full image issues through Newsbank)
• The Miami Herald (full image issues through Newsbank)

There are HUNDREDS of other national and local newspapers available through America's News by Newsbank. See if you can find your favorite broadsheet here. 

Magazines like whoa:

If these magazines aren't your cup of tea, there are THOUSANDS more to choose from, including some about tea. Yes, really.

Don't fret over lost library books- we can help!

You have a system for keeping track of your library books that never fails...until it does. We've all been there. Don't let a lost book keep you from enjoying the library. Instead, give us a call at 781-786-6150 and explain that you're trying to find your lost library book. We will renew that title for you and try to help jog your memory. The most common places that people report finding "lost" library books are:

1. In the car. The best way to find lost things in the car is to give it a good vacuuming. The act of removing everything to try to suck up stale french fries and goldfish crackers can unearth all sorts of treasures- including library books!
2. At school. Weston Public Library books mistakenly returned to the WPS libraries usually find their way back to us eventually, but lockers, desks, sports bags, cubbies, and even instrument cases have been known to swallow a book or two.
3. Wherever you do your bedtime reading. Under the bed, between rocking chair cushions, and between the wall and the headboard are all good places to look. 

 Tell us first if you think you returned a "lost" item. We are always happy to do a shelf check. We use RFID to check in our books and while we do our best to ensure the pads read every tag, mistakes happen. We'd hate for you to tear apart your house unnecessarily. 

If you've looked everywhere and want to pay for a lost book to clear your account, keep a few things in mind. If you pay by cash or check at the library and then find the lost book within 30 days, you can get a refund. If you pay online through your library account by credit card, we can't refund you even if you find that lost book. Our library also accepts replacement copies for lost books. Before purchasing an exact replacement (lost hardcovers need to be replaced with new hardcovers, for example), please call the library and speak to a staff person to make sure the copy you are planning to buy is acceptable. 

If your kids forgot that learning is fun...