Quick Guide to Cotuit's Collections
Cotuit Library is housed in a lovely historic building which began life as a schoolhouse. It's an unusual design for a library. We love the special atmosphere, but it can be a challenge to find things on your first visit. Please ask for help if you don't find what you need.
We realize that there are stairs to both the upper and lower levels, and that some patrons might not be able to use these stairs. We are working on plans for a lift, but don't yet have the plans and money necessary in place. In the meanwhile, we will be happy to get items for any patron who cannot access them.
Our special collections include:
- Cape Cod materials
- Peck Maritime Collection
- Visual Arts Collection
- Kirkman Collection of collectible books and ship models (display only)
- Selection of Vintage Mysteries
For those who like to adventure for themselves, here's a quick guide:
MAIN LEVEL:
Help Desk
Computers for your use (please sign in at desk)
Catalog Computer
Children's Library (to the right)
Newest Books
Cape Cod Collection (alcove tot he right as you enter)
Music on cd
Audiobooks (cassette and cd)
Large Print Materials
Videos and DVDs
Photocopier
UPPER LEVEL:
Newer Books (shown in catalog as "Cotuit Upstairs" location; not the newest, but usually purchased within 3 years)
Peck Maritime Collection
Oversize Books
Magazines and Newspapers
Visual Arts Collection (Kirkman Extension Room)
Display of Kirkman Collection (collectible books, ship models)
Most comfortable places to read and study (but not quietest)
LOWER LEVEL:
(down the stairs behind the dvds and videos)
Older Books (including many vintage mysteries)
Reference Books
Book Nook (Friends of the Library book sale)
Quietest places to read and study
Why is our collection of books split among three levels?
The newest books are at the entry to the library because they are most often used.
We have a cross-section of newer (but not newest) books on the Upper Level because there are only a few steps up and many people who can't get to the Lower Level can get upstairs. This means they are able to choose among a wide variety of books.
We can't fit everything in without using the Lower Level, so we have the oldest books there. If you haven't wandered through the Lower Level, please do. There are many unusual older volumes including vintage mysteries and odd old histories that you are unlikely to find at another public library.