Patrons must have their library card in order to check out materials. Library cards must be renewed and updated every two years. At the time of renewal, patrons must present proof of physical address and a NSPL key tag or library card. Parents must sign their child’s registration card and indicate the privileges they permit for their child. Parents or guardians who sign are responsible for any fines or materials borrowed by the child.
ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION FOR OBTAINING LIBRARY CARDS
In all cases – proof of residency and one official form of photo identification must be provided. A driver’s license/New York State ID card with the current street address works as both. Any questions regarding acceptable identification can be referred to the Head of Circulation or the Director.
Adults (18 & Older)
- Driver’s license/New York State ID card
- Deed
- Utility bill
- Lease
- Car registration
- Voter registration card
- Tax bill
- Passport
*If a patron has photo ID (such as an out of state driver’s license or passport), but does not have any of the above, they may fill out a postcard (provided by the library). When the patron receives the post card in the mail, it can be brought to the library (with photo ID) to receive their NSPL library card.
Children (17 & Under)
- A parent/legal guardian must be present to give minors permission to access certain aspects of the library and obtain a full two-year card. Parents/guardians can serve as identification if they are present, have a card and valid ID.
A 3-month card with limited access can be granted with no adult present if the child has:
- School identification such as library card or school photo ID.
- Letter from school office stating student’s name and address.
REPLACEMENT OR LOST LIBRARY CARD
A NSPL cardholder can obtain a replacement library card and key tag by showing proper identification and their full-size library card or library key tag. There is a $1.00 charge for a lost/replacement card.
If a NSPL patron does not have their library card, they have the following options:
- Staff can hold materials on the hold shelf for three days so that the patron can return to check the items out with their library card.
- Patron can buy a replacement card for $1.00, which includes both key tag and full-size card.
TEMPORARY ONLINE LIBRARY CARD
Patrons may obtain a temporary library card by visiting the website and filling out the form under the section entitled: “Online Library Card Request.” This gives the patron 30 days to come in with the necessary identification to obtain a full two-year card.
RENEWALS AND RESERVES
Renewals – Patrons must present library card in order to renew materials at the circulation desk. Material on reserve for another patron may not be renewed. Patrons may renew an overdue item at the circulation desk, at the self-check, by phone, or online. Patrons may renew and add the overdue fine to their card at the circulation desk.
Auto Renewal – Most items will be renewed automatically as long as there are no holds placed on the item and as long as they have not gone over their allowed maximum renewal amount.
Telephone Renewal – Patrons may call the library or leave their name and phone numbers on voice mailbox and a staff member will call patrons at home. Materials must not be overdue to use this service.
Online Renewal – As long as the maximum number of renewals has not been exceeded, patrons may renew items while away from the library on their online library account.
Inter-library Loans – Loan period for inter-library loan materials is at the discretion of the lending library.
Reserves – Patrons may reserve library materials. In addition to placing a reserve at the public services desks with a librarian’s help, patrons may reserve materials using terminals in the library, by phone, or online.
NON-RESIDENTS PRIVILEGES
Full Service Cardholders of other Suffolk County libraries who are in good standing with their home library may use their library card at NSPL to check out most items. Certain materials – i.e. video games, turntables, etc. – are reserved for NSPL patrons only. Any further questions will be referred to the Head of Circulation or the Director.
Patrons will be charged list price for replacement of lost or damaged materials. Items become lost and are billed to the patron’s account after 35 days. Overdue notices are sent by mail or email as follows: first notice is sent 14 days after item is due, second notice is sent again 14 days after that, and third notice is sent 7 days after that. Upon the third notice the item is lost and billed (total of 35 days). The borrower is charged full replacement fee as well as the maximum fine. Items brought back in poor condition or after 1 year are not returnable.
Non-compliance with library policies such as long overdue materials and fines (over $5.00) incur suspension of borrowing privileges.