How do I apply for a Library Card?
At the Circulation Center you may apply for a new card, replace a lost one, or update your current card. Library cards are free of charge to all residents and taxpayers of Northport-East Northport School District #4. You will need to fill out an application and provide two forms of valid identification, such as a driver's license, car registration, checkbook or current utility bill with your name and current mailing address. Children from birth through 5th grade are eligible for their own library cards with the signature of a parent or guardian. Teens from 6th grade through age 17 can apply for their own card, but still require parental permission for adult video and DVD privileges and unrestricted internet access.
What if my card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, please notify us immediately. There is a replacement charge of $2 for a teen or adult card and $1 for a child's card. Bring ID with name and current address to the circulation desk to get a replacement.
How often does my library card have to be renewed?
Library cards are renewed every five years. We will ask for identification with your name and current address. We will update the card in the computer and you will continue to use the same library card. Your library card will only be replaced if you lose it or if you were never issued the new design library card.
I don’t have my library card with me. Can I use a photo id to check items out?
Yes, you may check-out items using a photo I.D. providing that you have a valid library card on file with the library.
I've downloaded an image of my library card onto my smartphone. Can I use my smartphone to check-out items?
Yes. The library can scan the downloaded image of your library card barcode that’s on your smartphone. There will be no need to show additional I.D.
Can I view my own record?
Yes. Click the "My Account" link and enter your library barcode and password to view a list of items that you currently have checked out, items you have requested, fines you may owe and your reading history (this option must be enabled by you). If you have never used a password before, you can create one.
Can I receive my overdue notifications by email?
Yes. You can request to be notified of your overdue items by email. This feature is set up by viewing your account, choosing the Change Your Contact Information link and adding your preferred email address.
Can I delay the delivery of an item I requested?
Yes. Within the "My Account" link, you can “freeze" a request, allowing you to delay delivery of requested items for your convenience. You will not lose your place in the hold queue but you must remember to "unfreeze" the reserve in order for your hold to be filled. Please note: This function is only available for items where there is an existing list.
Can I have an item sent to me from another library?
Yes. If you cannot find the particular book or item you need within our library you can search online by changing the Library location dropdown menu to "all libraries." In addition, the Adult, Teen or Children's Reference librarians can help you borrow an item from another library. When the material arrives, you will be notified and it will be held at the Circulation Center. Most interlibrary loans can be renewed.
Where can I find my Library Card barcode?
The library barcode is located on the back of your library card. With your library barcode you can view your library record; request, reserve, and renew items; access Research databases and more.
In addition to my Library Card barcode, do I need a password?
You need to create a password to access your library record. Click on the My Account link on our website.
The first time you sign in to your library account, you will need to create a password.
- Type the Barcode from the back of your library card.
- Type a password into the Password field.
- Click Go or press Enter.
- You will be asked to re-enter your new password for verification.
- Once in your library account, you may change your password by clicking Change Your Password.
If you have forgotten your password, or have trouble, you may have it deleted so you can create a new password. Please go to the library Circulation Center for assistance. If you have a valid email address in your contact information you can click on the Forgot your Password link. Enter your username or barcode and it will be emailed to you.
What should I do if an item is overdue?
If you have a fine to pay, bring the item to the Circulation Desk. You will be asked to pay the fine at that time.
Can I pay my fees online?
Patrons who owe $1.00 or more can pay their library fines online from home or by using the Library computers. The “Unpaid Fines and Bills” button is located in the "My Account" feature.
Acceptable payment methods are: Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. Debit cards may be used if they contain the Visa or MasterCard logo. An email confirmation for the payment will be sent to you if you have provided your email address. This service uses encrypted and secure E-Commerce technology and is in use throughout the Suffolk County libraries.
What do I have checked out on my card and when is it due?
Library employees cannot access your checked out items until those items are overdue. You may click My Account, enter your library barcode or username and password to view your checked out items and their due dates. You may also contact the Northport or East Northport Circulation Department. If you supply the item’s barcode, which is on a sticker located in media cases or on the back of books, magazines and audiobooks, the Circulation Department will be able to access the item’s record and locate the due date.
Can I personally view a list of all materials I’ve checked out from the Library?
Once activated in your Account, a list of all materials that you have checked out from the library (your reading history) is available for you to view. This service can be cleared or deactivated at any time.
Where should I return Library materials?
When you have finished with your library materials, they can be dropped off at the Circulation Center in either library building, or you can use the convenient book drops available outside each building.
Can I renew my items?
If you need more time, most materials may be renewed. Items can be renewed at the Circulation Center, online through the Library's website and by phone. Items cannot be renewed if there is a waiting list or if you have exceeded the renewal limit.
Can I renew an item at the library if I don’t have my library card?
Your material can be renewed at the Circulation Desk without your library card as long as you have the item or your date due slip with you. If you don’t have the item or the date due slip but have created a USERNAME* in your account, you can renew your material at any of the Public Catalog computers. You can also renew by calling the library. Be sure to have the barcode of the item available when calling. (*NOTE: To create a USERNAME, go to our homepage, click on My Account, then click on What is a Username?)
Can I place an item on hold?
Yes. Call, come in person, or use your library card barcode and password to request an item online either in our library, from home via our Library website, or from other libraries in Suffolk County. In the library, holds may be placed at the Reference Desk, the Children's Reference Desk, or online through the library catalog. When using the Library catalog you can request an item using your library barcode and password. When the item you are interested in comes up on the screen, click on the Request Item icon at the top of the screen. It will ask for your barcode and password number. Once entered, your request will be submitted and you will be called or emailed by a member of the library staff when the item is available for pick-up.
Can I receive notifications by text message?
Yes. You can receive text alerts on your cell phone for hold pickups, courtesy notices and overdue notices. This feature is set up by viewing your Account, choosing the Change Your Contact Information link and adding your cell phone number in the text alert box. This text alert feature is in addition to the regular email, phone or mail notifications that you already receive. Standard text message charges will apply, so please check your phone service plan.
Can I receive notifications in Spanish?
Yes. Patrons can choose to receive their hold pickups, courtesy notices and overdue notices in Spanish. Please visit the circulation desk to activate this preference.
