Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Library open?
The Library hours are:
Monday through Friday 9:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm (September through June)
I placed a reserve on an item three weeks ago and I haven’t received it yet. Why not?
You will need to contact the Circulation Services Desk at Northport or East Northport Library to obtain information regarding a reserve already placed. There are many reasons reserves are not filled immediately. If an item is new and/or popular, there may be several other reserves on it. Inter-library loans, even when filled quickly by another library, have to travel for two or three days to arrive here. Out-of-county reserves take up to two or three weeks to arrive. Please contact the Circulation Services Desk at Northport or East Northport library to have any reserve delay investigated.
How often does my library card have to be renewed?
Library cards are renewed every two 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 my license to check out?
We require that a library card be used to check out. We do this in order to prevent errors and avoid items being checked out to the wrong patron.
Can I renew an item at the library if I don’t have my library card?
Since a library card was presented at the original check out, 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 bar code of the item available when calling. (*NOTE: To create a USERNAME, go to our homepage, click on View Your Record, then click on What is a Username?)
I tried to renew an item online but the computer stopped me. Why?
There are a few reasons why you may not renew an item. If someone else has a reserve on the item, you may not renew it. Once an item is overdue, you will not be able to renew it on-line. The maximum number of renewals may have been reached. For Northport/East Northport libraries, this number is 2. Inter-library loans from other library districts may have more or fewer maximum renewals. Please contact the Circulation Services desk at Northport or East Northport Library if you have a problem renewing on-line.
I renewed my items online but they still have the old due dates. What happened?
When you renew an item on-line, by checking the box to the left of the title then scrolling to the top to click on the Renew Selected box, be sure to scroll back down to the item being renewed. In the Status box, there will be a new due date or there will be a message in red that shows that the item wasn’t renewed. You can call or email Northport or East Northport Library for assistance.
What do I do if I’ve forgotten my password?
Since passwords are encrypted in patron records, the Circulation staff is unable to tell a patron what password had been chosen. However, if you come to the Circulation Desk with proper identification, we can delete whatever password was created and you can then enter a new one. Because of confidentiality policies, password issues can only be handled in person.
If you have established a email account with your library card you can ask to have your password mailed to you at the following link and clicking on the "Forgot Your Password?" link.
How old does my child have to be to get a library card?
You may apply for a library card for your child from the day your child is born.
What do I need to do to get a library card?
To obtain a Northport/East Northport Library card, bring two forms of current identification with your name and address. This identification can be a driver’s license or non-driver’s i.d. card, car registration or insurance forms, or a utility bill, bank statement, personal check or current piece of mail. Leases and mortgage agreements are also acceptable but must be accompanied by an additional proof of name and address.
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 View Your Record through the libraries’ website, www.nenpl.org. Enter your barcode or username and password and click on Items Currently Checked Out. You will see each item and its due date. You can 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.
May I return books that I checked out from the other building at this building?
You can return items to either the Northport or East Northport building, no matter where the material was checked out. In addition, your Northport-East Northport Library card can be used in every library in Suffolk County (with certain restrictions determined by the individual libraries), and those materials can also be returned at either of our buildings.
Patrons that owe $5.00 or more that view their patron record from home, or on the Internet stations in the library, will see the new “Pay Your Library Fees Online” button.
You will now be able to pay with your Visa and MasterCard credit cards and receive an email confirmation. This service uses encrypted and secure E-commerce technology and is in use throughout the Suffolk County libraries. Click here for instructions.
Where can I park when visiting the Library?
At the Northport Public Library, the primary parking lot is located in the rear of the building accessible from Scudder Avenue. In the front of the building, additional parking is available across the street at the Laurel Avenue School.
At the East Northport Public Library, the primary parking lot is located in the rear of the building accessible from Kew Avenue.
What are the hours of operation for the Northport Public Library courtyard?
The courtyard is open during regular library hours, except in cases of inclement weather.
Is the Library accessible for persons with disabilities?
Both Library buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. Visually-enhanced computer equipment and assistive listening devices are available. Please ask a Librarian about other special equipment, or let us know in advance if you require any special accommodations to participate in Library programs and activities.
Does the Library have any outdoor monuments or artwork?
Yes. The Library features a number of notable pieces of artwork, including the Little Prince statue at Northport and The Library Bear at East Northport.
How can I get a reference question answered?
Reference staff is available at the reference desk during library hours to help you with your questions. During library hours, questions can be answered by phone by asking for the reference desk at either building. After hours, questions can be submitted via email at nenpl@suffolk.lib.ny.us or use Answers 24x7 to chat with a live librarian and receive an immediate answer, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except holidays.
Where can I get information on programs and events being held at the Library?
Library programs, activities, and services are described in our award-winning newsletter, The Library. The newsletter is mailed to all households in the library district each month, and copies are available in the Library. A special large print version is available in both library buildings. A PDF version of the newsletter is available here. Program information is also available on our online calender.
Does the Library have a fax machine?
Yes. There is a fax machine for public use at Reference Desk. For faxes being sent within the continental United States, there is no charge. For faxes being sent outside the continental United States, a fee is required to be paid through toll-free number with a credit card. The service does not include confirmation for outgoing faxes.
Does the Library have a photocopy machine?
Yes. In Northport, three machines are available on the main level and one on the lower level. A color machine is available near the reference desk for a fee. In East Northport, two machines are available on the main level and one on the lower level. A color machine is available near the Media Center for a fee.
Does the Library have a notary public?
No. The Library does offer an updated list of local locations offering the service.
Does the Library have computers I can use with Internet access?
Yes. There are a number of computers located within the Library to allow Internet access for adult, teen and children patrons and guests. Please see a librarian to help you gain access to these machines.
Can I print from a computer?
Yes. The Library allows you to print from all public computers in the library. The first ten copies are free.
Can I print in color?
Currently, the library only has the ability to print in black and white.
Does the Library have wireless Internet access?
Yes. Wireless access is available to teens with level three access permission on their Library card and adult patrons and guests of the Library. Please see a librarian to help you gain access to the Library’s wireless network.
Can I print from a laptop?
No. Currently the library has no direct connection from the wireless network to a printer. Documents saved to a flash drive or other media may be printed from our public computers. Please see a librarian to help you gain access to these machines.
Can I use the community room in the Library for a general public meeting?
The community rooms are also available for use by non-profit community groups. There is no charge for community room use, but activities must meet Library guidelinesand reservations are required. A printable form to request the Community Rooms is available here. Please contact the Community Services Department for further information.
How can I use the Tutorial Room?
Tutorial Rooms, located on the mezzanine in each library, may be reserved for literacy and other non-profit tutoring. The Tutorial Rooms are equipped with a DVD for instructional use. A printable form to request the use of the Community Rooms is available here.
How can I use the Quiet Study Room?
The Quiet Study Room on the mezzanine at Northport and the Learning Center in the East Northport Library are designed for individual quiet study. Click here for tutorial guidelines.
Can I post an announcement on the Library’s bulletin board?
Library activities and community events are posted on the community bulletin boards located in both Library buildings. Space is also available for postings by non-profit groups and organizations. If you wish to post a notice, complete a Request to Post form available at either the Circulation Desk or the Reference Desk.
Does the Library accept donations?
Books, audiovisual materials, and other items, whether new or used, may be donated to either library location. Materials not selected for use in the Library's collection will be sold at Library book sales. A letter of acknowledgement will be sent, and we will state the number of items donated if requested.
If you have any questions please contact the library.
Can I return checked-out materials after hours?
The library maintains drop-off boxes to return any items to the Library. The drop-off boxes are located in the parking lot of the East Northport Library building and in the front of the Northport Library building.
Which digital resources can I use from my computer at home?
The Northport-East Northport Library and the Libraries in Suffolk County provide a group of licensed, Internet- accessible databases selected by librarians to facilitate your research endeavors. These resources can be accessed with a valid library card and password. If you need help in creating a password for you card please click on this link.