Frequently Asked Questions about the Library

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Reference and Research Help

How do I find a book?
The online catalog is available here. If you have a Library card you can renew items, put items on hold, order items not owned by NPL from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan, check fines and the due date of items you currently have checked out, or update your address. It is not currently possible to pay fines online.

Do you have large print books?
Yes. To search for a specific large print book:

1. Type in the title of the item along with the words "large print" in the search box
2. Change the type of search from "Title/series" to "Keyword" with the drop-down box just to the right of the search box
3. Click on "Search" or push "Enter" on your keyboard
4. To search for all large print books by a specific author, substitute the author's name for a title.

Books in large print format have the words "large print" in their title in a hitlist of items. For example, the large print edition of Shadow Man by Cody McFadyen appears as "Shadow man [large print] / Cody McFadyen." In item records, large print books will have a location of "Large Print."

To see a list of all large print books, click here.

Do you offer magazine and newspaper articles online?
Yes, though you must have an NPL card to access our databases. Older periodicals are located in the Periodicals Department of the Main Library.

How can I get a question answered if I'm not at the library? Can you look up an obituary for me?
For general telephone reference call the Norfolk Main Reference staff at 757-664-7323, option 2. We are not currently able to offer general reference via email. For local history or genealogy questions, call the Sargeant Memorial Room at 757-664-7485, or email smr@norfolk.gov. For help locating an obituary, call the Periodicals Department at 757-823-4596.

Do you offer reference assistance for genealogy and local history questions?
Yes. Call the Sargeant Memorial Room at 757-664-7485, or email smr@norfolk.gov.

Do you have books in languages other than English?
Yes, we have small numbers of books in Spanish, primarily for children, scattered throughout the branches, and we have recently begun collecting new Spanish-language books for adults, primarily at the Mary D. Pretlow branch. Also, in the International Language Collection in Storage we have a small, older collection of books in Spanish, German, French, Italian, with a few in Portuguese, Russian, and a few other languages. Books in Storage may be requested through the online catalog or by contacting any Norfolk Public Library Branch.

Do you have any online digital collections?
Yes, we have a growing collection of local history photos and maps in digital format here.

How do I suggest an item for the Library to purchase?
To suggest an item for purchase informally you can use our online suggestion box. If you'd like to submit a formal request for a title, please fill out a Patron Request Form (click here to download the form) and drop it off at any Norfolk Public Library branch, or call a branch and ask staff to fill out the form for you. When you submit a Patron Request form you can request that we notify you of whether or not we will purchase it, and place a hold on it for you if we do purchase it. For various reasons we are unable to take formal suggestions for purchase via the Internet at this time.

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NPL Library Cards

How do I get a library card?
You can obtain a Library card at any branch by bringing in a picture ID and evidence of residence, which may include a recent utility bill, apartment lease, or a letter on letterhead stationery from a shelter for the homeless. Applications for persons aged 17 and under must be signed and completed by a parent or guardian. Additional information is available in our circulation policy.

How much does a library card cost?
A Library card is free to anyone who lives in the state of Virginia, or who works in the city of Norfolk. Others may obtain a non-resident card for an annual fee of $14.25

Do I need a library card to use a public computer?
Library or Internet cards are required to use a personal computer. An Internet card is similar to a Library card but does not allow item checkouts.

What is a PIN and how to do I get one?
A PIN is a 4 digit number that provides an extra level of security when using your library card to reserve books or renew items online or by phone, or look up your personal information in the online catalog. To obtain a PIN ask for one when you apply for your card, or if you already have a card bring photo ID to any branch and request one.

What should I do if I lose my library card?
Report the loss at once to any branch library by phone, in person, or with the online "contact us" form. You are responsible for materials taken out with the card until the card is reported lost or stolen. A fee of $1 is charged for a new card.

How do I change my mailing address or request e-mail notification of my holds?
To change your address, bring your card and photo ID to any branch and ask to have your address changed, or if you have a PIN you can do it online by following this link and clicking on "Change address/renew privilege." To receive email rather than paper notices, add your email address to your contact information. Accounts with an email address in them will automatically receive email rather than paper notices. If you have a PIN you can add your email address to your contact information by following this link and clicking on "Change address/renew privilege," or you can stop by a Norfolk Public Library branch with your card and a picture ID. To receive email notices, please make sure that messages from npl.webmaster@norfolk.gov e-mails with a subject line of "Library notice" are allowed through any filters on your e-mail account.

How long can I keep borrowed material?
Each time you borrow an item, a date due receipt or card will be given to you, indicating the day you should return the items to the library. Please check this date carefully.

Book Express books circulate for one week with no renewals.
High Demand items circulate for two weeks with 2 renewals.
Videos circulate for one week with 2 renewals.
Most other items circulate for three weeks with two renewals allowed.

Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?
Yes. You may check out a total of 25 items out at any one time, and there are individual limits on material formats. For example, only 5 DVDs may be checked out at one time. For a complete list, see under "Material Loan Limits and Load Periods" in our circulation policy.

Can I renew items by phone or online?
Yes. To renew items:

1. Call any branch Circulation Desk. Please have your card number handy when you call.
2. If you have a PIN, click here and sign in with your card number and PIN, then click in the box next to the title of the item you want to renew, and click on the "Renew selected Items" button, or click "Renew All Items." You cannot renew items online if you owe $10 or more in fines or have 5 or more overdue items.
3. Bring the item(s) in to the Circulation Desk of any Library branch.

Renewable items may be renewed twice for the same period as the original loan. If an item is overdue it cannot be renewed.

What if my items are overdue? How much are fines?
If you have overdue materials, the library will send you two reminder letters or emails. If you think the letters may be in error, please bring them to your local library. Unfortunately, we cannot give you information about your library records or adjust them over the telephone. If you think you're not receiving notices, please make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

If you have items that are 28 days overdue the items will be declared lost and you'll be assessed replacement and processing fees. If you have unpaid bills totaling $25 for a period of 45 days, your account will be referred to a collection agency

Fines are charged for materials returned after the due date. Fines [per day, per item] are:

Fines are computed per calendar day excluding Sundays, holidays, and any other day the library is closed.

If you owe fines or fees of $10.00 or more your borrowing privileges will be suspended.

More details can be found in our Circulation Policy.

Can I pay a fine without coming in to the Library?
Yes. Please make your check payable to"Norfolk Public Library," and clearly write the library account number on the check. Mail the check to:
Attention: Circulation
Norfolk Main Library
235 East Plume Street
Norfolk VA 23510

Can I have items transferred from one branch to another, and can I reserve an item for pickup?
Yes, you can ask to have a circulating item transferred to another branch by calling the Circulation Desk of any branch, or the Main Reference Desk at 757-664-7337. You can also place a hold on any circulating item that's currently checked out through the same method, or if you have a PIN and do not owe $10 or more in fines or have 5 or more overdue items, you can place a hold online by doing the following:

1. Perform a search for an item.
2. When you find the item you want, click on the Place Hold link on the left side of the screen.
3. Log on if you have not previously done so.
4. The Submit Hold window appears. Select the branch where you want to pick the item up.
5. Click Submit Hold.

When your books arrive we will send you a paper notice unless you have added an email address to your contact information, in which case we'll send you an e-mail notice. If you have not given us an e-mail address or you have changed your e-mail, please let us know on your next visit to the library.

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Services

Can I access the Internet in the library? How do I reserve a PC?
Yes, the Internet is accessible at all branches. If you have a Library card you can call to reserve time on a computer. In order to use a public computer you'll need to register for a library card or an Internet card. Use of the Internet in the library is governed by the Library's Computer and Internet Use Policy.

Do you offer computer classes or training?
Yes. We offer free training workshops on such subjects as basic computer use, the Internet, web-based email, and Microsoft Office programs. Click here to see the current schedule and registration information.

Do you offer services for persons with disabilities?
The Library offers materials in large print and audiobook formats, which may be useful for persons who are blind, unable to read standard print, or who otherwise cannot use standard books. Other services are available through the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, which offers titles in cassette and disc, Braille, large print, and electronic text. Required playback equipment and accessories are also furnished. Books and equipment are mailed to and from eligible persons using the "free matter for the blind" mailing privilege. For more information, click here

Do you have information on how I can get my GED?
The Library does have GED test prep books and online practice tests are available through the "Testing" tab of our online databases page. We do not offer classes or GED testing, but you can find information about the GED, including locations and schedules, here.

Do you have tax forms?
Yes. Forms are available to photocopy or take at all branches. They usually arrive in mid- to late-January and are available until April 30.

Where can I find information on authors and new books, or read reviews?
For information on authors, new books, reviews, book discussion guides, or to receive the library's newsletter, click here. Book reviews are also often available in the catalog record of individual books in the "A Look Inside ..." tab.

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