Checkout Policy
How to get a Library Card
If you reside in the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (MC-NPL) service area, you may get a Library card free of charge. You can obtain one at the MC-NPL Main Library, any of its four branches, or its Bookmobile. Children under 18 need a parent’s signature on the registration form. Please come into one of the libraries with identification showing your current address to register yourself and/or your child(ren).
| More information on getting a Library Card |
Where can I use my Library Card?
You can use your library card at the Main Library, its four branches, its Bookmobile, as well as all public libraries that participate in the Access Pennsylvania Statewide Library Card System.
In order to borrow materials from the library you must present your library card when checking out. Your library card is not transferable and may only be used by the person to whom it is issued. You are responsible for all items borrowed with your card.
What is MCLINC?
The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library is part of the Montgomery County Library Information Network Consortium (MCLINC), which means that you have access to over 2 million items in the combined catalogs of 34 public libraries. Once you register for a card at any of the MCLINC libraries, you can reserve items online and have the items shipped to any other MCLINC library or Bookmobile.
Google Map of MCLINC libraries
Map of MCLINC libraries (for printing)
Lost Card
Lost or stolen cards should be reported promptly to avoid having materials charged to your card. You can get a replacement card free of charge.
You are responsible for returning on time and in good condition any items borrowed with your card. Therefore, cards must not be loaned to others.
Non-Residents of MC-NPL Service Area
If you have a valid Access Pennsylvania Library card from your home library, you are welcome to check out materials according to borrowing periods and limits from MC-NPL and its four branches and Bookmobile. You will be responsible, as our residents are, for returning on time and in good condition any materials checked out on your card. If you do not have a valid Access Pennsylvania Library card, you may use any materials from within our Library, but you cannot check anything out.
Loan Periods
Most library materials may be returned to any public library in Pennsylvania. The standard loan period is 21 days, exceptions are below:
| Print Books, Audiobooks on CD & cassette |
21 days, 2 renewals |
|---|---|
| Downloadable eBooks & Audiobooks | 21 days, 2 renewals |
| Lucky Day books (bestsellers) | 7 days |
| Children’s Holiday Materials (excluding DVDs) |
21 days, 2 renewals |
| Magazines (excluding current issues) | 21 days, 2 renewals |
| Music CDs | 21 days, 2 renewals |
| DVDs & Blu-rays | 21 days, 2 renewals |
| TV Show DVDs & Multidisc DVD sets | 21 days, 2 renewals |
| Video games | 21 days, 2 renewals |
| New Release DVDs & Blu-rays | 7 days |
| Elmwood Park Zoo Pass | 3 days |
| John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove | 3 days |
Item Limits
| Fiction & Non-fiction | no item limit |
|---|---|
| Music CDs | no item limit |
| Audio Books | no item limit |
| Playaways | no item limit |
| Downloadable eBooks & Audiobooks | 10 per card |
| Video Games | 1 per platform |
| DVDs & Blu-rays | 100 per card |
| Magazines | 7 per card (limit of 4 per title) |
Reserving Items
Reserves may be placed on all items that the library system owns. Exceptions include reference books, video games and some DVDs.
Library materials may be requested in the following ways:
- In person at the library
- Online from the card catalog using your barcode and password
- By telephone (your barcode number is required)
You will be notified either by email or by automated telephone message when your library material is available for you to pick up. Please pick up your material within seven days of receiving notification, otherwise it will be returned to the shelves or made available to the next patron who has reserved it. Patrons placing reserves from home on items that are listed as available should wait until they are notified or until the status of their hold changes from active to held when they access their hold requests online.
Requesting materials not found in the Catalog
If you are searching for materials not shown in the catalog, the Library may be able to obtain these items via Inter-library Loan (ILL). Contact the Information/Reference Department (610-278-5100, ext. 201) for more information.
Renewals
Most items can be renewed twice for the original loan period unless they are on reserve. You can renew the item in the Library, online, or over the phone. If you renew the item in the Library, you do not need to have the item with you. You must have a valid library card to renew.
Note: Museum and other attraction passes cannot be renewed.
Returning Materials
All library materials can be returned at the two book drops located outside at both entrances of the main library. Material returned before the library opens will be considered returned on the previous date. Materials returned after the library opens will be considered returned on the current date.
Materials borrowed from any public library in Montgomery County may be returned to any other Montgomery County library unless the owning library otherwise restricts returns. Museum passes borrowed from MC-NPL must be returned to MC-NPL and may not be placed in the book drop. Interlibrary loan items must be returned to the branch where they were checked out. Materials borrowed directly from libraries outside Montgomery County must be returned to the lending library. Video games checked out from MC-NPL must be returned to the MC-NPL.
Overdue Fines / Late Fees
| Adult books Young Adult books CDs Audiobooks |
$0.15 per day (maximum charge per item: $8.00) |
|---|---|
| Children’s items | $0.10 per day (maximum charge per item: $6.00) |
| Magazines | $0.15 per day (maximum charge per item will not exceed the cost of the item) |
| Video games DVDs Blue-rays |
$2.00 per day (maximum charge per item or set: $30.00) |
Lost and Damaged Materials
If an item is lost you will be charged the full retail price of the item. If the item is found and returned to the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, its branches, or bookmobiles within one month of the reported loss, payment for a lost item (minus any overdue fines) will be refunded.
If an item is damaged beyond repair you will be charged the full retail price of the item.