Borrowing Information
How do I get an Amityville Public Library Card?
Any person who is a permanent resident or owns property in the Amityville School District may obtain a Library card at no charge. You will need to show two (2) forms of identification with your name and address. Parents must accompany a child in 6th grade of younger to obtain a card. Parents must accompany a child or teen younger than 17 years of age, or younger, to obtain video privileges. When you accept a Library card you agree to be responsible for fines for late returns, and charges for lost or damaged items.
What do I need my Library card for?
Bring your library card each time you come to the library to check out materials or access an Internet or word processing computer. You can also use it from home to view your account, renew materials, reserve materials, and gain access to premium online resources on the library’s website. The use of library cards is restricted to only the named cardholder.
How do I access my library account online?
- Click on 'Library Account' at the top of this page.
- Enter your library barcode or username then enter your password.
- If you've never made a password for your library account before or you've forgotten it, click on 'Create a password' or 'Forgot your password?'
- Enter your library barcode or username and an email will be sent to you with instructions on how to create/reset your password.
- If you don't have an email in your library account, call the library at 631-264-0567 so we can add one for you.
- Once you create/reset your password, you'll be able to access your library account online from home or anywhere!
How do I get a Password for my Library Account?
The first time you sign in to your library account, you will need to create a password. You’ll need your PIN when you want to view your library account, or reserve or renew items at one of the online catalog stations inside the library or from the library web catalog. You will need an e-mail address in your library account in order to make a password on your own. If you don't have an e-mail, please ask at the Circulation Desk about how to make a password.
How do I request Library materials?
If an item you want is already checked out, you may ask to have it held for you. This is called a “request" or a "hold". You can make a request yourself online, or at one of the Library’s catalog workstations – or a staff member can help you place a request by phone or in person. When more than one person requests a particular item, requests are filled in the order in which they were received.
How do I keep track of the due dates of library material I borrow?
Each time you check out materials, you will receive a printed receipt. You can also check your account online by clicking 'Library Account' on our website at www.amityvillepubliclibrary.org then entering your library card number and your PIN/Password.
How do I renew library materials that I borrow?
Items may be renewed as long as someone else hasn’t requested it. Not all items are renewable. You may renew on the library catalog in your Library Account on the Internet, on the phone, at one of the online catalog stations, or at the Circulation Desk. Everyone is now enrolled in AutoRenew so if an item is near it's due date and it is renewable, it will be renewed automatically for you. If the item is not renewable, it won't be renewed so always keep an eye on the items you have checked out.
What happens if I lose Library material?
Materials that have not been returned long past the due date are considered lost, and a bill is sent for replacement and processing fees. If the item is returned, the maximum overdue fine is charged instead of the replacement cost. A borrower won’t be charged both an overdue charge and a replacement fee on the same item.
What are the overdue charges for Library material?
Please see Loan Rule Table for full details. All materials that come from another library (interlibrary loan) follow the loan periods; fines/max-fines, and renewals set by the lending library. This varies from library to library.
Will I receive notices from the Library about materials I borrow?
The library will inform borrowers by email that items they have requested are available, that items are overdue, and that overdue charges have been incurred. If you wish to receive your notices by email, you may sign up for this service at the Circulation Desk or in your Library Account. E-mail recipients also receive courtesy notices before their items are due. Always contact the library if you receive a notice for an item that you think you have returned.
Will the Library share information to others about what I or my child borrows?
What you and your child checks out is confidential according to the New York State Law CPLR 4509.
§ 4509. Library records
Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.
Patron registration and circulation records will only be released upon receipt of a valid court order or subpoena authorized under federal, state, or local law.
Does my card expire?
Your card will “expire” periodically just so we can verify your address. The expiration date can be found on your Library card. If your card expires you can renew your card with an I.D. showing your current address.
Why should I keep my account current?
Let us know if your address or other personal information changes. Protect your account by keeping your card safe and reporting a lost or stolen library card immediately. Card owners are responsible for materials borrowed on their cards until they are reported lost or stolen.