Frequently Asked Questions
LIBRARY CARDS
1. How do I get or renew a library card?
To obtain a new library card or renew an expired library card, all fines must be paid in full.
Please make sure to have one of the following forms of identification with you:
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form and present identification and proof of address.
2. Why must I sign a form for a library card?
Applying for and signing for a library card indicates acceptance of all library policies, including fines and lost materials. Parents or guardians who sign for children, also agree to be responsible for any materials borrowed by said children, including fines and lost materials.
3. How much does a library card cost?
Library cards are free for residents of the Whitehall-Coplay School District. Replacement cards cost $2.00. If you are not a resident of any library district in the state, we charge a $40 fee per family. Members of other state libraries may show their Access PA sticker on their current home library card to obtain a Coplay Public Library card, provided they do not owe fines at their home library.
4. How do I know which library is my home library?
If you are unsure of where your home library is, please as someone at the circulation desk. Often in Pennsylvania your home library depends on the school district you live in.
5. How long is my library card good for?
Library cards are valid for 1 year, after which they must be renewed.
6. What if I forget my library card?
Anyone wishing to borrow materials must have a valid Coplay Public Library card. Should you forget your card, we may look up your account a total of 3 times in order for you to borrow materials.
7. What if I lost my library card?
Lost library cards should be reported immediately, so no one is able to accumulate fines on your account. Library cards must be replaced. Replacement cards cost $2.00.
8. How old must I be to get a library card?
The minimum age to receive a library card is 5 years old.
To obtain a new library card or renew an expired library card, all fines must be paid in full.
Please make sure to have one of the following forms of identification with you:
- Current unexpired official photo ID (driver's license, state ID, employment ID, student ID)
- Current proof of address (driver's license, lease, utility bill, official mail)
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form and present identification and proof of address.
2. Why must I sign a form for a library card?
Applying for and signing for a library card indicates acceptance of all library policies, including fines and lost materials. Parents or guardians who sign for children, also agree to be responsible for any materials borrowed by said children, including fines and lost materials.
3. How much does a library card cost?
Library cards are free for residents of the Whitehall-Coplay School District. Replacement cards cost $2.00. If you are not a resident of any library district in the state, we charge a $40 fee per family. Members of other state libraries may show their Access PA sticker on their current home library card to obtain a Coplay Public Library card, provided they do not owe fines at their home library.
4. How do I know which library is my home library?
If you are unsure of where your home library is, please as someone at the circulation desk. Often in Pennsylvania your home library depends on the school district you live in.
5. How long is my library card good for?
Library cards are valid for 1 year, after which they must be renewed.
6. What if I forget my library card?
Anyone wishing to borrow materials must have a valid Coplay Public Library card. Should you forget your card, we may look up your account a total of 3 times in order for you to borrow materials.
7. What if I lost my library card?
Lost library cards should be reported immediately, so no one is able to accumulate fines on your account. Library cards must be replaced. Replacement cards cost $2.00.
8. How old must I be to get a library card?
The minimum age to receive a library card is 5 years old.
MATERIALS POLICIES
1. How long am I allowed to keep materials?
2. How many times am I allowed to renew materials?
All materials, including DVDs, may be renewed once.
3. How much are fines for materials?
4. Can fines exceed the replacement cost of an item?
No, your fines for any particular item will never exceed its replacement cost. You will, however, be charged an additional $5.00 processing fee for lost or damaged items.
5. Is there a cut-off for library services?
Unfortunately, yes. The cut-off for all library services, including the borrowing of materials and computer and wireless access, is currently $5.00 in outstanding fines per person.
- DVDs and VHS are loaned for 1 week.
- DVDs Series and New Adult Books and Ukulele Kits are loaned for 2 weeks.
- All Juvenile Books, non-dotted Adult Books, Audio Books, and Magazines are loaned for 3 weeks.
- Interlibrary Loans are often loaned for 3 weeks, but may be loaned for less time depending on the library from which they come.
2. How many times am I allowed to renew materials?
All materials, including DVDs, may be renewed once.
3. How much are fines for materials?
- $0.50 per day per item for all overdue DVDs, VHS, and Audio Books.
- $0.25 per day per item for all Books and Magazines.
- $1.00 per day per item for all Interlibrary Loans and Ukulele Kits.
4. Can fines exceed the replacement cost of an item?
No, your fines for any particular item will never exceed its replacement cost. You will, however, be charged an additional $5.00 processing fee for lost or damaged items.
5. Is there a cut-off for library services?
Unfortunately, yes. The cut-off for all library services, including the borrowing of materials and computer and wireless access, is currently $5.00 in outstanding fines per person.
COMPUTER POLICIES
1. Can I just sit down at a computer?
No, computer usage is only for library card holders in good standing. Please show your library card to the staff at the desk before sitting at a computer, so we can verify your patron status and keep track of computer usage.
2. Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available for library card holders in good standing. Please show your library card to the staff at the desk, so we can verify your patron status, give you the current password, and keep track of Wi-Fi usage.
3. What if I don't have a library card?
You are welcome to sign up for a library card if able (Please see the LIBRARY CARD policies above.), or you may purchase a 1 week computer pass for $2.00 if you are visiting from out of town/state.
4. What if I have fines on my account?
We ask that you please pay your fines as soon as you are able. However, you may still use and computer or the Wi-Fi so long as your fines have not exceeded $5.00.
5. Why do you keep track of computer usage?
The state and other grant initiatives require computer usage data in order for the library to receive aid.
6. What do you track?
We track which computers are used, how many computers are used, and how long each computer is used. We also track how many people use our wireless network and how long people use the wireless network. These are the ONLY things we track.
7. Is there a time-limit on computer usage?
Computers may be used for 30 minutes. If no one is on the computer wait-list, computer time may be extended until someone else needs a computer at the staff's discretion.
8. May I reserve a computer to ensure my spot?
Absolutely! Reservations may be made for 1 hour. Please call (610-262-7351) at least 1 hour in advance to reserve your spot. Please do your best to arrive on time. We will not be able to hold a computer reservation if you are later than 15 minutes.
9. Are computers filtered?
Yes, computers are filtered for child safety according to the Child Internet Protection Act.
10. I'm over 18, may I get the filter disabled?
Yes, please let staff at the desk know if you would like the computer filter to be disabled for your session.
11. Is there a charge for printing?
Yes. Black & White prints are $0.25 per page and Colored prints are $1.00 per page. Double-sided pages cost twice as much.
12. Can you help me?
We can only provide basic computer information/instruction as time permits. Staff will NOT be responsible for filling out forms, applications, etc. in order to protect YOUR privacy. For more detailed technology instruction, please refer to the Computer Classes linked under the Local Information tab above. There is also a VERY basic tutorial for those completely new to computer use from the TLN Technology Committee: HERE.
No, computer usage is only for library card holders in good standing. Please show your library card to the staff at the desk before sitting at a computer, so we can verify your patron status and keep track of computer usage.
2. Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available for library card holders in good standing. Please show your library card to the staff at the desk, so we can verify your patron status, give you the current password, and keep track of Wi-Fi usage.
3. What if I don't have a library card?
You are welcome to sign up for a library card if able (Please see the LIBRARY CARD policies above.), or you may purchase a 1 week computer pass for $2.00 if you are visiting from out of town/state.
4. What if I have fines on my account?
We ask that you please pay your fines as soon as you are able. However, you may still use and computer or the Wi-Fi so long as your fines have not exceeded $5.00.
5. Why do you keep track of computer usage?
The state and other grant initiatives require computer usage data in order for the library to receive aid.
6. What do you track?
We track which computers are used, how many computers are used, and how long each computer is used. We also track how many people use our wireless network and how long people use the wireless network. These are the ONLY things we track.
7. Is there a time-limit on computer usage?
Computers may be used for 30 minutes. If no one is on the computer wait-list, computer time may be extended until someone else needs a computer at the staff's discretion.
8. May I reserve a computer to ensure my spot?
Absolutely! Reservations may be made for 1 hour. Please call (610-262-7351) at least 1 hour in advance to reserve your spot. Please do your best to arrive on time. We will not be able to hold a computer reservation if you are later than 15 minutes.
9. Are computers filtered?
Yes, computers are filtered for child safety according to the Child Internet Protection Act.
10. I'm over 18, may I get the filter disabled?
Yes, please let staff at the desk know if you would like the computer filter to be disabled for your session.
11. Is there a charge for printing?
Yes. Black & White prints are $0.25 per page and Colored prints are $1.00 per page. Double-sided pages cost twice as much.
12. Can you help me?
We can only provide basic computer information/instruction as time permits. Staff will NOT be responsible for filling out forms, applications, etc. in order to protect YOUR privacy. For more detailed technology instruction, please refer to the Computer Classes linked under the Local Information tab above. There is also a VERY basic tutorial for those completely new to computer use from the TLN Technology Committee: HERE.
COMPUTERS, KIDS, AND THE INTERNET
DISCLAIMER:
- Neither the board nor the staff of the Coplay Public Library assume responsibility for supervising the computer or Internet use of any minor.
- It is up to the parents or legal guardians of any minor to assume ultimate responsibility for supervising computer use.
- Computer filters will remain enabled at all computers being utilized by minors for any reason.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
1. How will I know if the library is closed for inclement weather?
For any weather related closing information, please check WFMZ on your television or at wfmz.com. SAFETY will always be our primary concern.
2. Will I be fined for days when the library is closed or has shortened hours?
Absolutely not! Changes in conditions may dictate sudden changes to our schedule, so materials due on days we are closed or days with shortened hours will automatically be due the next full business day.
If you ever have any questions about whether the library is open, please call first. If you are unable to reach the library, or you reach the answering machine, we are unable to open for business. Please expect interruptions to service with our deepest apologies.
For any weather related closing information, please check WFMZ on your television or at wfmz.com. SAFETY will always be our primary concern.
2. Will I be fined for days when the library is closed or has shortened hours?
Absolutely not! Changes in conditions may dictate sudden changes to our schedule, so materials due on days we are closed or days with shortened hours will automatically be due the next full business day.
If you ever have any questions about whether the library is open, please call first. If you are unable to reach the library, or you reach the answering machine, we are unable to open for business. Please expect interruptions to service with our deepest apologies.