How to Use the Library
Apply for a library card
New Rochelle residents and property owners, students attending a local schools, and employees of New Rochelle businesses are all eligible to apply for a New Rochelle Public Library card. Simply bring proof of identity and residency to the registration desk at the library. Residents use a driver's license or a checkbook with an imprinted name and street address to document residence. Otherwise, they may bring in two of the following to prove residency: rent receipt, property tax bill, electric/gas or telephone bill, a postcard or envelope recently cancelled and delivered by the Postal Service. Students attending college in New Rochelle can use a school ID or a 'paid' tuition bill. Employees should provide documentation of employment in New Rochelle. Save time by completing an application to bring to the library. A non-resident card is issued by the Westchester Library System for anyone not covered above. This card is good at any WLS library and is issued for one (1) year at the cost of $50.00. What can you do with your library card?
You can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, etc. from any public library in Westchester County. It allows access to the library's many Internet terminals. You can place a hold or renew materials 24 hours a day online. It allows access numerous online databases containing newspaper & magazine articles, business and genealogical information, and more. You can return materials to any public library in the Westchester Library System even if the material were not checked out from that library. Report a lost or stolen library card
Lost library cards should be reported immediately to prevent unauthorized use. Notify the library of a lost library card by calling the library circulation desk during regular library hours at 632-7878 ext. 17.
Borrowing policies
Loan periods
• 7 days—Express books, DVDs, videos, and magazines
• 14 days—New fiction books and juvenile CD-Roms
• 21 days—Books, books-on-tape, books-on-CD, playaways, and music CDs Fine schedule
All overdue materials carry a fine for each day late. Following are the fines per item:
• Videos and DVDs: $1 per day
• Express books: $.20 per day
• Adult & YA books: $.10 per day
• Books-on-tape or CD $.10 per day
• Playaways $.10 per day
• Music CDs: $.10 per day
• Children’s books $.05 per day
• Seniors receive a 50% discount on all overdue fines, except on children’s books
• The maximum fine for any overdue item is $5.00
To avoid overdue fines, renew online or by phone during regular library hours 632-7878 ext. 17. Most items can be renewed once, with the exception of Express items and items that are on hold for another patron.
[Back to top] Policy for borrowing DVDs and videos
You may borrow up to ten DVDs and unlimited Videos. The loan period for videos and DVDs is 7 days. The fine for returning videos and DVDs and Videos late is $1.00 per item, per day. How to renew
Have your library card number ready to renew online 24 hours a day or call the library circulation desk during regular library hours 632-7878 ext. 17. How to place a hold (reserve materials)
The library's online catalog contains materials in the 38 member libraries of the Westchester Library System. You can borrow any material listed in the catalog and have it delivered to the library of your choice by placing a hold on it, as prompted by the catalog's instructions. Have your library card ready, as you will be asked to submit the barcode found on the face of the card. How to request an item from outside of the Westchester Library System
If you are unable to locate the book you need at any of the public libraries within the Westchester Library System, we will try to borrow it from a library outside of Westchester. This usually takes a couple of weeks (books are mailed) and there may be a fee charged by the loaning institution. Place your request in person at the second floor reference desk.
How to reserve a computer
Residents of New Rochelle and Westchester County need a valid library card to reserve selected public-access Internet computers at the library.
Computers may be reserved in advance. Call the Reference desk at 914-632-7878 ext 20 or 21 and request the time you wish to use a computer. When at the library you may log onto any unused computer without making a reservation. Use the Reservation Station to schedule the next available computer when all computers are in use. Printing is $.15 per page and requires the purchase of a $.50 print card. [Back to top] Internet Policy
Internet access is available on selected terminals for any user having a Westchester Library System library card or other acceptable form of identification. Access to the Internet is compatible with this library's endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights; the Freedom to Read Statement; the Freedom to View; Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks; and with the policies, goals and objectives of this public library.
The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library. The New Rochelle Public Library has no control over these resources nor does it have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. The library does not warrant the information available through its Internet connection to be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely or useful, and it does not endorse the content of the networked information available. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and it cannot be held responsible for the content of the networked information available through its Internet connection.
It is assumed that information and resources accessible through the library's Internet connection are private to the individuals and organizations by these owners or holders of rights. In particular, it is important to respect the legal protection that is provided by copyright and licenses to programs and data.
The New Rochelle Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its electronic services, or from its connections to other Internet services through any Internet service provider.
Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. As with other library materials, the restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. With regard to children and teenagers, the library recommends that parents take an active interest in, and responsibility for their children's online use. While young people need a certain amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement and supervision in their daily lives. The same general skills that apply to daily life apply while online. A wide variety of information for parents and children is available at the Westchester Library System Youth Services "OWLS" website, including the online brochure.
Child Safety on the Information Highway and Parent Pages offer many useful sites aimed at parents.
It is not acceptable to use the Internet
• for illegal activity
• to interfere with or disrupt other users, services or equipment
• for chats, postings, moo's, mushes, or spamming
• to make unauthorized entry to any other machine—whether internal or external
• for accessing in appropriate materials, including but not limited to obscene, lewd, or sexually
explicit images or messages.
Use of the library's Internet gateway/connection is intended for private, non-commercial activities, and does not permit unauthorized sales and marketing of products or services.
The library may suspend or terminate computer privileges if the library reasonably believes that any user has violated these policy guidelines.
Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits. Formal Internet instruction is offered by the library staff.
Please ask the librarian at the 2nd Floor Information Desk for details. [Back to top]
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