Download
a library card application form
(and then bring the completed form,
with appropriate identification, to the nearest branch library to complete your
registration).
What are some of the services that the
Library offers for the convenience of its patrons?
- Free Library Cards
- Lending materials: Books, CDs, DVDs, Music CDs, Audiobooks, eBooks, Magazines, Newspapers, and Playaways (audio books with player).
- Interlibrary loan
- Downloadable Audible Books, e-books, and music.
- Useful Databases.
- Computer, internet, Wi-Fi, and outgoing fax services.
- Resource Materials in the City Archives, the Louisiana Division, African American Resource Center, and SoFAB Culinary Collection.
- Book Sales.
- Community Programs for all ages - such as Kid Reading Programs, Story Time, Arts and Crafts, Author Night, Musician Night, Game Night, Zoo Programs & Art Exhibits.
- YMCA YES! Adult Literacy Center.
- Reference assistance.
- Patrons may place holds on up to thirty items at a time.
- Patron may return borrowed items to any NOPL library location.
- Patrons may have items sent from another library to your
neighborhood library for pick-up.
- Every effort will be made to provide interpretation of library
programs for the hearing-impaired. Contact the branch hosting the
program to request this service.
- Outgoing fax services are provided for a fee at Main, Latter, Nix, Alvar and Mid-City.
and CRC.
Who qualifies for a free library
card?
- In the spirit of growth within our metropolitan community, New Orleans Public Library provides library card privileges not only to residents of Orleans Parish, but also to our friends and neighbors in Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St.
Tammany as well.
What information is needed when
applying for a library card?
- To receive a permanent library card, an applicant should provide
picture identification such as a valid Louisiana Driver's License or
Louisiana State ID noting residency in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, or St. Tammany Parishes.
- If the applicant has an out-of-state driver's license or other photo ID (a local college student ID, for example),
the photo ID must be accompanied by one of the following proof of residence (voter's registration card,
lease or rent receipt, piece of mail delivered to applicant at applicant's address, printed check, etc.)
- If the applicant has no picture ID, any combination of two proofs of residency as listed above will be
acceptable.
Can a person under age 18 apply for a
card when the parent or guardian is not present?
- If the parent/guardian is unable to come to the library, the under age applicant
can take the application home for the parent/guardian to sign. Until
the parent/guardian signs the application and proof of eligibility has
been shown, the young person cannot receive a card.
- When an unaccompanied child receives a library card, the child is
limited to checking-out two items (books and audio items only).
- Whether the parent/guardian is present or not when the card is
issued, he/she is responsible for materials borrowed by the child.
Are there any exceptions to the
residency requirement?
- Military personnel, and their dependents, who either live on a
military base in Metropolitan New Orleans, or are quartered off-base
in out-of-Orleans Parish housing, should be issued free library cards.
The Census Bureau defines the New Orleans Metropolitan Statistical
Area as consisting of the following parishes: Jefferson, Orleans,
Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St John the Baptist
and St. Tammany.
- Members of the New Orleans Consular Corps and their dependents are
issued free library cards regardless of where they live.
Are non-resident cards available?
- Individuals who do not live in or own property in the Metropolitan
area can get an NOPL card by paying a fee of $50.00 for an individual
or $100.00 for a family. These cards are good for one year and entitle
their holders to the same privileges as resident card holders.
- Applicants must fill out NOPL registration forms, checking the
non-resident blank. They must provide identification and proof of
address similar to proof provided by residents. For non-resident
family cards, an application must be filled out for each family
member. Each family member will be issued a card and given a patron
record in the computer. Mail the completed form(s) with your payment
(a check made to New Orleans Public Library) to Circulation,
New Orleans Public Library, 219 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA,
70112. Non-resident cards can also be obtained in person at any NOPL facility.
I don't live in the metropolitan area, but I own property in Orleans Parish. Can I get a library card?
- Persons who own property in New Orleans but who do not live in the metropolitan area can get an NOPL card by filling out a library card application as a non-resident and supplying identification and proof of ownership of their Orleans Parish property (i.e. a property tax bill, mortgage statement, or deed).
If I received my library card from the Main
Library, can I use it at any of the branch libraries?
- Your card is good at all library locations.
How many items can I check out on my card?
- The maximum number of cataloged items that can be checked out on your library card is 30 items of the following types:
- Up to 30 books/items
- 6 audio book titles, abridged or unabridged (cassette or CD)
- 6 videocassette items
- 6 music cassette or CD titles
- 2 video games
- 3 Overdrive (i.e. downloaded) titles
- There is no limit on uncataloged paperbacks.
- Periodicals are for use in the library only and can't be checked out.
What are the loan periods for library
materials?
- Videocassettes/DVD's: 7 days
- Video games: 2 weeks
- Overdrive (downloaded) titles: 2 weeks
- Popular reading books: 2 weeks
- All other circulating materials: 3 weeks
Are there differences in what adults (age 18 and up), students (age 12-17), and juveniles (age 0-11) can check out?
- Juvenile card holders may not check out videocassettes, DVD's or video games.
- Student card holders may not check out unrated, R-rated or higher-rated videocassettes/DVD's or games rated M.
- Except for these limitations, student card holders have the same borrowing privileges as adult card holders.
How many times can I renew an item?
- All items can be renewed twice, unless someone else has placed a hold on the item. You can renew an item in person or over the phone, with the assistance of library staff, or by calling 504 596-2693 to reach Telemessaging, the library's automated phone renewal system. (Please note that you will not be able to use Telemessaging to renew material if you have an out-standing fine of $10.00 or more on your record.) You can also use one of the IPAC computers in the library or your own computer at home, via our website (click on the link on our homepage that says "Check Your Library Account").
How should materials be returned to the library?
- Materials can be returned to any NOPL location. You can put books into the bookdrops outside, but non-print materials (videocassettes, DVD's, music cassettes and CD's, audio books on cassette/CD) must be returned to the circulation desk and not be put into a regular bookdrop, unless a branch has a designated audio-visual materials bookdrop.
How does Interlibrary Loan work?
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service offered by NOPL free of charge. (Note: While we will attempt to fill all requests that comply with the guidelines below, there are some libraries that may charge a fee for their services. Such fees will be passed on to you.) To request ILL service, fill out a request card at your library.
- What can be borrowed:
- Books not owned by NOPL
- Articles in magazines/journals that are not owned by NOPL
- What cannot be borrowed:
- Books published within the last calendar year
- Whole magazines
- Audio-visual materials
- Most genealogical material
- Other ILL facts and rules:
- There is a limit of 5 active requests for adults and students or 3 active requests for juveniles
- If you have fines in excess of $2.00, we can't file an ILL request for you until the fine is paid.
- The ILL loan period is 3 weeks.
- Overdue fines are $1.00 per day for each ILL item.
- All ILL items must be returned to the library in person and never be put into a bookdrop.
- To renew an ILL item, call the ILL office (504 596-2572) at least 3 days prior to the due date. The dute date is determined by the library that loaned the item. A single renewal is usually (but not always) allowed.
What are the fines for overdue
materials?
- Books, cassettes, CD's (audio books or music)
- $0.05 per day, per item on juvenile cards
- $0.10 per day, per item on student cards
- $0.25 per day, per item on adult cards
- Exceptions to the above:
- $1.00 per day, per item for Videocassettes/DVD's/Video games
- $1.00 per day, per item for Reference materials
- $1.00 per day, per item for Interlibrary loan materials
- No fine for uncataloged paperbacks
Where can I pay fines? What form of
payment does NOPL accept?
- Payment for fines may be made at any branch of the N.O. Public
Library. We accept cash, checks or money orders.
What other fees does the library charge?
- $3.00 for an adult replacement card
- $2.00 for a student replacement card
- $1.00 for a juvenile replacement card
- $50.00 annually for an individual non-resident card
- $100.00 annually for family non-resident cards
- $3.00 for La. State Library films/videos
- $0.15 per page for all black & white copies/computer printouts
- $0.75 per page for all color copies/computer printouts
- $0.25 per page for microfiche/microfilm copies
- $1.00 for computer diskettes
Can I suggest that the Library purchase a
particular book?
- We encourage patrons to suggest books for purchase. If you have a
specific title in mind, please stop by any desk and ask for a Request
for Purchase card. Give as much information as you can about the book.
If you include your name, library card number, and preferred pickup
location, the Library will place a hold for you if we are able to make
the purchase. If you feel we need more books on a subject, but have no
specific titles in mind, bring it to the attention of the staff.
How can I review information on my Patron
record?
- Patrons may review information specific to their account by
accessing our webpage at neworleanspubliclibrary.org. Once on this page, click on the "Check your
Library Account" link. When prompted, type in your library card
barcode and PIN number established when you received your library
card. If you are unsure of your PIN number, please contact your local
branch. Once you are logged in you will see a variety of options, click on "Profile"
to see information specific to your record.
What are the procedures for donating books
to the Library?
- Please speak with the head of your branch. Items which can be used
by your branch will be kept there. Those which can be used by another
branch will be cataloged and distributed. If the materials cannot be
used by NOPL, they will be used in our book sales. (For more detailed information on donating books, please see our Book Donations FAQ.)
How long does it usually take for a book to
come out of Trace status?
- The Trace status on an item indicates that it was supposed to be
on the shelf, but a staff member looking for it was unable to find it.
The Trace status stays on for 3 months, while staff try to locate the
item. Then the status is changed to Missing, if they do not intend to
reorder, or to Replace if they are ordering another copy.
How can I get a replacement library card
and ensure that no one else uses my lost one?
- To replace a lost NOPL card, please visit any NOPL location. Bring photo identification and other proof of residency, if necessary, as stated in the previous response to question "What information is needed when applying for a library card?" The staff person assisting you will block your original library card number in the Library computer system, so that it cannot be used to check out books or other materials. Your record will be updated and a replacement card will be issued. A replacement fee of $3.00 for an adult card, $2.00 for a student card, or $1.00 for a juvenile card may be required, if a free replacement card has been previously issued to you.
If I were to lose a book or other item or if something I borrowed is damaged, what would
happen?
- You would have to pay the replacement cost and processing fee of
the lost or damaged item. You do not have to pay the replacement cost in full when the item is
placed in the lost status, but at least 10% of the cost of the lost
item must be paid at each circulation transaction until the item is
paid in full. Even if you return the item, you will still have to pay the processing fee, in place of an overdue fine.
- If you pay in full for a damaged item, you are allowed to keep the item if you choose.
Can out-of-town visitors to the library access the
Internet at NOPL?
- Out-of-town visitors with picture I.D. will be issued a one-hour guest pass at no charge to use the Internet workstations.
Updated 3/21/2011
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