How can I get a Library Card?

Visit any library location with 2 current forms of identification, one must be a photo i.d. and one must show your current residence and you may get a library card.  It is free for New Hanover County residents, but there is a charge for non-residents. You are eligible for a card if you are a student in an institution of higher education, please bring your current student identification. Call  798-6302 for more information.

What are the library hours and locations?

There are five libraries in the NHCPL system.  The Main Library and the Law Library are in downtown Wilmington.  The Northeast Regional Library is in the Landfall Shopping Center on Military Cutoff.  The Myrtle Grove Library is on South College Road across from the new Wal-Mart. The Carolina Beach Library is on Cape Fear Blvd - one block west of Highway 421. Hours vary by location.

What are my borrowing privileges?

With your current library card, you can borrow books, videos, DVDs, books on tape and more.  Loan periods are listed here. You can also use the computers in the library for searching the Internet, accessing your email, or for creating documents with our desktop software.  From your home computer you can access your library account, take online practice tests, read electronic books and access electronic resources.

 

Read more details in the Library's Policy Manual.

Do you have computers?

All of the library locations have computers available for public use.  To use the computers you must have a valid Library Card, in good standing. Temporary Internet Cards are also available at a cost of $2.00 (6-month activation) for non-library card holders. Please see a Circulation Librarian to obtain a new card or a Reference Librarian for additional information. You are allowed up to two hours of computer use per day. Please check with your local branch for more details.

Can I fax? Copy? Print?

Faxes: Outgoing fax service is available at all of the library locations (Except the Law Library).  The cost is $1 per page.

 

Copies: All of the library locations have black and white photocopiers available for public use.  The cost is .15 cents per page.

 

Printing: All of the library locations offer black and white and color print service from the computers at a cost of .10 cents per page b/w and .30 cents per page color.

Where can I find suggestions of new and interesting books to read?

NextReads is a collection of almost 30 monthly or bimonthly enewsletters reviewing new and classic books @ your library! Subscribe to as many as you like.

How can I place a hold/renew/look for an item?  

Holds may be put on any item that is checked out by either calling your library branch or by using the online catalog (alternate catalog link) and logging into your account.

 

It is important that you turn library materials in when they are due to avoid fines (listed here).  Books can be returned at any location. You may renew any item two times if another borrower has not requested it and you do not owe fines. You may request renewals by calling your library branch or by using the online catalog (alternate catalog link) and logging into your account.

 

To find a particular title, you may either call your library branch or use the online catalog (alternate catalog link) to search for an item.

 

Read more details in the Library's Policy Manual.

How can I support the library?

You can help support the library by joining the Friends of the Library, a non-profit group that supports and represents the Library in the community.

 

Volunteering is another way to support the library.  If you are interested in volunteering, stop by your local library and simply fill out a volunteer form.

 

And finally, one of the best ways to help support the library is to attend our events, programs and fundraisers.  Check the calendar of events each month to see what we have planned.

How can I reserve a meeting room?

The Main Library, the Northeast Regional Library and the Myrtle Grove Library all have meeting rooms available.  To reserve a room you must first read the rules and fill out a registration form.  To reserve a room, please call 798-6311 or click here to reserve online.

 

Where can I read the Library's Policy Manual? 

Just click on the link for the .pdf document.