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Chapel Hill Public Library

A department of the Town of Chapel Hill

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get a library card?
  2. If I live outside of Orange County can I still get a library card?
  3. Can I renew books from home?
  4. Do I have to have a library card to use the Internet?
  5. When and where are your storytimes for children?
  6. Can I donate books to the library, and what happens to them when I donate them?
  7. Can I donate in memory of someone?
  8. Do you have tax forms?
  9. Can I leave my child to do his/her homework at the library?
  10. Can I use Internet/Word Processors at the library?
  11. If you don’t have the book I want, can you get it for me?
  12. How can I request that you purchase an item?
  13. How may I reserve a meeting room?
     

 

 

  1. How do I get a library card?
    Residents of the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County are entitled to a free library card. Proof of identity is required for adults and young adults over the age of 16. Parents must sign for cards issued to children from the age of 4 thru 15. Applications are available online for download and may be filled out in advance but must be brought to the library for processing.
  2. If I live outside of Orange County can I still get a library card?
    Yes. There is an annual charge of $65.00 for an out-of-county card.
  3. Can I renew books from home?
    Yes. Use the online catalog to check your account from home. Click on the “View Your Record~Renew Books ” link, OR click on the “Catalog ” link at the top of each webpage and then click to Renew Books. You will need to enter the barcode from the back of your library card. If you have not previously created a PIN you can do so at this point.
    - You can check what items you have out and when they are due. Items that are not overdue, are not on hold, or have not already been renewed may be renewed here as well. You may also check on the status of items that you have put on hold. You may also call the library during open hours and speak to a circulation staff member to renew your books.
  4. Do I have to have a library card to use the Internet?
    Yes. Non-residents who do not wish to purchase a library card may apply for an Internet Use Only card.
  5. When and where are your storytimes for children?
    The Youth Services Division offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Because specific programs target specific age groups, we ask that children attend only the programs designated for their age group. Please check our Children’s Programs and Events Calendar pages for current information on storytimes and other children’s programs and events.
  6. Can I donate books to the library, and what happens to them when I donate them?

    CHPL welcomes donations of books, CDs and DVDs in good condition. Staff sorts through donations to decide what will be added to our collection. The rest of the books are then turned over to the Book Worms for the Friends of the Library Book Sales, held various times throughout the year. Please click here for more information.

  7. Can I donate in memory of someone?
    A memorial gift can be a wonderful way to remember a loved one. For material or monetary gifts please contact library administration at 919-969-2035 and we will help you with your choices.
  8. Do you have tax forms?
    Beginning in January the library has common tax forms available for many Federal Forms. Effective 2010, the North Carolina Department of Revenue no longer provides libraries with paper copies of tax forms. We can assist you in getting forms from state and federal tax websites.
  9. Can I leave my child to do his/her homework at the library?
    While we welcome children of all ages for research or just for fun, library policy requires that children under the age of 10 be accompanied by an adult. This is for the child’s safety since the library staff is not able to watch all children at all times.
  10. Can I use Internet/Word Processors at the library?
    The library has public access computers that offer Internet access, word processing, and other Office applications. Computers are available from the time the library opens til 5 minutes before closing each day. Users may sign up for two 1 hour sessions. Print outs are $.10 per page for black & white and $.50 per page for color printing.
  11. If you don’t have the book I want, can you get it for me?
    The library can request materials not in our collection from other cooperating libraries in North Carolina and elsewhere through interlibrary loan. There is a $1.00 charge for the request and patrons are responsible for any lending library charges. Requests for books not in our collection are taken at the Circulation Desk. Anticipate a wait of at least 10 business days or more for books borrowed from other libraries to arrive.
  12. How can I request that you purchase an item?
    The library staff strives to purchase books, periodicals and audio-visual materials that meet our community’s informational and recreational needs and interests. The staff will consider your request that we purchase specific titles not currently in our catalog. To initiate a request please fill out the online "Make a Suggestion for Purchase" form located on the main page of the library catalog.  Our staff will evaluate your request based on the likelihood that others will find the item useful, the item’s professional reviews and the item’s suitability for our collection. The library’s budget and space limitations also are considered in evaluating purchase requests.
  13. How may I reserve a meeting room?
    We are not currently accepting bookings for the Meeting Rooms until later this Spring, 2013. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Last updated: 2 August 2011


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Chapel Hill, NC 27514  |  919-968-2777