Policies

How to get a Library Card

If you reside in the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (MC-NPL) service area, you may get a Library card free of charge. You can obtain one at the MC-NPL Main Library, any of its four branches, or its Bookmobile. Children under 18 need a parent’s signature on the registration form. Please come into one of the libraries with identification showing your current address to register yourself and/or your child(ren).

Learn more about getting a Library Card here.

Where can I use my Library Card?

You can use your library card at the Main Library, its four branches, its Bookmobile, as well as all public libraries that participate in the Access Pennsylvania Statewide Library Card System.

In order to borrow materials from the library you must present your library card when checking out. Your library card is not transferable and may only be used by the person to whom it is issued. You are responsible for all items borrowed with your card.

What is MCLINC?

The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library is part of the Montgomery County Library Information Network Consortium (MCLINC), which means that you have access to over 2 million items in the combined catalogs of 34 public libraries. Once you register for a card at any of the MCLINC libraries, you can reserve items online and have the items shipped to any other MCLINC library or Bookmobile.
Google Map of MCLINC libraries
Map of MCLINC libraries (for printing)

Lost Card

Lost or stolen cards should be reported promptly to avoid having materials charged to your card. You can get a replacement card free of charge.

You are responsible for returning on time and in good condition any items borrowed with your card. Therefore, cards must not be loaned to others.

Non-Residents of MC-NPL Service Area

If you have a valid Access Pennsylvania Library card from your home library, you are welcome to check out materials according to borrowing periods and limits from MC-NPL and its four branches and Bookmobile. You will be responsible, as our residents are, for returning on time and in good condition any materials checked out on your card. If you do not have a valid Access Pennsylvania Library card, you may use any materials from within our Library, but you cannot check anything out.

Loan Periods

Most library materials may be returned to any public library in Pennsylvania. The standard loan period is 21 days, exceptions are below:

Item Limits

Reserving Items

Reserves may be placed on all items that the library system owns. Exceptions include reference books, video games and some DVDs.

Library materials may be requested in the following ways:

• In person at the library
• Online from the card catalog using your barcode and password
• By telephone (your barcode number is required)

You will be notified either by email or by automated telephone message when your library material is available for you to pick up. Please pick up your material within seven days of receiving notification, otherwise it will be returned to the shelves or made available to the next patron who has reserved it. Patrons placing reserves from home on items that are listed as available should wait until they are notified or until the status of their hold changes from active to held when they access their hold requests online.

Requesting materials not found in the Catalog

If you are searching for materials not shown in the catalog, the Library may be able to obtain these items via Inter-library Loan (ILL). Contact the Information/Reference Department (610-278-5100, ext. 201) for more information.

Renewals

Most items can be renewed twice for the original loan period unless they are on reserve. If an item is eligible for renewal, and your library card is not expired, it will automatically renew three days before the due date.

Note: Museum and other attraction passes cannot be renewed.

Returning Materials

All library materials can be returned at the two book drops located outside at both entrances of the main library. Material returned before the library opens will be considered returned on the previous date. Materials returned after the library opens will be considered returned on the current date.

Materials borrowed from any public library in Montgomery County may be returned to any other Montgomery County library unless the owning library otherwise restricts returns. Museum passes borrowed from MC-NPL must be returned to MC-NPL and may not be placed in the book drop. Interlibrary loan items must be returned to the branch where they were checked out. Materials borrowed directly from libraries outside Montgomery County must be returned to the lending library. Video games checked out from MC-NPL must be returned to the MC-NPL.

Overdue Fines / Late Fees

Lost and Damaged Materials

If an item is lost you will be charged the full retail price of the item. If the item is found and returned to the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, its branches, or bookmobiles within one month of the reported loss, payment for a lost item (minus any overdue fines) will be refunded.

If an item is damaged beyond repair you will be charged the full retail price of the item.

You can review our Collection Development Policy here. 

Credentials for Access

In order to gain access to the Computer Lab, patrons must have one of two things:

• A library card OR
• A guest pass, available at the Circulation Desk. They can be used if you forget your library card or are just visiting for the day.

Time Limits

Patrons guaranteed at least one hour on a computer per session. Sessions can be extended in 30-minute increments for one additional hour of time, allowing for a maximum of two hours per session. The maximum amount of computer time per day is limited to four hours.

Workstation Occupancy

A maximum of two (2) patrons are allowed at one computer at any given time.

Age Requirements

Children under 13 are recommended to use the public computers upstairs in the Children’s Department.

Small children must be secured in a stroller, carrier, etc.

Personal Property

Patrons are responsible for all personal belongings.  Any personal items left in the Computer Lab, such as removable media and other electronic devices, will be taken to Lost & Found.  See the Circulation Department for disposition of Lost & Found items.

Cell Phones

Patrons must silence cell phones and pagers while in the Lab. Calls must be answered in the Library lobby, not in the Computer Lab.

Print Fees

Patrons are responsible for paying for ALL print outs.  There are no free prints.  See the Printing and Services page for more information.

Banning Policies

• Viewing pornographic images: first time offense is a ban of 30 days from the Library; second offense constitutes a ban of 6 months from the Library.
• Verbally abusive, disruptive, uncooperative, or threatening behavior: first offense is a ban of 30 days from the Library.
• Deliberate abuse or destruction of computer equipment: permanent ban from the Library.
• Violent act (punching, pushing, hitting, brandishing a weapon): permanent ban from the Library.

Learn more about our Computer Lab here.

The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library offers access to electronic resources primarily as part of its continuing commitment to provide for the informational and educational needs of Montgomery County residents.  All electronic resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all Library patrons with a library card and a current MCNPL Internet registration.

The Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  All library patrons take full, personal responsibility for their use of the Internet and the associated information that may be found.  The Library does not select materials that are found on the Internet, nor protect patrons from the information found on the Internet that they may find personally offensive.  The library complies with applicable provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (N-CIPA) of 2000 requiring use of a technology protection measure to filter visual depictions of content that is obscene (defined by section 1460, Title 18 US Code; Title 18 of the PA Code, Section 5903), depicts child pornography (defined by section 2256, Title 18, US Code), or is material harmful to minors.  “Harmful to minors” is defined in CIPA as any image that, with respect to minors, (a) taken as a whole, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; (b) depicts in a patently offensive way an actual or simulated sexual act or lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (c) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.  The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library will employ the technology protection measure purchased and configured by the Montgomery County Library & Information Network Consortium (MCLINC).

Access to Internet content is filtered through a technology protection measure.  The library advises parents or guardians that they, not the Library or its staff, need to be responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Once age verification is established, a staff member will disable the filter only on Library-owned equipment. Please ask a staff member for information about Wireless Access with regard to patron’s personal wireless devices.

Individuals, who have attained the age of 17 and wish to have unfiltered Internet access, may request that filtering of the content be disabled.  Once age verification is established, the staff will disable the filter.

The Library accepts no responsibility for any damages resulting from the use of this service, including, but not limited to, any personal injury, emotional distress or repetitive stress traumas that may be incurred by library patrons or their children through use of the Library Internet equipment.  The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library will not be responsible for damage to a patron’s computer or for any liability that may occur from patron use of downloaded information or software.  Ultimate responsibility for the resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user’s privacy or loss of data rests with the user.  To protect their own safety library patrons should not disclose personal information about themselves when using electronic mail, chat rooms or other forms of direct electronic communication.  The library charges parents with the responsibility for ensuring that minor children comply with this safety policy.  The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user’s data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user’s privacy.

Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state regulation is prohibited (i.e., copyrighted material, threatening, harassing, or obscene material, or material protected by trade secrets).  Use of the licensed electronic resources at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library for commercial gain or profit is prohibited, as specified by the terms of the licensing agreement.  Malicious use of the electronic resources, including, but not limited to: attempts to circumvent system security, guess passwords, or gain unauthorized access to local or network resources is forbidden.

The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.  Failure to follow or abide by the Library’s electronic resources policies and guidelines will result in the loss of library privileges and possible legal action, if warranted.   Users are responsible for reading and following any modified, changed or new policies.  Any modification to the Library’s electronic resources’ policies will be posted.

Approved by Board at September 15, 2003 meeting
Revised/Approved by Board at October 15, 2007 Meeting

You can review our Mobile Beacon Hotspot Lending Policies here:

• Conshohocken Free Library
• Perkiomen Valley Library
• Royersford Free Public Library
• Upper Perkiomen Valley Library

You can review our Photography & Videography Policy here.

Protecting user privacy and confidentiality has been an integral part of the mission of public libraries. Both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution provide guarantees of confidentiality and privacy. Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (MC-NPL) protects the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals, children as well as adults. MC-NPL does NOT disclose or distribute, users’ names, addresses (postal &email), phone numbers, borrower records, computer use records or other personal information to anyone unless required to do so pursuant to a court order, subpoena or where otherwise required by law.

Section 428 of the Library Code (P.L.324), 24 P.S. covers the confidentiality of library records.

“Records related to the circulation of library materials which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the State Library or any local library which is established or maintained under any law of the Commonwealth or the library of any university, college or education institution chartered by the Commonwealth or the library of any public school or branch reading room, deposit station or agency operated in connection therewith, shall be confidential and shall not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding.”

MC-NPL collects only that personally identifiable information about users that is needed for the functioning of the library. The library retains personally identifiable information about users only as long as it is needed for library functions. Privacy and confidentiality protections are part of the library procedures.

MC-NPL does NOT disclose or distribute, users’ names, addresses (postal &email), phone numbers, borrower records, computer use records or other personal information to anyone unless required to do so pursuant to a court order, subpoena or where otherwise required by law.

Approved by Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board of Directors at July 21, 2003 meeting.

The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library makes two rooms available to the public. The Community Room has a capacity of 125 people. The Board Room is limited to 25 people seated around a conference table, with limited seating along the walls of the room. The rooms may be booked with optional services, such as use of audiovisual equipment.

These rooms may be reserved for a fee of $25 for any non-profit educational, civic or cultural organization which does not charge for attendance and which provides documentation of their tax status. Any for-profit organization that desires to use a Public Meeting Room for educational or civic purposes may be permitted to do so for a $75 fee. Please email mcnplrooms@mclinc.org if you would like more information or would like to reserve a room.

Rules for use of Public Meeting Rooms

(PLEASE NOTE, BELOW, THAT THE TABLE IN THE BOARDROOM IS NOT TO BE MOVED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.)

The Board of Directors of Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (MC-NPL) welcomes the use of the Public Meeting Rooms (Community Room, Board Room) by community organizations subject to the following rules:

1. Regardless of tax status, no organization using the Public Meeting Rooms, with the exception of the Friends of Montgomery District Library Center, is permitted to charge those who attend the function for which the room is reserved. This includes such charges as those for attendance, participation or for tangible goods related to the event.
2. When a Public Meeting Room has been reserved by an organization, there shall be no fundraising activity conducted during the meeting, with the exception of the Friends of Montgomery District Library Center, and MC-NPL-related organizations having obtained the written permission of the Executive Director of the library.
3. The Public Meeting Rooms may be reserved at the prevailing fee (see Fee Schedule) by any educational, religious, civic or cultural organization which is tax-exempt. However, MC-NPL requires any such organization, desiring to use the rooms on a tax-exempt basis, to provide written proof that the organization has been determined to be an organization exempt from taxation by a) the Internal Revenue Service; b) the PA Department of Revenue; or, c) any County Board of Assessment. Written proof can include an IRS Exempt Organization Determination Letter, a PA State Department of Revenue Sales Tax Exemption Determination, an assessment board statement of exemption from real estate taxes, or any like document which clearly defines tax-exempt status.
4. Any organization which is NOT tax-exempt will be charged the prevailing room rental fee for use of the Public Meeting Rooms (see Fee Schedule).
5. For a separate fee, an organization reserving the Community Room may also use the kitchen facility attached to that location. The organization is responsible for bringing its own coffee pot, food, supplies, and any equipment necessary for serving food.
6. When any of the Public Meeting Rooms is rented, it must be left in the same condition as first found; if not, an additional fee will be charged.
7. The Board of Directors of MC-NPL reserves the right to limit the use of the Public Meeting Rooms to those organizations whose activities do not directly or indirectly interfere with library operations, adversely affect public safety, or cause public disturbances. Organizations using any Public Meeting Room must observe public accommodation provisions of the PA Human Relations Act, under which it is “unlawful to discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, use of guide or support animal (due to sight impairment), deafness, or physical handicap or because the user is a handler or trainer of such animals.”
8. “Application for Use” forms will be supplied by MC-NPL, and upon completion shall be submitted to MC-NPL’s Administration Office. Each applicant shall designate a responsible person who shall be present during the function for which the application is being submitted. This person shall give their name, address, and telephone number, along with a brief description of the program or meeting to be held. This person shall sign the Application committing themselves to be present during the event, and to be responsible for the condition of the room. The applicant is responsible for notifying the library of cancellation at least two weeks in advance of the date reserved.
9. Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance, but may not be made more than six months in advance. Payment of any applicable fees must be received a minimum of two weeks in advance, but preferably at the time the reservation is confirmed. Fees are non-refundable.
10. In the Community Room, the number of attendees is limited to 125. When this room is set-up with tables in addition to chairs, 80 people can be accommodated. In the second-floor Boardroom, attendance is limited to 25 people, and NO REARRANGEMENT OF ROOM FURNISHINGS IS PERMITTED. THE PROJECTION SCREEN IS NOT TO BE MOVED, AND NO ITEM IS TO BE HUNG FROM THE CEILING OF THE BOARDROOM.
11. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in the entire building.
12. Library equipment (projectors, DVD players, televisions, extension cords, sound system, podium, and microphone, etc.) may not be used absent permission from the Executive Director of the library. The organization using the equipment, in conjunction with a room reservation, assumes responsibility for any damage to said equipment. Damages will be directly billed to the sponsoring organization.
13. MC-NPL assumes no responsibility for any property left behind by an organization which has reserved a room.
14. Meetings and room clean-up must be concluded at least fifteen minutes prior to the library’s closing time.
15. Publicity for a meeting in any of the library’s Public Meeting Rooms must clearly state that the organization is the SPONSOR of the meeting, and that the library is the LOCATION. The Board of Directors of MC-NPL does not encourage, endorse, or promulgate the objective of any organization utilizing the public rooms.
16. MC-NPL will not be liable for any direct or consequential loss or damage which results from any delay, late receipt of (or missing) materials or equipment related to the meeting for which room is reserved, nor liable for electrical failures, Acts of God, circumstances beyond the library’s control, or for any cause or reason whatsoever. Parties using the library’s Public Meeting Rooms shall hold the library harmless from any liability of any type arising from the use of such rooms.
17. Organizations reserving the Community Room may, by providing advance notice, request a special set-up of chairs and/or tables for their meeting, subject to limitations of existing furnishings and overall room dimensions. MC-NPL will make every attempt to satisfy requests for special set-ups, but reserves the right to refuse requests which it judges it cannot effect, due to aforementioned limitations, time constraints, staffing level, or to any other impediment to such requests. MC-NPL WILL MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO HONOR ROOM SET-UP REQUESTS, BUT CANNOT PROMISE THESE WILL BE ACHIEVED.
18. The Board of Directors of Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library reserves the right to change this policy; the right to disallow or revoke permission granted to an organization for room use if the organization has, on an occasion of previous use, violated these rules, or if it interferes with library operations, adversely affects public safety, or causes public disturbances.

Amended Policy approved by the Board of Directors on March 16, 2009
Amended 2-27-12 by the Board of Directors
Amended 3-18-13 by the Board of Directors

You can review our Security Camera Policy here.

Conshohocken Free Library will accept book and material donation with the understanding it will become property of the library and used to widen the access to education and knowledge in the community.  Books and material donations must be accepted by staff at the Circulation Desk.  Library staff may reject any donations based on condition.

Most book donations accepted by the library are given to the Friends of the Conshohocken Free Library, a volunteer fundraising group.

• Donations are used to stock a used book sale, which is entirely volunteer run.
• Books must be in good condition, with resale value.
• Call ahead to schedule donations is best.
• 3 Box Limit as long as the donation cart is empty.
• Donors must be able to get books and material in the library themselves.  Staff cannot leave the building to help unload donations form a vehicle.
• Tax receipt from the circulation desk upon request.
• Donors are responsible for counting and filling in donation amounts.
• Donations must be brought in to the library during open hours.
• Boxes left outside easily trap moisture and can become home to insects and rodents, which is harmful to material inside and the library building itself.
• Any material left on our porch or elsewhere in the library without informing staff will be thrown away.