Skip to main content

Who We Are

Frequent Questions

Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our constituents. Just start by following one of the links below. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.

General Information

  1. What are the Library hours?

    Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Friday: Closed
    Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Sunday: Closed

  2. Where is the Library located?

    1615 Laubach Ave.
    Northampton, PA 18067

  3. Is the Library closed on holidays?

    The Library is closed on the following holidays:

    New Year's Day
    Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    Presidents Day
    Memorial Day
    Independence Day
    Labor Day
    Jack Frost Parade (Close at 5:00)
    Thanksgiving Eve (Close at 5:00)
    Thanksgiving
    Christmas Eve
    Christmas Day
    New Year's Eve

  4. Will the library close for inclement weather?

    Please check Channel 69 Stormcenter and the Library's Facebook for closing information.

  5. How to access your account

    Go to www.northamptonapl.org.

    Click "What We Do" and then click “Catalog” button, which will take you to the Public Access Catalog (PAC).

    Click “Log in” in the upper right corner of the screen.

    Enter your library card number, which is the entire barcode on your library card, and PIN, which are the last four digits of your library card number.

    Click “[Your First Name]’s Account” in the upper right corner of the screen.

    If you would like to change your username or PIN, you can do so on this screen by creating an EZ Login using your own customized username and PIN. From this screen you can also view what items you have out by clicking “View Loans” or selecting “Account Activity.” This shows you when items are due, the status of items you have on hold, if you owe any fines, any saved lists you have, and your saved searches.

    To renew items, click “View Loans.” From there, you can click the orange “Renew Loan” button.

    ***Items will not renew if they are overdue, if you owe or have accrued fines, or if an item is on hold for another patron***

    To place an item on hold, search for an item, and click the orange “Place Hold” button under the item’s title. A staff member will call you when the materials are ready for pickup. If you would like to cancel or suspend a hold, click your account in the upper right corner of the screen, then click “View Holds.”

    To add an item to one of your lists (for example, if you are keeping a “To Read” list or an “Already Read” list, click the gray “Add to List” button under the item’s title.

Library Technology

  1. Who is allowed to use a Library computer?

    Northampton Area Public Library card holders are allowed to utilize the public computers or tablets by signing in at the Help Desk.
    A signed Internet Policy Form must be on file for you to use the computers. If you are under eighteen years of age your parent must also sign the Internet Policy Form.

  2. Does the Library have Wi-Fi?

    Yes.

  3. Does the Library have printing, copying, scanning and faxing?

    The Library offers all the above mentioned services.
    Northampton Area Public Library card holders may print from the public computers and make copies from the copier behind the Help Desk.

  4. How much does printing cost?

    Printing and Copy Prices
    Black and White
    8.5'' x 11'' - 20¢
    8.5'' x 14'' - 25¢

    Color
    8.5'' x 11'' - 50¢
    8.5'' x 14'' - $1.00

    Card holders may scan papers and pictures to the computer free of charge. Printing rates apply.
    Faxing is available - Local $1.00 for 1-5 pages; $1.00 per page after 5 and Long Distance $3.00 for 1-5 pages; $1.00 per page after 5. Cover page is not charged.

  5. Does the Library offer computer help?

    The Library staff is happy to help you on the computers when they can. For personalized help please make an appointment Tech Tutoring or by calling the library or visiting the Help Desk.

Fines and Fees

  1. How much are fines?

    Books, Magazines, and CDs -- 25¢ per item/day
    AudioBooks -- 25¢ item/day
    DVDs -- rented for $1.00 per item and fines are $1.00 per item/day

  2. What if I lose my library card?

    Come into the library with up to date ID to obtain a new card. There is a $3.00 charge for replacement cards.

  3. What happens if I lose an item?

    Keep looking! Call or come into the library to let a staff member know you are still searching and to see if the item can be renewed. If the item is certainly lost you will need to pay the replacement cost of the item.

  4. What happens if I damage an item?

    Bring the item into the library and a staff member will evaluate the extent of the damage. If the item is deemed beyond repair, you will need to pay the replacement cost of the item. Please refrain from attempting to fix the item yourself as this can create further damage.

Borrowing Materials

  1. What items can I check out?

    Books (excluding Reference and PA Collection), magazines, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks.

  2. How long can items be checked out for?

    Books, Magazines, CDs, and Audiobooks -- 3 Weeks
    Reserve Books -- 2 Weeks
    DVDs -- 1 Week

  3. Are there limits on what I can check out?

    Magazines, DVDs, CDs, and Audiobooks all have a limit of 10 per card.

  4. How do I reserve an item?

    If an item you want is checked out, ordered or unavailable you may place a reserve on it at the Help desk, by calling the library at 610-262-7537 or through your account online.
    When your reserve arrives at the library you will be notified via a phone call. Once called you have three days to pick up the item. After three days the item will be given to the next person on the reserve list or put back on the shelf.

  5. What if the library does not have an item I want?

    If the item is less than a year old it can be requested at the Help Desk in the library and it will be considered for purchase If the item is over a year old inquire at the Help Desk about Interlibrary Loan services. Check out the Request an Item page for more information.

Library Cards

  1. How do I get a library card?

    If you live in the Northampton Area School District (Bath, Chapman, and Northampton Borough, Allen, East Allen, Lehigh, and Moore Township) you may get a library card at the Northampton Area Public Library. Come to the library with a current ID and proof of address, such as a bill to get started. If you are a teen in our service area you may use a student ID to sign up for a card.

    Your first card is provided at no charge, replacement cards are $3.00.

    Individuals living in the Northampton Area School District that are 12 years and older may apply online to receive a library card by mail. Patrons may use the card once received, for eBooks, eAudios, online magazines, and all other eResources provided by NAPL. Apply Now

  2. How old do you have to be to get a library card?

    Children, from birth to age 4 and living within the Northampton Area School District can obtain a My First Library Card. This service is only available to those residing in the Northampton Area School District and will only be accepted at Northampton Area Public Library. Parent/caregiver must also have an active, valid NAPL library card. The My First Library Card allows up to 10 books from our Juvenile print collection at a time. Items are checked out for three weeks and do not incur any overdue fees. Materials not returned after 6 months will be considered lost and the account will be charged for the price of the item.

    Children age 5 to 12 can get a juvenile card.
    Juvenile cards have a check out limit of 25 items and no DVDs.

    Adult cards are considered from age 12 and up and follow regular borrowing policies.

MENU CLOSE