Obtaining a card
- Users must come into the Library to obtain a card. Cards will be provided for new users that do not have an account. Users must provide a photo ID and/or proof of address.
- Adult: Persons ages 12 and older with photo ID/or proof of address. Teens may use school ID.
- Juvenile: Children may obtain a juvenile card at age 5 with parental consent. At age 12, their cards are converted to an adult card. Juvenile cards are allowed to check out up to 25 items. DVDs are not allowed out on juvenile cards.
- My First 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. A 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.
- A Library user’s card is good for a period of two years, at which time photo ID should be given to update the Library card.
- Any change of name, address, or telephone number should be reported immediately.
- Cards will be taken out of the system after five years of inactivity.
Residents
- The Northampton Area Public Library extends free service to all residents in the Northampton Area School District (Boroughs of Northampton, Bath, and Chapman Quarries; and Allen, East Allen, Lehigh, and Moore Townships).
- Digital Resource Cards: Individuals living in the Northampton Area School District that are 5 years and older may apply online to receive a library card which can be picked up at the Help Desk for two weeks. After two weeks, the card will be sent by mail. Library card numbers will be emailed as soon as the card is processed. Users may use the card number, once received, for eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines, and all other eResources provided by NAPL. To borrow items such as books, DVDs, and CDs from NAPL, the individual must come in with their library card and ID to validate and activate their card for Library use. Individuals who already have an account with NAPL will not receive a new card. Cards will not have a blue Pennsylvania Access sticker (you will not be able to utilize other libraries with this card until validated at NAPL).
- Home Delivery: Persons living in the Northampton Area Public Library's direct service area who are unable to visit the Library because of age, illness, or other temporary or permanent disability are eligible for Home Delivery services. Users may borrow books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. The Senior Outreach Coordinator or a volunteer will make scheduled deliveries. If the user does not have a Library card one is issued at the first visit.
Non-Residents
- Non-residents may access a card for free through the Access Pennsylvania program. To qualify individuals must have a library card with their home library that has a blue access sticker on it or the PA Access logo printed on it and provide ID.
- Non-residents that live in a non-service area, those who do not have a home library, may request a non-resident Library card for a fee of $35.00 per year, or $70.00 at each renewals period. This card may only be used at the Northampton Area Public Library and will not have a blue access sticker.
Lost Library Cards
If you should lose your library card, the replacement cost is $3.00.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on 12/14/2023
