Please note that while our physical building is closed, we have set up an ‘online library’ which you can access from home. Click on Read more… and you will find a number of frequently asked questions that have been flooding our inbox since the building’s closure. Our staff has organized this page in an effort to assuage your worries and get you through this!
- Q – When will the Library reopen? A – The Library building is closed until further notice. Our virtual library is always open- you can check out books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers and audiobooks digitally for free. We will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so and restrictions on workplaces and gatherings are lifted.
- Q – I don’t have a card. Do I have to wait until you reopen to get one? A – No! Go here. Fill out the form. We’ll email you a temporary card number within one business day.
- Q – What’s going on with library programs? ie: book club meetings, movies, children’s story time, programs (such as yoga and chess) A – All our in person events/programs have been canceled until 5/10. We will provide some programs virtually. For example, the Children’s Room will begin remote story times and more next week. Please check our homepage for specifics.
- Q – What is the status of my holds? A – The Westchester Library System has put a freeze on all holds.
- Q – My library materials are now overdue- what’s happening with fines? A – Technically speaking, you probably don’t have anything that’s overdue. All items checked out after 2/1 are now due 6/1. No fines are accruing as of March 14.
- Q – What do I do with Library items if I’m finished with them. Should I bring them back? A – No! Our book drop is closed until further notice. We are all working from home and cannot process returns. Please hold on to your library materials until that time.
- Q – My library card is blocked- can I pay fines remotely? A – We are not worrying about fines, for now. We want people to use our materials now. Email larchmontlibrary@wlsmail.org or call our temporary Reference number, (914) 734-5362 on weekdays between 10am and 4pm. We’ll get you going again.
- Q – What is my PIN number? A – Your pin number is typically the last four digits of the phone number listed on your library card account. This was assigned to you when you first registered for a card. If you can’t quite remember, try your home phone first and then try your cell phone. If neither of these are working, please email the library at larchmontlibrary@wlsmail.org or call our temporary Reference number, (914) 734-5362 on weekdays between 10am and 4pm.
- Q – Is there a limit on how many e-products a patron can check out at once? A – It varies from service to service. Below are the limits for some of the most popular ones:
- Overdrive/Libby – 10 items checked out and 10 holds at any one time;
- Hoopla – 10 items per month;
- Kanopy – 20 items per month (but no limits on Kanopy Kids);
- RBdigital Entertainment – You may activate any two of the five options every week.
- Q – All this downloadable stuff is intimidating to me. How can I get help? A – Call our temporary Reference number, (914) 734-5362 on weekdays between 10am and 4pm. Helping over the phone can be a little awkward but bear with us. We’ll get you started. Also, the Help sections in most of the services are pretty good. You just might be able to figure it out yourself.