POB Library FAQ's

Children's Services
Why is the Children's Room called the Family Center?
Although children are the main focus in the Family Center, we welcome families and patrons of all ages. There are books and activities for babies through the teen years.

What does DYA stand for?
Originally the young adult collection was kept in a separate display, which was labeled DYA for Display Young Adult. Even though today teen readers have there own area in the Family Center, the name has stayed the same.

What kind of programs does the Family Center offer?
The Family Center offers programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school age children, as well as teens. Library World gives a full description of each activity, and the dates for registration.

Does the Family Center have computers for children?
Yes, we have a total of seven computers. There are four on the main level, which are designed primarily for preschoolers and the primary grades. Educational games are installed, but they require headphones, which you must supply. There are an additional three computers on the upper level, but they are for the use of teens. Residents get priority use of all computers in the Family Center.

What are the Guided Reading Kits?
The Plainview schools use a reading program based on the work of Fountas and Pinnell. Each elementary school child is tested and assigned a letter based on their reading level. The Family Center has kits for letters A-M (additional letters will be added.) Each kit contains three books.

Does the Family Center offer media materials?
Yes, we have a large collection of music CD's, from the classics and lullabies to the latest Disney stars. Books with CD/cassettes are also available, as well as books on tape/CD.

Community Services
Why do we have a ticket lottery for some programs?
Some programs are so popular, that the only fair way to allow entry is through a lottery distribution system. The lottery allows all residents to have an equal chance to be chosen for tickets to popular programs. Residents have a week to enter the lottery. Winning numbers are posted at the Circulation Desk and on our website (www.poblib.org), printed in the Pennysaver and are also available if you call the Library at 516-938-0077.

Can I use the Library meeting room space?
Only not-for-profit groups may use our space, and the meetings must be open to the public. An application must be signed and submitted by a member of the organization who is a Plainview-Old Bethpage resident. Space is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Is there a notary at the Library?
Yes, the Library provides notary service, but we advise you to call ahead to confirm that a notary is available.
Notary service hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, & Friday   10:00 am-12:00 noon
                                                     2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday        10:00 am-12:00 noon
                                                     2:00 am-4:00 pm
                                                     6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday                           No Notary service available
Sunday                             By appointment only
There is a $2.00 per signature fee for non-Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library card holders.
Only 5 documents per person, per day are permissible.
Witnesses cannot be provided.

Computer Services
Does the Library have computers for public use?
Yes, the Library has computers for the public to use in the following locations:

          Reference: Computers are available for
              Library databases
              Online catalog
              Express e-mail
              Internet with Microsoft Office
Computers can be used for up to 1 hour sessions, a total of 2 hours per day.

          Family Center computers include
               Internet
              Word processing
              Games
              Online catalog
Computers can be used for up to 1 hour sessions, a total of 2 hours per day.

         Media Center has computers with
              Word processing
              Online catalog

Printing Charges
          Your first 10 black & white pages are free
           Fees for printing are 10¢ for black and white prints
           25¢ for color prints. There are no free color prints.
You may establish a printing account at the Library through our SAM system, which is a print-time management system. Please inquire at the Reference Desk for further information.

Does the Library offer WiFi?
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is pleased to offer wireless Internet access to our patrons. Simply bring your wireless-enabled laptop or other device to the Library, turn it on and go. There is no charge to use the service and the best part is there is no waiting for an available PC! In order to connect, your computer must have a WiFi-compatible network card installed (801.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g.)

Wireless users agree to abide by the Library's Public Access Internet/ World Wide Web Policy. Happy Surfing!

Do I have to be a resident of Plainview-Old Bethpage to use the computers?
No. With our SAM print-time management system all you need is a card from any library in Nassau County. If you do not have a library card, you may request a visitor's pass.

What computer programs do you have for public use?
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Microsoft Office 2000 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
PrintShop Ensemble III
WordPerfect 8

What is an "online catalog"?
It is a computerized card catalog for all materials in most Nassau County libraries. You can search by typing in the title, author, keyword or subject of the material you are trying to locate.

What is an "online database"?
A database is an electronic filing system, a collection of information organized for easy access through a computer. Electronic databases can help find magazine, journal and newspaper articles, as well as information published
in other sources. The Library's large offering of databases is available in the Library or at home. Click here to see our list of databases.

I know nothing about computers, how will I be able to use them?
While we do not give individualized instruction, we will be happy to help you with your search.

General Information
Do you have a typewriter for public use?
Yes, it is located in the Media Center.

Do you have a fax machine for the public?
Yes, it is located at the Circulation Desk.

Do you have a way for a homebound patron to get library materials delivered at home?
Yes, we have a Library To Your Door Service for Plainview-Old Bethpage residents. Check our Homebound Services page for further information.

Do you have books or other materials in foreign languages?
Yes, we have a collection of foreign language books. Please ask a librarian if you do not see the material you need, as we can interloan a wide selection of books in many languages from the Hempstead Public Library. We also have a collection of language videos, DVDs and CDs housed in the Media Department.

Do you have photo copy machines for the public?
Yes. They are located in the front of the library, and the charge is 10¢ per page. We also have a color copier located in the Media Department. The cost for color copies is 25¢ per page.

Do you have tax forms?
We receive tax forms and reproducible tax forms from the Federal government and New York State. We keep the reproducible books for a year. We can also show you how to download tax forms from the Internet.

Do you have a Friends of the Library group?
Yes, click here to learn more.

Library Cards
How do I get a library card?
If you are a resident or business owner in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, you need to provide two forms of identification to obtain a card. A picture ID (license or passport) and a recent bill addressed to your home or business is sufficient proof of residency, and we will be happy to give you a library card.

How do I get a library card if I live outside of the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District and not in another library district?
You are entitled to get a State Mandated Access Card. These can be obtained either at East Meadow or Levittown Public Library. You will need to bring either your license or a bill from your residence. If you work in Plainview, you may get a card with a current pay stub.

When does my library card expire?
Your card is valid for five years.

Fines and Fees for Late or Lost Materials
Can I renew a book?
Yes. You can come into the library and renew your book, or you may do so electronically via your account on the online catalog. ("Plainview Picks" are not renewable, nor is a book that is reserved for another patron.) Books may be renewed once.

Can I renew materials by phone?
No.

What is the charge for overdue materials?
7 and 14 day books are 25¢ a day
Magazines and 28 day books are 10¢ a day

What if I've gotten an overdue notice and think that I have returned the item?
Please call or come into the Library, and ask a clerk to check your record and the shelves to see if the material has been returned. If the material is not found, a "claims returned" status will be attached to your library record.

What if I've lost an item?
You will receive an overdue notice after 18 days, and a second notice at 36 days, which is a bill for the lost material. Continue to look for the material, but if you are sure it is lost, you may come into the Library with replacement material, or provide payment for the lost item(s).

Can I use my card at other libraries?
Yes, you may use your card at every other public library in Nassau County, as long as it has not expired, and there are no fines or long overdue materials attached to your account.

What if I've lost my library card or forget my card at home?
If you've lost your card, you will need to provide the proper identification to receive a replacement. There is a $1.00 fee to replace your card. If you have forgotten your card, you may temporarily use a photo ID to check out materials and use the computers. Please remember to use your own card, as library cards are not transferable.

Media Services
Can I borrow items from other libraries?
You usually can, but each library has a different borrowing policy. Most libraries will not loan their newest materials, and if a material is reserved for another patron, it is not possible to borrow it.

Can I return items to one library even if I borrowed them from another library?
Yes.

How many audiovisual items do we own?
The Library boasts a collection of:
DVDs-                     over 3,300 titles
Videos-                   10,000
Books on CD-        over 1,000
Books on Tape-    1,800
Music CDs-            more than 3,700
CD-ROMs-             450

What are the borrowing periods for these materials ?
DVD's-                   3 days for entertainment, 7 days for non-fiction
Videos-                  7 days
Books on tape-   14 or 28 days
Books on CD-     14 days or 28 days
Music CDs-         14 days
CD-ROMs-          14 days

What are the overdue fees?
Books on Tape or CD-    25¢ per day
Music CDs-                       25¢ per day
CD-ROMs-                       25¢ per day
DVDs and Videos-         $1.00 per day

Can I copy CD/DVD's?
No. Copyright laws restrict the copying of materials for personal/home use.

Can I suggest the library purchase a title for its Media collections?
Yes. Fill out a form and the Media Center Librarian will review it for possible purchase.

The DVD/CD I borrowed has scratches on it. Can it be fixed?
In most cases, yes. Bring it to the attention of the Media staff and someone can usually repair most types of damage.

Can I renew audiovisual items?
DVDs can not be renewed, but most other audiovisual items can be.

Still need help? Call us at 938-0077 and press 2.