Frequently Asked Questions

I just put something on hold.  How soon will it be ready for pick-up?
 Our computer system generates hold lists overnight, so library staff won’t pull your materials until the list is created on the following weekday morning.  If you have any questions about your holds, please call us at 845-856-7313 x 3.
 
According to the website, the materials I want are at several different libraries.  How long until they’re ready to be picked up?
 When ordering books for curbside pick-up in Port Jervis, please check to see if the item you want to order is either in the Port Jervis Library or in one of the other 47 libraries in the RCLS system.
Depending on when you make your request and where your materials are located, getting all your materials together could happen within one day or take up to 3.  Library staff will contact you when your materials are ready. Please call the library when you receive your hold notification to schedule a time to pickup.
 
I have some things checked out right now; when are they due?
Please check your account online or look at your checkout receipt that was placed in your book at the time of checkout. Call the library if you are unsure about your due dates. 

Our normal due dates for library materials are as follows:
Adult Books – 28 days
Children’s books – 21 days
New adult & children’s books – 14 days
Audio books – 14 days
Graphic Novels – 14 days
DVDs – 7 days
Holiday books – 7 days  
Magazines – 7 days                                                                                                                                                              Board games - 7 days
 
I’m not sure what I want.  Can you help?
Absolutely!  You can call the library at 845-856-7313 x 3 and ask for suggestions or just ask us to choose a selection for you based on genres and reading levels. 
 
Are printers available for use during computer appointments?
Yes. Printing is $.20 per page for black & white and $.50 per page for color.

Can I send faxes and use the copier?
Yes. Faxing is $1.00 per page. Copying is $.20 per page for black & white and $.50 per page for color.

Can I drop off materials at any time?
You may return library items at any time in the book drop or inside during library hours.

Can I drop off donated materials?
Yes, we are accepting used book donations.  Please limit used book donations to 1 box per family.  We do not take encyclopedias, college text books, or Reader's Digest Condensed Best Sellers.  Please make sure that the used books are in good, sellable condition.

Other things you need to know:   
Patrons can apply for a library card in person at the library with photo ID.   If any questions, please call the library at 845-856-7313 x 3.
 
You can get digital materials — including eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, eVideos - and corresponding apps for your personal devices.  Look for the Libby and OverDrive apps on your device app store; all of them are free - https://rcls.overdrive.com/rcls-portjervis/content.
 
Patrons can access educational and informative databases - https://guides.rcls.org/ptjdatabases

Ways to reach the Library for Information and Assistance

Faxing

$1.00 per page
Outgoing faxing services only, we cannot receive incoming faxes.

Copies

Black & White .20 cents/page Color .50 cents/page
Self service copying is available for the public. Copies must be paid for at the time copies are made.

8GB USB Flash Drives

Available for $5
Ask any staff memeber how to get yours today.

Computer Use

Available

Free use of computers available to Adults 18 and older with library card or photo ID. Port Jervis Free Library computers are unfiltered.
Children who want to use computers, must either have a library card with computer permission sticker or be accompanied by an adult.
Printing and scanning is available. Printing is .20 cents/page for black and white and .50 cents/page for color. Funds must be deposited onto a library card prior to printing.

Please ask a staff member for more information or assistance

Local History by appointment only

Free to Public

Doing research? Utilize our local history room located on the second floor of the library. Microfilm of newspapers dating back to 1856 and yearbooks dating back to 1902 are among the many items availble for viewing.