FAQs

You can obtain a library card by visiting any Norfolk Public Library location and showing a photo ID and proof of residence in Virginia.  A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign applications for patrons under the age of 18. 

You can print and fill out the application in advance and bring to the library in person.

A Library card is free to anyone who lives in Virginia or works in Norfolk. Virginians who do not live or work in Norfolk may obtain full access to eBooks for a $35 annual fee.  Library cards are not issued to non-Virginia residents.  Additional information is available in our circulation policy.

Yes. Library or Internet cards are required to use a public computer. An Internet card is similar to a library card but does not allow item checkouts. You will need to know your PIN number to be able to log in to NPL’s public computers; your card number is your login ID, and your PIN is your password.

A PIN is a 4 digit number that provides an extra level of security when using your library card to reserve books or renew items online or by phone or look up your personal information in the online catalog. To obtain a PIN ask for one when you apply for your card, or if you already have a card bring photo ID to any branch and request one. We cannot release PIN numbers without a photo ID and therefore cannot release a PIN number over the phone.

Report the loss at once to any branch library by phone or in person. You are responsible for materials taken out with the card until the card is reported lost or stolen. A fee of $1 is charged for a new card.

All library cards must be renewed once a year. Library card renewals must take place in-person at any library location, and you will be asked to verify your address, telephone number, and eligibility for access to eBooks. If you are a non-Norfolk resident and would like access to our eBooks, there is an annual fee.

Yes, to best serve our community we are currently offering online renewal if your information is correct and you do not need to make any updates. You can renew online through our website by going to “My Account” and logging in with your library card number and PIN.

When you log in, you should see on the right side of your screen (above number of Checkouts) either that your status is good or, if your card is expiring within 28 days, the expiration date and a button for online renewal.

However, if you need to change your library card information, you will still need to go in person to one of the open locations with your picture ID.

To change your address, bring your card and photo ID to any branch and ask to have your address changed. If you have a PIN, you can make the change online by following this link and clicking on "My Account" and then "Change My Address" after logging in. To receive email rather than paper notices, add your email address to your contact information by following the same steps. Accounts with an email address will automatically receive email rather than paper notices. Please make sure that emails from npl.webmaster@norfolk.gov with a subject line of "Library notice" are allowed through any filters on your email account.

Each time you borrow an item, a date due receipt or card will be given to you and will indicate the day you should return the items to the library. Please check this date carefully. Due date receipts are a courtesy. You may also check on your due dates by calling a Norfolk Public Library or by viewing your online account.

Book Express books circulate for one week with no renewals.
High Demand items circulate for two weeks with 2 renewals.
Videos circulate for one week with 2 renewals. 
Mobile Delivery items circulate for four weeks with 2 renewals allowed.
Most other items circulate for three weeks with 2 renewals allowed.

Yes. You may check out a total of 25 items out at any one time, and there are individual limits on material formats. For example, only 5 DVDs may be checked out at one time. For a complete list, see under "Material Loan Limits and Load Periods" in our Circulation Policy.

Yes. To renew items:

1. Call any branch's Circulation Desk. Please have your card number handy when you call.
2. If you have a PIN, visit the online catalog and sign in with your card number and PIN, then click in the box next to the title of the item you want to renew, and click on the "Renew Selected Item" button, or click "Renew All Items". You cannot renew items online if you owe $10 or more in fines or have 5 or more overdue items.
3. Bring the item(s) in to the Circulation Desk of any Library branch.

Renewable items may be renewed twice for the same period as the original loan. Items cannot be renewed if someone else has requested (put a hold on) them or if they've already been renewed twice. 

Renewal requests for Interlibrary Loan items must be placed through the ILL office at (757) 664-7328, ext. 336. Staff will notify you if your ILL renewal is approved.

If you have overdue materials, the Library will send you two reminder letters or emails. If you think the letters may be in error, please bring them to your local library. Unfortunately, we cannot give you information about your library records or adjust them over the telephone. If you think you're not receiving notices, please make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

Please note: Effective July 1, 2021, overdue fines for late materials are not charged. Previous fines and fees (incurred before July 1, 2021) are still in effect and must be paid for accounts to return to good standing. 

If you have items that are 28 days overdue the items will be declared lost, and you will be assessed replacement and processing fees. If you have unpaid bills totaling $25 for a period of 45 days, your account will be referred to the Norfolk Department of Finance.

If you owe fines or fees of $10.00 or more, your borrowing privileges are suspended.

More details can be found in our Circulation Policy.

Yes. You may pay your fines online by using our SmartPay app. Have your library card number and PIN available as you'll need them to log in. 

If you prefer to pay by check, please make your check payable to "City of Norfolk", and clearly write the library account number on the check. Mail the check to:

Circulation Department
Norfolk Public Library
235 E Plume St
Norfolk VA 23510

During regular hours, any Norfolk Public Library item may be returned to any Norfolk Public Library agency regardless of which agency it was borrowed from. After closing, books and audio/visual items may be returned to the book and media return located at each library branch. STEM Equipment must be returned to the original branch while open. You will be held responsible for damaged A/V materials returned in an outside book return.

Yes. You can ask to have a circulating item transferred to any branch by placing a hold in the online catalog or by calling any branch. You can also place a hold on any item that's currently checked out.

To place a hold, you must not owe $10 or more in fines or have 5 or more overdue items.  

To place a hold online:

1. Perform a search for an item.
2. When you find the item you want, click on the Place Hold link.
3. Log in if you have not previously done so. This will require a PIN number, as well as your library card number.
4. The Submit Hold window appears. Select the branch where you want to pick the item up.
5. Click Submit Hold.

When your items arrive, we’ll send you an email notice unless you do not have an email address, in which case we’ll send you a print notice. If you have not given us an email address or you have changed your email, please let us know on your next visit to the library.

Most materials in Storage are available for checkout by placing a hold on them and picking them up at any of our public locations. We deliver reference materials to the branch of your choice for use there and cannot be checked out. To request these items, see previous question.

For more detailed information, visit our policy page. If you have further questions or need assistance, please visit or call one of your local Norfolk Public Library branches. Our librarians are knowledgeable and happy to help.