Welcome to Mahopac Public Library's Frequently Asked Questions page, designed for patrons who are seeking more information about materials, services and programs that are offered by the library. Questions are organized by subject. Click on the subject that you would like to learn more about below:
General
Mission Statement
Getting and Using a Library Card
Collection
Fines
Home Access and Computers
Children
Volunteers
Room Reservations
About this SiteQ. Where is the Library located and when is it open?
A. 668 Route Six in Mahopac, New York. Hours are 9:30-9:00, Monday through Thursdays. 9:30 to 5:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00. Call the library for weather and emergency closings information. For summer hours and holiday closings see the Library Hours page on this site.Q. Does the library have wheelchair access?
A. Yes, there is an outside ramp, automatic doors and elevator.Q. I want to put a flier in the library about my community group. How do I do that?
A. All fliers must be approved and will be posted on the community bulletin board in the lobby. Leave a copy of your flier at the Information Desk for approval. Fliers must be limited to civic, educational, and cultural notices with no commercial material allowed.Q. Where are the bathrooms?
A. There are two on the first floor, one on the second floor and two on the third floor.Q. Is there a water fountain?
A. Yes, on the first floor.Q. Does the library have a copier?
A. A black & white copier is available on the first floor. A color-or-black & white copier is on the second floor. Black & white copies are 10 cents; color costs a dollar.Q. Does the library have a fax machine?
A. Not for public use. We are currently looking into the feasibility of providing this service. Please check back at a later date.Q. Does the library offer notary services?
A. Yes, we have two notaries on staff. You should call to see if either one is available before stopping by.Q. Where is the art gallery located?
A. On the third floor.Q. Are there library activity groups?
Mission Statement
A. We have numerous groups including three book clubs, computer classes, scrabble club, yoga, crafters, needle arts, and many children's groups. You can access our programs through the Calendar for MPL Programs or the Calendar for Story Times on the home page. You can also register for the programs online.
Q. Does the library have a mission statement?
A. Yes, it has a vision, mission and value statement:
Mission Statement: Mahopac Public Library will enrich the lives of all residents of its community by providing ease of access to cultural, informational, and recreational resources.
Vision Statement: Mahopac Public Library, as the Heart of the Community, will set the standard of excellence for library service in Putnam County that combines 21st century technology with a neighborhood touch.
Values Statement: Mahopac Public Library values
• its patrons and is responsive to the community’s present and future needs.
• excellence in service, providing a well trained staff that serves its patrons in a helpful and friendly way and in a manner that respects their privacy and rights.
• intellectual freedom and encourages the free exchange of information of all kinds.
• access to a variety of resources in a variety of formats.
• lifelong learning, offering a broad range of programs and services for people of all ages.
• collaboration, working with other organizations in order to expand programs and services or to add new ones.
• being a welcoming, comfortable place, an intellectual, social, and cultural center.Q. Who creates the vision, mission and value statements?
A. The Board of Trustees and the Library Director.Q. Who makes up the rules at the library?
A. The Board of Trustees with the Director of the Library.Q. How do you become a member of the Board of Trustees?
A. One has to collect signatures to be on a ballot. Board members are elected at the Annual Election. Speak to the Director for further details.
Getting and Using a Library Card
Q. How do I go about getting a library card?
A. One needs to bring in identification with current address to the Circulation Desk. Custodial parent must be present for children under the age of fourteen. If you have a P.O. Box, you must bring in proof of street address.Q. I work in Mahopac, but don't live in the Mid-Hudson Library System service area. Is it possible to get a library card?
A. Yes, as long as you are able to show employment in the community. The card will be for one year only.Q. I go to school here, but don't live here. Can I get a library card?
A. Yes, as long as you can show school paperwork or ID.Q. I don't live in Mahopac, but I want to use your library instead of mine. Can I get a card?
A. As long as you live in the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Putnam County, Ulster County, Columbia County, Greene County and Dutchess County.Q. I just live across the border in Somers; can I get a library card?
A. Yes, but for out of system residents there is a $25.00 charge for one year. You are able to apply for a card in Somers and use it in all Westchester Libraries.Q. How much does a library card cost?
A. Library cards are given free to new patrons. Replacement cards are a $2.00 charge.Q. May I borrow books from other libraries with my Mahopac card?
A. Yes, within the Mid-Hudson system.Q. How do I request a book if it’s not in my library?
A. By filling out a library reserve card (available at the circulation and information desks), or requesting the item online from the library's Catalog. If the item is not in our system, you need to fill out an Inter Library Loan (ILL) request. This may take more time.
Q. How many books are in the library?
A. The library's collection consists of more than 80,000 books and periodicals, audio and video tapes, DVDs, and large-print. Mahopac Public is the only library in the county with the Putnam Courier and The Journal News on microfilm. Reader/printers are available for microfilm and microfiche periodical reference; more than 1,400 magazine titles are available through print and online subscriptions. The Land Use Center provides land use resources for land-use decision makers, for planning departments, conservation advisory commissions, students and zoning boards concerned about such issues. In addition, a small law collection and current broad-based business reference materials are available to the public. More information can be found at the Resources page.Q. What does the library have besides books?
A. Magazines, newspapers, CD’s, CDROM’s, Videos, DVDs, computers, databases, toys, puppets, and programs. Books are also available on CD, cassette, and downloadable audio.Q. What about back issues of magazines?
A. Depending on the magazine, we keep two or more years of back issues of magazines. Back issues of many magazines can also be found online at Proquest available by accessing Databases/HomeAccess. We also have National Geographic (back to 1916) and American Heritage magazine (back to 1957). Proquest can be accessed with your library card number at Databases/HomeAccess or at http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?RQT=301&UserId=IPAuto&Passwd=IPAuto&AUID=266922.Q. What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?
A. Fiction books are of imagined events made up by the author and are not true. Books that are non-fiction or are true, make factual claims about real things, people, places and events.Q. What is reference?
A. The Reference Department is located on the second floor. Reference staff assist patrons of all ages with locating nonfiction print and non-print materials for their personal, recreational and educational research needs. Reference staff help patrons with searching the Internet, the online book catalog and any other online databases. Bibliographic instruction is provided for use of the reference collection, which are materials that do not circulate, but are for use in the library only. Reference staff also refer patrons to outside sources or agencies if necessary.Q. If I have a reference question, but it’s too private too ask in public, who can I ask?
A. Questions may be called in to 845/628-2009 ext. 130, and you may also use this Reference link, which is also on the Reference page.Q. Does the library have a microfiche reader and is it capable of printing?
A. Yes.Q. Does the library have back issues of newspapers?
A. Yes, today's paper is on the first floor, back copies are on the second floor.Q. Where are the children’s books?
A. Children’s and Young Adult fiction and easy non-fiction books are located on the first floor on the south side of the library. Children’s and Young Adult non-fiction are located on the second floor.Q. What is Reader’s Advisory?
A. Reader’s Advisory aids patrons in their selections of what to read. It discusses readalike authors, different genres, book discussion groups etc. Information Desk staff can aid in this endeavor.Q. What is Author Alert?
A. Author Alert is a program designed to notify patrons when their favorite authors release a new book. You can provide your contact information to the staff at the Information Desk.Q. Do you have Downloadable Audiobooks?
A. Yes, you can find more information at this link, which is also on the home page: Download AudioBooks.
Q. How much are fines?
A. Books, audio books, and cassettes are 10 cents a day with a maximum two dollar fine. DVDs and videos are a dollar a day with a ten dollar maximum fine.Q. Can I still check out a book if I have a library fine?
A. As long as the fine is under $10.00.Q. My books are due today, but I can’t get to the library, can I renew them?
A. Yes, if no one is waiting for the item you can renew. You can renew most printed materials two times, and A/V materials once. Renew by calling the library at 628-2009 ext. 100 or using the Catalog link on this site, or by going to http://gigcat.midhudson.org/patroninfo/Q. I took out a book for a friend and she hasn’t returned it. Can you bill her?
A. No, whoever takes the item out on their card is responsible for the item.Q. I’m being billed $12 for a book that I lost, but I saw it on sale at a bookstore for $10. Can I just buy that one and give it to you?
A. No, by taking out an item you have agreed to pay replacement value, not supply replacements.Q. My spouse has been acting very strange lately. May I see what my spouse has been checking out at the library?
A. No, this is a privacy issue.Q. How many books may I take out at a time?
A. For fiction, there is no limit. However, for non-fiction there is a two book limit per subject. For more detailed information about loan periods, renewals and quantities see the Policies page on this site.
Q. Can I access the card catalog from my home?
A. Yes, but to reserve items on your card you will need your library card and set up a pin number for yourself. To begin accessing you need to go to the Catalog.Q. Does the library have Internet access?
A. Yes, the library has a T1 line. There are three 15-minute quick Internet computers on the first floor and 12 one-hour Internet computers located on the second floor. Wireless is available and can be accessed with your own computer. Wireless connection instructions are available at the Reference Desk.Q. Do I need a library card for Internet access?
A. No, library cards may be used, but temporary passes are also available.Q. Does the library have wireless?
A. Yes, instructions are available at the Reference Desk.Q. Is printing available?
A. Yes, printing is available at 10 cents per page. Printing is not available with wireless.Q. Can I bring my own disks to work on?
A. Yes.Q. What databases does Mahopac Library offer?
A. Proquest, Novelist, WorldBook and Grolier are just a few of the databases Mahopac offers. The link is Databases/HomeAccess.Q. Do I need to be in the library to access these?
A. Ancestry Library, Hoovers, Well-Connected and Westlaw are only available at the library. All others including LearnATest can be accessed from home, but you will need your library card number. There are certain databases that are available only for Mahopac card residents.Q. What kind of homework help do the databases provide?
A. LearnATest provides test help for any age group, from Middle school to GRE testing. There is also homework help called “Lifelines” available under the Children’s Page, or directly at http://lifelines.midhudson.org/
Q. My child has a project to do. Can I leave her at the library?
A. As long as she is in the sixth grade or above. Children below sixth grade need to have a guardian in the building who is at least 16 years of age.Q. Are there children’s programs available?
A. Yes, there are many children’s programs offered in the library. Programs are age appropriate. Please see flyers at the Information Desk or access the Calendar for Story Times.Q. Are Mahopac residents given priority?
A. For preschool programs. For most other programs anyone is welcome to sign up.Q. Are there computers for children?
A. There are three Preschool computers available for half-hour time slots (no Internet access available on preschool computers). There are four youth computers (through grade 12), and three teen computers (grades 6 through 12) available for one-hour time slots. Student ID for grades 6 through 12 (or parent present) needed for use. Time slots may not be reserved in advance. We do not supply headphones (for health issues), but they are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk.Q. Are you able to print from the children’s computers?
A. Yes, printing is available for 10 cents per page.
Q. Does the library use volunteers?
A. Yes. Volunteers must be at least fourteen years of age. You can call the library at 628-2009 ext. 108 and speak to Debra.Q. Can this count as community service?
A. Yes.Q. Does the library accept book donations?
A. Yes, the library has a book donation box near the front entrance. Donation tax forms are available at the Circulation Desk.Q. What happens to the donations?
A. Some may be added to the collection, others are given to the Book Barn for sale. All decisions concerning donations are accepted with the stipulation that they will be used at the Library Director's discretion.Q. Are there any items that will not be accepted?
A. Readers Digest condensed books, National Geographic magazines, encyclopedias and textbooks. Everything should be in good condition.Q. Does the Library have a Literacy group?
A. Yes, the literacy group telephone number is 628-8139.Q. Does the Library need volunteers for literacy?
A. Yes.Q. What is the Friends Group?
Room Reservations
A. It is a group of people dedicated to serving and supporting the library through volunteering. Its goal is to stimulate increased awareness and resulting use of the library, to stimulate increased financial support – both public and private. New members are welcome. To learn more click on the Friends of MPL link, which is also on the home page.
Q. How does one go about reserving a room for an organization to meet?
A. Forms and information can be found on the Rooms Reservations link. You should be aware that no custodial services are provided in connection with the use of the rooms. The Library staff provides no furniture moving or hospitality services. The group making the application shall be responsible for topical cleaning of the room immediately after use and for the disposal and removal of all trash. All furniture is expected to be returned to its original configuration at the end of the function. The Library is not responsible for providing any special equipment for a group's use. Groups are welcome to bring their own audio-visual equipment. If a group wishes to use Library-owned audio-visual equipment, it must make arrangements at least one week in advance.Q. Are there any private study rooms?
A. Yes, there are two private study rooms. Literacy Volunteers are given priority.Q. What is the Community Room and where is it located?
A. The Community Room is specifically used for large groups and is located on the third floor, which is accessible by stairs or elevator.Q. What is the Local History Room?
A. It’s a collection of material about local people, places and events for use by the public when the library is open.Q. What is the Land Use Center?
A. The Land Use Center was established with funds from the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York State Education Department Special Legislative Projects. The Land Use Center provides land use resources for town, village, and county land-use decision makers, for planning departments, conservation advisory commissions, and zoning boards, students, and the public concerned about such issues. It has circulating materials and reference materials including United States Code Annotated and McKinney's Consolidated Laws of New York, Annotated. To learn more, click on the Land Use Center link, which is also on the home page.
Mission Statement:
The Mahopac Public Library FAQs is designed for patrons who are seeking more information about materials, services and programs that are offered by the library.Collection Policy:
Resources contained within this digital library include remote resources from other web sites as well as information provided by the Mahopac Public Library and the Mid-Hudson Library System.Selection Methods:
• The FAQs are selected by Mahopac Public Library to aid patrons in their quest for materials, services and programs available at Mahopac Public Library.
• Materials selected for the collection includes web sites, links, images and policies.
• Materials are drawn from support organizations such as Mid-Hudson Library System.
• Items found to be inappropriate will be reconsidered. Please e-mail the Mahopac Library with any comments. Any items for inclusion on this Web site are welcomed.Contact Info:
Clair Moritz-Magnesio, Librarian Trainee
Mahopac Public Library
668 Route Six
Mahopac, NY 10541
845.628.2009
cmoritz@mahopaclibrary.org