Library Card
How do I get a library card?
Adult applicants must show picture identification and current proof of residence or ownership when applying for a library card. Examples of valid forms of identification include:
Driver’s License/non-driver ID • Automobile registration • Automobile Insurance ID card • Utility or credit card bill (within 60 days) • Bank statement • Pay stub • Lease/deed/tax bill
For patrons with P.O. Boxes: a current utility bill can be used.
Who can get a library card?
If you’re a resident or taxpayer of the South Country School District, you are eligible for a South Country Library card.
What if I lose my library card?
If you lose your South Country Library Card, notify the Library that your card is lost. To replace your card you must show a valid I.D. with your South Country School District address. The cost of replacement is $2.
How can I apply for Children’s and Teen Cards?
A child/teen under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when applying for a Library Card. Your child, from infancy through the 5th grade, is eligible for a Children’s Library Card. A child is eligible for a Teen Library Card on of the summer he/she completes 5th grade. The parent/guardian must be present to sign the new Library Card.
Can I get a library card if I work within the South Country Library School District?
Yes! Library cards for people employed within the South Country School District are available at the Circulation desk. Please bring ID with your name and home address and proof of employment within the district.
How often do I have to renew my library card?
Your library card is valid for 2 years. In order to renew your card, you must present proof of residency or ownership within the district. Library cards must be clear of all delinquencies and/or fines before they can be renewed.
Can I use the library if I don’t have a South Country Library card?
Yes, many of our services are open to everyone. If you have a library card for another library in Suffolk County you can check out most materials with the exception of New DVD’s, Blu-Ray DVD’s, and Nursing, Police & TASC exam books. We have guest passes for computer use as well as many adult programs which are open to everyone.
My Account
How do I access my account online?
You can access your library account by clicking on “My Account” on our webpage.
1. Enter your library barcode or username.
2. Enter your password.
If you have not established a password yet you may enter one now. You will be asked to verify your password. Please contact the Library at 631-286-0818 if you require further assistance.
How do I get a pin/password for my library account?
The first time you sign in to your library account, you will need to create a password.
1. Type in the barcode located on your library card.
2. Type a password into the “Password” field.
3. Click Go or press Enter. You will be asked to re-enter your password twice for verification.
4. Once in your library account, you may change your password by clicking “Change Your Password.”
How can I renew materials from home?
Library cardholders may renew their own materials online or call the Circulation Desk to do so. The ability to renew varies depending on where the item is from and the policies of the lending library. Items that are on hold for another member of a Suffolk County library will not be renewable. If you experience difficulty renewing items or need assistance, please contact the Library at 631-286-0818.
How to Renew Items:
1. Enter your library card barcode or username, then enter your password to log in to your library account.
2. Select the materials you want to renew by checking the boxes in the RENEW column and then click the Renew Selected button. If you want to renew everything, click the Renew ALL button.
3. If you cannot renew items, a message will appear on the screen. If you are successful, a new due date will appear in the “STATUS” column. Always check the STATUS column for information to ensure your renewal has been successful.
How do I sign up for auto renewal service?
You can sign up for auto renewal (you must have an email) once you access your account.Sign up here for auto renewal. There is a starred entry “☆ Sign up for renewals.” A program is run daily to renew any eligible item. You will receive an email confirmation letting you know the status of your items. Sign up here for auto renewal service.
How much is the fine for a late book, DVD, etc.?
Fines for overdue items vary depending on what type of item it is. To see the full chart of fines and loan periods click here.
Can I pay my fine online?
Yes, you can.
1. Go to ‘My Account’, enter your library card barcode or username, then enter your password.
2. Click where its says “$__ in unpaid fines and bills” on the left hand side.
3. Click “Pay Online”.
4. Enter your credit card information and click “Submit” to complete the payment process.
How do I get a book that is checked out or that you don’t own?
When searching the catalog, you’ll see a red check mark below the title on each item or along the top that says “Request”, if you click on that you will be prompted to enter your account information which will place a hold on the item for you and it will be reserved for you when it is returned. If we don’t have the item you’re looking for, you can change “South Country” to “All Libraries” in the catalog to see the holdings of all libraries in Suffolk County. You would then follow the same procedure as above and one of the other libraries will send it to us. If no library owns it, or they won’t lend it, you can request we purchase the item by contacting the appropriate department at the library (Adult, Young Adult or Children’s) and we will review the material to see if it meets our criteria for purchase.
How will I be notified when my holds are available?
If you have added an email to your library account you will receive email notifications when items you placed on hold are available. Otherwise the Library will call you to let you know your items arrived. Please ensure that the Library has your up to date e-mail address or phone number. You also have the option to receive text notifications through your Library account.
Computers & Technology
Does the Library have WIFI?
Yes, the Library has free WiFi for public use. Please see a staff member if you need assistance.
Does the Library have a scanner/copier/fax machine?
Yes the library has a scanner, color copier, black and white copier, and a fax machine. There are fees for copies and faxing.
Does the Library have computers for public use?
Yes we do! The computers are equipped with Microsoft Office programs as well as the Internet. They are also connected to both a black and white and color printer. Computers are free to use for both residents and non-residents, however non-residents do not get any free printing.
How much does it cost to print or copy?
Copies are 10 cents per page.
Computer Printing; You receive $1.00 per day in free printing with your library card. Black and White print jobs cost 10 cents a page. Color print jobs cost 50 cents a page.
Wireless printing does not include the $1.00 per day in free printing.
Scanning is free.
Can I print from home or from my mobile device?
Yes, you can! Click here to access instructions for wireless printing.
How do I download books to my tablet, e-reader or mobile device?
Not all of the books we have in the library are available in digital format but there is a large variety of e-books & audiobooks available to checkout for up to 21 days. We have compiled step by step instructions for downloading e-books which can be found here. Contact Reference if you have any problems.
Programs & Events
How do I register for Programs?
To register online click on the Calendar. This calendar is found on Library Homepage. All programs at the library are free unless otherwise noted. You must register in person for programs with a fee.
Do you have tutoring/study rooms?
Yes, we do. Tutoring rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. You must check with the Reference Desk before using a tutoring room to be sure it is not reserved for a library program.
How do I reserve a community room?
Non-profit community organizations can use the community rooms. They are not for private business or parties. You must contact the Reference Department in order to see if the date/time is available and then you will be required to fill out an application which needs to be approved prior to your meeting/event. Community Room Application for Returning Organizations & Community Room Application for New Organizations
How do I reserve a Museum Pass?
Free museum passes are available to South Country Library cardholders in good standing, with cards that have not expired, and who owe less than $6.00 in fees. Reservation can be made up to one month in advance online or in person at the Library. Please call a librarian at the Children’s Desk (631) 286-0818 for additional information. Click here to reserve a museum pass.