Click on topic to expand information.
Click on topic again to close.
Directions to the Library?
Click for directions/Google Map on our Directions Page.
Florida Public Library
4 Cohen Circle
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7659
How About Parking and Handicapped Access?
Convenient parking for the library is available on the front and sides of the building. An electric door for handicapped access is located on the right side (south side) of the building with handicapped parking nearby. The Florida Public Library is a one floor layout completely accessible to the handicapped. Our Computer Center features one workstation for the wheelchair-bound user. We have two public restrooms, both handicapped accessible. Our rear deck features a ramp from the south parking lot and handicapped accessible picnic tables.
How About Public Restrooms?
We have two public restrooms, both handicapped accessible, one with a baby changing table. Parents are expected to accompany preschoolers to the restroom.
How Can I Get a Library Card?
If you live in the Florida Union Free School District, the Florida Public Library is your home library and you are eligible for a card. Local business owners may also choose FPL as their home library. Temporary cards may be issued to summer residents. Not sure of your home library? Call us at (845) 651-7659 for help.
Eligibility: If you are age 18 or older, show us two forms of I.D., including one with your name and picture printed on it (such as driver’s license and a utility bill) and then sign an application. If you are under 18, the signature of a parent/guardian with valid I.D. is required.
Library cards are issued anytime the library is open. Stop by and apply for a new keytag card today. The library is a member of the Ramapo Catskill Library System which includes 47 member libraries in Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and southern Ulster Counties. You can use your Florida card in any of these libraries, but you may only have one card – the one from your home library.
How Can I Check my Account, Renew an Item, Place a Hold?
Click on “My Account” at the top of the page.
Type in your library card number and PIN number.
To renew an item, click on the “Checkouts” tab, select a library item, then click “Renew”. If you have maxed out your renewals or someone else is waiting for the item, you will not be able to renew online.
To place a hold, type item description in Search Area. Once you find an item, click the “Place Hold” button or click on book title to see more information.
Click “Log Out” at the top when you are finished.
What are the Loan Periods?
Books, Audiobooks, and Music CDs
Books, tapes and CDs may be checked out for a period of twenty-one (21) days. New releases may be checked out for fourteen (14) days. A limit of fifty (50) books/tapes/CDs may be checked out per library card.
DVDs, Video Games
DVDs and Video Games may be checked out for a period of seven (7) days. New DVDs and Video Games may be checked out for three (3) days. A total of fifteen (15) DVDs and Video Games may be checked out per library card, which includes (5) maximum new DVDs.
What are the Fines for Overdue Items?
What is the Lost and Damaged Items Policy?
What is the Suspension of Privileges Policy?
3 items claimed returned;
OR $10 in fines and/or fees;
OR any item overdue 7 days.
Can I get eBooks from the Library?
What Newspapers and Magazines are Available?
Newspapers:
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal
Times Herald-Record
Warwick Valley Dispatch
The Warwick Advertiser
Delaware & Mid Hudson Canvas
The Florida Focus
Magazines:
American Girl
Architectural Digest
Better Homes and Gardens
Booklist (Professional Collection)
Booklinks (Professional Collection)
Boys’ Life
Bloomberg Business Week
Consumer Reports: Buying Guide Issue
Consumer Reports
Cooking Light
Cricket
Ebony
Family Handyman
Disney FamilyFun
GamePro
Glamour
Good Housekeeping
Kids Discover
Latina
M.A.D.
The MailBox (Preschool/Kindergarten edition)
Martha Stewart Living
The Nation
National Geographic Kids
National Geographic
New Moon Girls
New York
The New Yorker
O, The Oprah Magazine
Parents
PC World
People
Popular Science
Practical Homeschooling
Psychology Today
Rolling Stone
Runner’s World
Seventeen
ShopSmart;)
Smithsonian
Spin
Sports Illustrated
Storytelling Magazine
Teen Vogue
This Old House
Time
U.S. News and World Report
Vegetarian Times
Do You Accept Book Donations?
Yes. The Library accepts donations of books and audiovisual materials. Selected items may be added to the Library’s collection at the discretion of the Director. Most donations will be given to the Friends of the Florida Public Library for their used book sales throughout the year. The following information is a guideline for book donations:
Do-nations for Book Sale items:
- We accept hardcover and paperback books for all ages, CDs/DVDs, videotapes, audio books, LP records
- ALL items must be clean and in good-to-excellent condition
- Donations are accepted year-round and may be delivered to the Library during their hours of operation. Donations left outside the Library and exposed to weather will be recycled.
- ALL items should be contained in sturdy cartons that a librarian can lift
- You may obtain a receipt for your donation which will confirm the number of items donated. The value of the donation is between you and your accountant. We will mail the receipt to you if we are unable to count your items on the spot. Please remember to leave your name and address with the donation
DON’T – nations for Book Sale items:
- We can not accept items that are dirty, dusty, moldy, water stained, smelly, have torn covers/pages, have been stored outside, or have been chewed by animals. When in doubt, ask yourself, “Would I pay for this?”
- We can not accept encyclopedias, text books, Reader’s Digest condensed books, magazines (including National Geographic), used coloring or sticker books, games, toys
- We can not accommodate more than 1-2 boxes at a time. If your donation exceeds this amount, please phone the library to be put in contact with a member of the Friends to arrange drop-off
Book sales are held in the Seward Senior Center, right next door to the library, and scheduled on the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in January, the W.H. Seward birthday weekend in May, and the library’s anniversary weekend in October. Saturday and Sunday hours are 9:00am-3:00pm. Only current paid members of the Friends of the Library can attend the Friday evening (preview) sale.
Teen volunteers are encouraged to help set up and break down the book sale. Letters confirming volunteer hours of service are gladly provided.
What About Financial Donations?
The Library welcomes donations, gifts and bequests to support and expand library operations, programs and collection development. Checks should be made payable to the order of “Florida Public Library.” Donations specified for the purchase of library materials or furnishings “In Memory Of” or “In Honor Of” an individual will be distinguished with special bookplates or labels. Contributors who would like donations earmarked for specific purposes are encouraged to speak to the Director to discuss the Library’s current funding needs.
How Do I Join the Friends of the Florida Public Library?
President, Anita Baumann
Vice President, Bob Persing
Treasurer, Bob Scott
Secretary, Samantha Leonard
The Friends of the Florida Public Library help bring special programs, entertainers and authors to the library as well as raise funds for new furniture and equipment in the library. They advocate for expanded library services in the community.
As a member, attend one short meeting a month and you may volunteer to help at various programs. Enjoy refreshments at the free preview for members only before each used book sale. Book sale volunteers love our traditional potluck supper following the final sale day. Teen volunteers are encouraged to help set up and break down the sale. Letters confirming volunteer hours of service are gladly provided.
Call or stop in the library today to find out how you can become a valued member of this important group or email: friends_of_FPL@hotmail.com. Join today! Click here for Friends of the Florida Public Library Membership Form.
What is the Computer/Internet Policy?
The Florida Public Library Computer/Internet policy must be signed before a computer can be used. Click here for our Public Access Computer Use Policy. The form is also available at the library circulation desk.
What is the Wireless Internet Access Policy?
The Florida Public Library offers wireless Internet access for patrons with wireless enabled devices. The Library’s “Wireless Hotspot” is open to all patrons, free of charge and without filters. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required. Access is available from nearly every public area of the Library, with no waiting and no time limit. Click here for our Wireless Internet Access and Consent Form.
What is the Building Use Policy?
Can I use the Library Deck?
– No smoking
– Use garbage and recycling cans for all trash.
– All library materials must be checked out before leaving the building.
– Keep noise to a minimum.
– No skateboards
– No climbing or sitting on railings or tables
– Keep this exit door clear
– Keep ramp and deck stairs clear
– Wireless internet access is free for all
Thank you for your cooperation in using library property with respect.
Thank you, Friends of the Florida Public Library for our beautiful shady awning!
What is the Tutor Policy?
What is the Policy on Patron Conduct?
Conduct of patrons in the Library shall be governed by the rules and regulations set forth in the Conduct of Patrons on Library Premises. Click here for our Conduct of Patrons on Library Premises Policy.
What are the Fax Services?
The Florida Public Library provides outgoing fax service only for the convenience of library patrons. The Library will provide a cover sheet at no charge to be filled out by the patron. The patron is responsible for finding and verifying the correct fax number. Click here for our Fax Policy.
What are the Copier and Computer Printer Services?
Photocopies are 15 cents per page, black and white only. Please make your copies first, then pay at the circulation desk.
Printing from library computers or your personal laptop is 15 cents per page for black and white prints on our HP printer. Color prints are 25 cents per page on our Dell printer. Make your prints, then pay at the circulation desk.
What are Volunteer Opportunities?
The best avenue for volunteers who want to help out is to join the Friends of the Library. This dedicated group meets monthly to plan and provide fundraising and hands-on help for library programs. The Friends provide refreshments for library programs and have given us funds for the purchase of numerous items on our wish list of furnishings and supplies. The Friends also coordinate the Library book sales held in January, May and October. Teen volunteers are encouraged to help set up and break down the book sale. Letters confirming volunteer hours of service are gladly provided. Click here for our Volunteer Application.
Does the Library Have a Notary Public?
We are currently without a notary on staff. Please let us know if this is a service you would like us to offer.
Click here to Contact Us.
