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Florida Public Library
4 Cohen Circle
Florida, NY 10921
(845) 651-7659

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.

We have two public restrooms, both handicapped accessible, one with a baby changing table.  Parents are expected to accompany preschoolers to the restroom.

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 or you may apply online. Stop by and apply for a new keytag card today. If you wish to apply online, click here to get started. 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.

Go to our “Library Catalog” under the “Books & More” tab. OR Go to “My Account”
Type in your library card number and PIN number. If you do not know your PIN, call the library or stop in.

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.

Beginning May 1, 2018, all items loaned from other libraries in the RCLS system and checked out at FPL, will follow our FPL lending policies.

Books, Audiobooks, Music CDs, and Playaway Launchpads
Books, tapes and CDs may be checked out for a period of twenty-one (21) days.  New releases, including the Playaway Launchpads, 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.

Museum Passes
Museum passes may be checked out by FPL cardholders for a period of three (3) days and may not be renewed.

For additional details, click here for the FPL Circulation Policy.

Overdue fines are suspended through Labor Day 2020.

Fines charged shall be: $.25 per item per day for new books; $.20 per item per day for books, book/audio kits, books-on-CD and CDs; $2.00 per item per day for DVDs, Video Games, and Playaway Launchpads; $10 per day for Museum Passes.

For additional details, click here for the FPL Circulation Policy.

Materials which have an overdue fine of $10.00 are considered by the Library to be lost and the customer will be responsible for paying the cost of the item.  The Library does not refund the payment for a lost item if it is found later.  Materials damaged to the extent they must be withdrawn from the collection will be charged to the patron’s record.  The Library will consider exact replacement of the item rather than payment. This request must be made to the Director.

For additional details, click here for the FPL Circulation Policy.

The Library will suspend a patron’s borrowing privileges when his/her record exceeds the 3-10-7 Rule:
3 items claimed returned;
OR $10 in fines and/or fees;
OR any item overdue 7 days.

As a member of the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), Florida Library patrons can enjoy free access to eBooks! OverDrive is both the name and the provider of this service. Many eBooks can be viewed (or in the case of eAudiobooks, heard) right on your computer. Other electronic files can be transferred to various digital devices (e.g. iPads, MP3 players) or eReaders. For mobile devices, try our new app by OverDrive called Libby. To learn more about Libby, click here!

Getting Started: Please start with Overdrive Help Pages at help.overdrive.com. OverDrive provides step-by-step instructions specifically for your computer, smartphone, eReader, and other compatible devices. If you’re interested in learning what works with OverDrive, you can reach their list of compatible devices through this link: www.overdrive.com/drc.

 

Finding eBooks: Once you’re ready, please visit the Florida Public Library eBook website!

The library has a small selection of books in Braille available upon request.

Additional Braille resources from NYS can be found at the links below:

Fall Themed Print/Braille Children’s Books

NYS Talking Books & Braille Library

Barron Angell, our Librarian, is certified as a notary and offers this service free of charge. This service is available by appointment Sunday through Thursday, with later hours on Wednesday. Please call (845-651-7659) to make an appointment.

Please note the following guidelines before making an appointment:

· All persons signing any document should bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a NYS Driver’s License. If witnesses are required for a given document, it is also the responsibility of the signer to supply them.

· Documents should be completely filled out in advance, EXCEPT for the signature which will be completed in front of the Notary. Documents must also be in written in English, and service will only be provided in English.

· In accordance with New York State Law, a notary cannot perform Copy Certification (confirm that a reproduction of an original document is a true reproduction, ex: birth certificate, marriage certificate). You must visit the State-issuing offices for these services.

· Notary service is not available for power of attorney, mortgage documents, deeds, wills, living wills, living trusts, divorce, codicils, depositions, vital records, immigration, I-9 and financial documents. These types of documents can require specialized knowledge and are beyond the scope of this service.

· Library staff reserves the right to refuse notary services at their sole discretion.

Yes, the library offers a variety of electronics, tools, equipment, kitchenware, craft items and more to borrow with your library card for free. To learn more about our Library of Things, click here.

A wide variety of newspapers and magazines are available for your reading pleasure.

Newspapers:
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal
Times Herald-Record
Warwick Valley Dispatch
The Warwick Advertiser
Delaware & Mid Hudson Canvas
The Chief

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
Cricket
Ebony
Eating Well
Family Handyman
Disney FamilyFun
GamePro
Glamour
Good Housekeeping
Latina
M.A.D.
The MailBox (Preschool/Kindergarten edition)
Martha Stewart Living
National Geographic Kids
National Geographic
New Moon Girls
The New Yorker
Newsweek
O, The Oprah Magazine
Parents
People
Popular Science
Prevention
Psychology Today
Rolling Stone
Runner’s World
Seventeen
ShopSmart;)
Smithsonian
Sports Illustrated
Storytelling Magazine
Teen Vogue
This Old House
Time

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.  Please refer to our Gifts Policy. 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 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 typically 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. Please refer to our calendar of events for specific dates. 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.

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. Please refer to our Gifts Policy.

Here’s the info you need!

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.

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.

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.

When not required for library use, meeting space within the library is available to other non-profit community groups, subject to the following regulations subject to the following regulations specified in our policy.  Click here for our Use of the Library by Outside Groups Policy.

The library deck is available to all patrons.  Please follow these rules when using our outdoor area:
– 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!

The Florida Public Library welcomes tutors to use its facilities at no charge as space and library programming needs allow.  Click here for our Tutor Policy.

A Public Library is created for the use of every member of the community.  The Public Library provides a place for reading, study and enrichment.  All staff members have the responsibility to keep the Library as pleasant and safe an environment for the public as possible.  This includes discouraging and handling behavior that disrupts others. 
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.

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.

Photocopies are 20 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 20 cents per page for black and white prints on Printer A.  Color prints are 25 cents per page on Printer B. Make your prints, then pay at the circulation desk.

Our photocopy machine is capable of scanning documents to a USB flash drive. You may purchase a flash drive at the front desk or you may use your own. The copier is not on a network, therefore scanning cannot be done directly to an email address. Please ask for help at the circulation desk. The service is free, except if you need to purchase a flash drive.

Yes, the Florida Public Library provides VHS to DVD transfers for the convenience of Library patrons. Charges are $10 per DVD. The Library can copy from VHS and VHS-C cassettes only. Payment is due before service is provided. Click here to view the form and the full VHS to DVD Transfer Policy.

We welcome teen and adult volunteers to help with our popular summer reading program.  We are always interested in people who have a special talent or interest which can be shared in a library program for any age group.

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.