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Library

Show All Answers

1. What are the library's hours of operation? Where is the library?

The library is open:
Monday - Thursday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Fridays from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturdays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
**(July and August from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm)

Sundays from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
**(Closed Sundays June through September)

The library is located at:
175 W. Valley Forge Rd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406

2. How do I search for a book?

Use the online catalog to search for a book.

3. How do I get a Library Card?

RESIDENTS OF UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

Any resident of Upper Merion Township is eligible to register for a free borrower's card, renewable every 3 years. The Library will require identification containing the name and current mailing address of the applicant. Children under 18 years of age will be issued a library card with the signature and identification of a parent or legal guardian. All residents will receive an ACCESS PA sticker on their library card that enables them to borrow materials at other public libraries in Pennsylvania. In order for a library card to be issued, the person named on the registration form must be present in the library.

Replacement Cards
To replace a lost card there will be a fee of $3.00 for the Adult Department and $1.00 for the Children's Department.

Montgomery County residents who do not have a home library in their township or borough may apply for a Montgomery County-Norristown library card through Upper Merion Township Library.

NON-RESIDENTS OF UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

IF YOU LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA
If you have a valid Access Pennsylvania Library card from your home library, you are welcome to check out materials according to borrowing periods and limits from the Upper Merion Township Library. You will be responsible, as our residents are, for returning on time and in good condition any materials checked out on your card. If you do not have a valid Access Pennsylvania Library card, you may use any materials in our Library, you cannot check anything out.

"Home library" is defined as the library that serves the town or township in which you live.

IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Individuals who DO NOT live in Pennsylvania may obtain an Upper Merion Library card for a fee of $65.00 for a year. Library cards issued to individuals who do not live in Pennsylvania will NOT have an ACCESS PA sticker on their card. The card may be used only at the Upper Merion Township Library. The cardholder will be responsible, as our residents are, for returning on time and in good condition any materials checked out on your card.

TEMPORARY RESIDENTS OF UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP
Persons living in Upper Merion Township for a limited time (for example, someone residing here on a temporary employment assignment for a time period of less than one year) are eligible for a Temporary Library Card. Temporary residents must pay a $25.00 deposit. Temporary residents will be responsible, as our residents are, for returning on time and in good condition any materials checked out on your card. Once the library card along with all outstanding materials are returned, the temporary resident will be issued a refund of $20.00. Temporary Residents do not receive an ACCESS PA sticker on their card. This card may be used only at the Upper Merion Township Library.

Persons working in Upper Merion on a temporary basis, but not living in Upper Merion, must apply for a non-resident card for a fee of $65.00.

4. What types of programs does the library offer?

The library offers programs for all ages, check the calendar for a list of upcoming programs and special events.

5. Can I view my account online?

Yes, using the Patron Access icon on the library MCLINC website www.mclinc.org you may view your patron account. To do so, you need your library card barcode number and a password that you establish, in person, at the library circulation desk. You can see what materials you have out and if you owe fines.

6. Can I renew my materials?

Yes, materials can be renewed by:
a. calling
b. coming into the library
c. going online (Software (children's dept.), DVDs, Music Compact Discs, and Rental Books cannot be renewed online. There is a fee to check out these materials and the fee is required at check out time.)

7. How can I reserve/place a hold on library materials?

Books, and other materials may be requested by:
a. calling
b. coming into the library and filling out a request card ($.35 charge for postage and processing)
c. going online (www.mclinc.org)
You will need your library card number and password to place a hold online.

8. What is your loan period for materials?

Adult Department:
Books: 3 weeks
DVDs/Videos: 1 or 2 weeks ($1.25 per item per week)
Rental Books: 1 or 2 weeks ($1.25 per item per week)
Magazines: 1 week/No renewal
Music Compact Discs: 1 or 2 weeks ($.60 per item per week)
3 weeks

Children's Department:
Books/Magazines/Toys/Compact Discs/Audiocassettes/ Kits: 3 weeks.
DVDs/Videos: 1 week ($.60 per item per week)(renewable one time).
Software: 1 week ($1.25 per week per item).

9. How much is the fine for overdue materials?

Adult Department:
Books, Compact Discs, Bookcassettes: $.15 a day
Rental Books: $.20 a day
DVDs/Videocassettes: $2.00 a day

Children's Department:
Books/Magazines/Toys/Compact Discs/Audiocassettes/Kits: $.05 a day per item DVDs/Videocassettes/Software: $2.00 a day per item.

10. Does the library have public access computers?

Yes, the library has internet access computers and word processor computers in addition to WiFi capability. Also, 3.5 inch high density diskettes are available for purchase at $.75 each.

11. Does the library have a public access fax machine?

No.

12. Does the library have a public access copy machine?

Yes, the cost is $.15 a page.

13. Does the library have study rooms?

Yes, the library has two quiet study rooms, which may be used for study groups of up to 4 people. These rooms can be reserved for up to 2 hours.

14. Does the library have a public access typewriter?

Yes.

15. What happens if the library does not own materials that I need?

Our inter library loan department can obtain such materials from other libraries.

16. How can I make a contribution to the Library?

a. The library is pleased to accept monetary donations in any amount. Please make checks payable to Upper Merion Township Library.
b. The library has a Book Memorial/Book Recognition Program. Your gift of a book provides a meaningful and lasting way to remember or honor a loved one. You can do this with a donation of $25 or more to the Upper Merion Township Library.
We will purchase a book for you and place a book plate on the inside cover, acknowledging the names of the recipient and donor. Friends and family of the honored individual will be notified.
c. The Children's Department has a Book Dedication Program. Your gift of a book provides a meaningful way to remember a loved one, honor a special child's birthday or commemorate special occasions in a child's life. You can do this with a donation of $15 or more to the Upper Merion Township Library.
We will purchase a book for you and place a book plate on the inside cover, acknowledging the names of the recipient and donor. Friends and family of the honored individual will be notified.

17. How do I access Online Databases from home?

a. To access Online Databases from home begin by clicking on the Online Information you find here or, use the "Search" utility on the home page to find the page.
b. On the Online Information page you will see an index of subjects in alphabetical order. Select a particular subject by clicking on it. This action will take you to a grouping of all online databases the Library has relating to that subject.
c. Once you have reached a grouping of subjects, you should click on the hot link (text underlined in blue) to get to the database of your choice.
d. Once you arrive at the database site, you will be prompted either for a library bar code or for a "Library Card". In either case, entering the 14 digit bar code number on the library card (that was issued to you) should allow you into the site and enable full search functionality.

18. Does the library circulate software?

Yes, among the plethora of Special Children's Materials available the children's department has over 100 different educational software programs.

19. Does the library have any other special collections?

Yes, the children's department has a circulating toy collection of more than 230 toys.

20. What programs does the library offer for preschool children?

Storyhours
The children's department offers storyhours for three different age groups: infants (birth to 24 months); toddlers (2 to 3 1/2) and preschool-aged (3 1/2 to 6 years) children. Parents register by phone or in person for a six-week session. Early registration is recommended as groups fill up quickly.

Reading Buddies Program
The Reading Buddies Program allows emerging readers to practice their reading skills with an older student. Younger children (K - 3rd grade) are paired with older students (5th - 12th grade) primarily from the Junior Friends of the Library Group. They arrange to meet once a week at the library for a half hour to read together. For further information or to register for the program please call B.J. Miraglia or Jeanne Kauffman at (610) 265-4806.

Pajama Storyhours
Several times a year, the Junior Friends of the Library sponsor evening story hours for preschool-aged children. Children are invited to come in pajamas for a special storyhour. Junior Friends members present stories, songs and finger plays for the preschoolers. Look for upcoming events when visiting the library.

21. Who answers the questions?

Staff in adult reference and information services department will be responding to online reference questions.

Is there a cost for this service?
No.

Will all questions be answered?
There is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully answer every question we receive. If we are unable to answer your question with our resources, we may suggest other sources which may help you. The nature of some questions may require that you visit the library to view the answers yourself.

What we can answer:
a. Requests for factual information
b. Policy and procedural questions
c. In general, questions that can be answered by Who, What, When, Where or How

What we cannot answer:
a. Questions that require additional research on our part in order to define the request
b. Legal, medical or other questions that would require us to interpret the answers

How long will it take to get an answer?
We will email your reply within 48 hours of our receiving your question (sorry, not real time!). Questions submitted on Friday, Saturday, or before a holiday may take a little longer. If a faster response is needed, you may want to:
a. use our phone service during library hours. The number is (610) 265-4805 ext. 306 or
b. use the Power Library or any of a number of electronic resources on our web site under Online Information. (your library bar code is needed)

Click on Ask A Librarian to fill out a form and submit your question.