Frequently Asked Questions
Facilities
Where
are the library branches and when are they open?
There are nine Henrico County Public Libraries spread throughout the country, plus the Municipal Library (located in the Western Government Center), and the Mobile Library Services. More Information.
Do
you have computer printers, photocopiers and fax machines?
While the library does NOT have public fax machines,
we do have computer printers
and photocopiers.
Is
meeting room space available?
Yes. All study, conference, and meeting rooms require advance reservation and a library card to use. Study rooms may be reserved by all patrons. Conference and meeting rooms may be reserved by patrons 18 years or older. To request a room reservation from your home or office, go to Room Request.
Read and accept our Room Reservation Policy, complete the Request Form, and
submit it. While visiting the library, you may also complete
a Room Request Form from any public PC or ask a library staff
member for assistance.
Services
Can
I use the Internet at the library?
Public Internet
access is provided at all branches of the Henrico County Public Library. See
the Henrico County Public Library Computer
and Internet Policy for details about
Internet use.
Can
I use word processing and other computer applications
at the library?
Public access to computer applications
is provided. To find out what is available, call the individual library.
How do I view files in PDF format on the website?
FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader software needs to be downloaded for viewing PDF files.
Do you have programs or classes?
We have many activities for children, teens and adults. Admission is FREE. Check our Calendar of Events, Connections/At Your Leisure, our joint publication with the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, or drop in at any of our libraries and pick up schedules of storytimes, programs, and classes.
Do you provide test proctoring services?
We provide proctoring at a charge of $10 per test according to HCPL Proctoring requirements and responsibilities.
Borrowing Library Materials
How do I get a library card?
Options and requirements can be found on the How to Get a Library Card page.
How
do I change my PIN number?
Go to the online library catalog.
Click on My
Account near the top of the screen. Click on Change My PIN. Follow the directions on that
page. If you have forgotten your PIN, use the Forgot your PIN? link or call your local library for assistance.
What if I lose my library card?
Report your lost card to the library immediately by calling one of the branches. The cardholder is responsible for any outstanding materials or fines attached to the lost card. To request a replacement card, go to the circulation desk and present the proper identification. The replacement fee is $1.
How
do I renew books and other materials?
Go to the online library catalog.
Click on the My
Account tab of the blue navigation bar
near the top of the screen. Click on Renew
My Materials. Enter your library card
number and PIN, then click on the List Charged Items
button. From this next screen, you can renew
all or selected items. You may also call 270-4239 or 270-5292 and follow the automated instructions using your library card number to renew your materials.
Where
do I return the items I have borrowed?
Library materials can be returned to any Henrico County Public Library. Outside book returns are available 24 hours a day at all libraries. Drive-through book returns and pick-up windows are available at Tuckahoe and Twin Hickory. Drive-up book returns are at Glen Allen, North Park, and Gayton. Interlibrary Loan Service materials must be returned in person to the branch where the request was made.
How
much is the overdue charge for . . . ?
See overdue fines for
library materials. The fine
for overdue interlibrary loan items is $1.00 per day.
How
long can I check this out for?
See loan
periods for library materials.
How do I place a book on hold?
Place a hold on a book or other library materials online in the catalog.
- From the Search/Home page of the Catalog, conduct a search for the item that interests you.
- From the Search Results page, find the particular item that you’d like to place on hold.
- Click on the
button to the left of the title for which you want to place a hold. - Enter your 14-digit library card number (typed without spaces between numbers) and PIN (Personal Identification Number). NOTE: You will have to do this step for each item you want to place on hold.
- Click on the arrow beside the **Pickup At box.
- Choose the library at which you’d like to pick up your hold.
- Click on the Place Hold button.
Is there a limit on the number of holds I can
place through the catalog?
Yes. You may have up to 15 holds placed on titles
in the catalog and/or showing available and ready
for pickup. You can view your holds through 
found under 
How will I know when the hold is available for pickup?
You will be notified by email or phone when the item is ready for pickup at the library you designated. You can also see the status of your holds when you log in to iBistro under My Account and choose Review My Account. Information about your holds shows under the Holds tab. You may also call 270-4239 or 270-5292 and follow the automated instructions using your library card number to hear what holds are currently available on your account. If you are picking up your materials at Tuckahoe or Twin Hickory, you have the option of using the drive-through window during normal library hours. Patrons should designate the drive-through as their pickup location when placing the hold.
What
if I want to borrow something that the library does
not own?
The library cannot purchase every item
published.
While you are welcome to recommend items for purchase,
you also have the option of requesting an Interlibrary
Loan.
Whenever possible Henrico County Public Library will try to borrow items
from another library system for our customers.
Kids Stuff
Can my child get a library card?
Yes! Applicants under 18 need a parent, guardian, or other eligible adult willing to assume responsibility for the proper use of their library card and payment of any fines or fees. Parent must be present with photo I.D. and proof of current address. A parent or guardian must be present when the card is issued. Applicants need:
- Signature of parent or guardian
- Proof of current address like a driver's license or cancelled mail of parent/guardian
Where can we get the School's Accelerated Reader lists and copies of the book?
Check our Kids/Homework Help page for a School's Accelerated Reading Lists link.
When and where are storytimes?
Each library has a storytime calendar on their library's page. They are also on the Kids page under Storytimes.
Helping the Library
How
can I help the library?
You can become a library volunteer or Friend of
the Library. View our library volunteer opportunities. Print off and submit a Volunteer application and/or
pickup a Friend of the Library brochure at any Henrico County Public Library. Teens–Want to earn Community Service Hours? Click here for more information.
Can
I donate books and other materials to the library?
We
gladly accept your donations which are tax deductible. Materials
given to the library must be in good condition and large quantities
may not be accepted. The library reserves the right to use
donated materials in various ways, such as adding
them to the library collections, and contributing
them to the Friends of the Library book sales.
Contact your local library for details.
