Explore our Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a library card?
Library cards are available free of charge at the circulation desk and may be used at any OCLN library. When registering for a card, a driver’s license or another form of identification with proof of address is required. Children of any age may apply for a library card, but the application for those 14 years old and younger must include the signature of a parent or guardian. A $1.00 fee will be charged to replace a lost library card.

Library eCards are available with on-line registration, allowing access to downloadable ebooks, reference databases and providing the ability to place holds on items in the OCLN system. These cards are for temporary use and should be upgraded to permanent status at the circulation desk. Click here to sign up for an eCard.  

How do I get or change a pin number?
All patrons are initially assigned “OCLN” as a PIN. You are then required to change and personalize your PIN when logging in to your account for the first time. Library staff cannot see a patron’s PIN, but you can contact the library and request to have your PIN reset to “OCLN.”

How do I place a hold?

• Requesting materials held by members of OCLN

  After logging in to the library catalog, a patron may place a hold on many items. Once the hold is placed, the first available copy in the network will be sent to the library selected as pickup location. When the library receives the item, the patron is notified by email, text message or telephone.

• Requesting materials outside of OCLN

  If an item is unavailable through the OCLN Network, the Commonwealth Catalog offers access to materials from other library networks across Massachusetts. After opening the link to the Commonwealth Catalog on the OCLN catalog screen, patrons need only to enter their library card number and choose their home library from the dropdown list in order to search and create requests. Patrons will be notified either if the item is unavailable for loan or when it is available for pickup at the library.

• Requesting materials not held by members of OCLN or the Virtual Catalog

Any item not available through OCLN or the Commonwealth catalog may be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) by contacting the Adult Services Librarian at 781-659-2015, ext. 114 or by filling out an ILL Request Form online.

How do I receive home delivery?

The Norwell Public Library offers a Books To Go program for Norwell residents who are homebound and unable to visit the Library. A Books To Go volunteer can help you request materials, including books, movies, music and more, and will deliver them right to your home. Sign-up forms are available at the Library and the Council on Aging. To download and print this form, click here. Return completed forms to the Library, attention Adult Services Librarian Zoe Rath. For additional assistance, call Zoe at 781-659-2015 X 114, or email her at zrath@norwell.ocln.org .

How do I access my account?

You can access your account from the Library’s website, www.norwellpubliclibrary.org. Select My Account in the page header and log in with your Library card number and PIN. You can also click here to go directly to the Account Login page.

How do I receive email and text notifications?

Patrons may receive notifications of available holds and due date alerts via email or text message. At your request, Library staff will add an email address to your account. Any future changes to your email address may be done online after logging in to your account. The text message alert option can also be activated online.

How long can I borrow?

Refer to the this table for details regarding loan periods, overdue fines and renewal limits. Patrons are responsible for all library materials checked out on their account. If an item is returned after the loan period, the fine accumulates from the due date to the actual date that the item is checked in. Once an account is overdue by $15.00, the account is blocked and no items may be borrowed until the fines are paid.

If a library item is lost, the patron will be charged the replacement cost for that item. If one or more discs from an audiobook are lost, the patron will be charged $10 for each disc to be replaced.

The Norwell Public Library waives fines for senior citizens on Norwell items. There is no waiver of charges for lost or damaged items.

Items that are returned with missing materials are generally renewed once and the patron is contacted and asked to return the missing material. Once the renewal period has ended, fines will begin accruing if the item remains incomplete.

If Library staff determines that an item has been damaged beyond repair and cannot circulate, the patron will be charged the replacement cost of that item.

 How old does a child have to be to receive a Library Card?
Norwell Public Library places no limits on a patron’s age for registering for a library card. A child's application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if they are under 14 years of age.

What is the Library’s computer use policy for children?                
Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. Internet resources have not been selected by Librarians and we cannot be responsible for the accuracy, or timeliness of information found. For the complete policy on Internet use, click here

Does the Library offer tours?
The Children's Department offers Library tours and/or storytelling sessions for classrooms, child care centers, Scout and other groups. The tours are available by appointment only and group leaders are urged to call at least two weeks in advance to schedule a tour. The Children’s Librarian is also available to visit classrooms, schedule permitting.