Offering More Than Books
Public Libraries have expanded well beyond their traditional role of housing books. The modern Library offers diverse areas of service that community members can use to foster education, gain real life skills and build community engagement for all ages. As the saying goes, libraries are more than just books and North Branford’s Public Libraries are no exception. Here, patrons can access physical collections alongside robust digital resources that open the door to research databases, e-materials and streaming services. We have a Library of Things that creates a “try before you buy” philosophy where people can use lawn games, WiFi hot-spots, slow cookers and so much more! Community members can create connection and gain meaning through diverse programming for all ages. All while using our public computers or free WiFi to work on personal projects. Patrons can even schedule one-on-one tech help sessions with one of our librarians to learn how to use their new phones, tablets or PCs. All of this to say, if you have not visited a public library in awhile things have changed and you may just be surprised by what you find. Please consider visiting one of our locations to see how we can help you today.
Obtaining a Library Card
Free library cards are issued to residents of North Branford who can show proof of residency (usually a driver’s license or item of mail delivered to their home address). Library cards expire after 3 years and may be renewed at no cost. There is no replacement charge for a lost card. There is no minimum age to get a library card, but approval from a parent or legal guardian is required for children under the age of 12 to obtain a card. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the application at the time the library card is issued. The borrower or guardian is responsible for the card’s security, any material checked out, and any charges incurred. Residents of other towns must obtain a card from the town where you reside, and are then welcome to use our libraries. More information on library cards can be found in the full Circulation Policy.
Fax Machine: The cost is $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page.
Copy Machine: $.10 per page for black and white copies and $.25 per page for color copies.
Printers: You can print from a library computer, or wirelessly from your personal computer or device. $.10 per page for black and white copies and $.25 per page for color copies.
Home Delivery: If you are a homebound patron, our staff will deliver and pick up your book selections. Read through the homebound delivery guidelines.
Interlibrary Loan: If our library does not own an item, we will attempt to get it from another library.
Community Room use by non-profit organizations or for study purposes only. Capacity is approximately 40 persons.
Seminar Room: The rooms may be reserved for study purposes. Seats 6 comfortably.
Shoutbomb:
With Shoutbomb, you can receive text messages from the library when:
Items you requested are ready for pickup
Items borrowed are almost due
Items borrowed are overdue
From your Shoutbomb account, you can text the library to:
Check to see what you have checked out
Renew your items, even if overdue
Add/manage multiple library cards in one Shoutbomb account
The library does NOT charge a fee for this service, but your cell phone plan’s text-messaging rates do apply.
Sign up for free! (Standard texting rates apply): Text the word SIGNUP (use capital letters) to 844-213-2295. You will receive a reply asking for your library card number. Text your card number and you will receive a confirmation text. For additional text commands, obtain a flyer at the adult circulation desk in the library.