Services

Library Cards

Visit us to get your library card now!

Library cards are free to Newburyport residents and residents of towns within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) ages 5 and up. A photo ID and proof of residency or property ownership is required for new cards. Other Massachusetts town library cards may also be registered with the NPL.

Library cards must be renewed every three years and can be done in-person or over the phone. At registration you will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN), typically the last four digits of your phone number.

Children who live in Newburyport or are residents of towns within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) may obtain library cards once they have turned five years old. A parent/legal guardian must accompany their child and provide proof of residency. All patron card activity is confidential under state law, even for very young children. Guardians who allow their child to open a Library card should be advised that we are unable to share any information about the child’s account or borrowing history without the child’s permission.

Young adults ages 13 or older may obtain a Library card without a guardian present, but they must show photo ID, or some other proof of residency.

eCards

Need access right away, but the library is closed? Sign-up for a Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) eCard and get immediate access to Libby and other digital databases. Any Massachusetts resident who does not already have a card from an MVLC library is eligible for an eCard. Click HERE to fill out the eCard registration form!

If you are unable to visit the library due to physical limitations, please contact us for information about Home Delivery services: 978-465-4428.

Through memberships and donations, The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library have funded passes to local and Boston area museums. Museum passes are available to all MVLC library card holders.

For more information on this sponsorship, please visit their site.

Museum Pass Borrowing Guidelines

Museum passes are provided free of charge to any MVLC cardholder in good standing
Passes may be reserved up to 30 days in advance online, by phone or in-person
There is only one library pass available from each of the museums per day
Limit of 1 pass per cardholder a day and 3 passes per cardholder each month
Coupon passes may be picked up a week prior to use, physical passes no earlier than 24 hours prior to visit
Passes should be picked up by 10:00 am on day reserved
Coupon passes do not need to be returned
Many library passes are digital and will be emailed to the cardholder. Please click on the red button “Access Pass” to find a PDF of your reservation. You may print out the pass, or display it on a mobile device at museum admissions. If purchasing tickets ahead of time through the museum website the pass will include a code to be applied for the discount at checkout.

Most museum pass discounts apply to general admission only and are not valid for special exhibits and/or shows.
Physical passes must be returned by 10:00 am the morning after use, either to the circulation desk or the library book drop (please DO NOT return passes to the Market Basket book drop)
There is a $5/day late fee for physical passes not returned on time and a $25 replacement fee if lost.
Reservations may be changed or cancelled by calling the library. Unused reservations prevent use by other patrons.
Some museums have special visitation guidelines. Visit the museum website prior to making a library pass reservation for details. Note: Some passes require up to 48-hour advance reservation and registration on the museum site prior to use.
Proper usage of museum pass is the sole responsibility of the borrower.
Misuse of the library’s museum pass program may result in loss of pass privileges.

Collections

Third Floor: Non–Fiction, Language Learning Materials
Second Floor: Fiction, Biography, Music CDs, Paperbacks, Adult Graphic Novels, Reference collection, Young Adult collection
First Floor
- Reading Room: New Books, Large Print, Magazines, and Newspapers
- Media Hall: DVDs, Foreign Films, Music DVDs, and Audiobooks
- Children’s Room: Juvenile Books, DVDs, Audiobooks & Playaways
- Library of Things: Ask us for more information!
- Museum Passes with free or reduced admission to local attractions: Ask us for more information!
Lower Level
- Archival Center: Local History and Genealogy Reference collection

Library of Things

Step 1: Place a hold. Click any item below to be redirected to our online catalog where you can place a hold on the desired Library of Things item. You will be notified by phone and/or email when your item is ready for pick-up.

Step 2: Read and Sign our Lending Agreement and Pick up your item. All patrons MUST sign The Library of Things Lending Agreement at pick up. This form is kept on file for one year. Library of Things items and agreement forms are located at the Borrower Services Desk.

Step 3: Return your item. When returning any Library of Things item, you must return the item inside the building during operating hours. DO NOT LEAVE LIBRARY OF THINGS ITEMS IN THE BOOK DROP. If items are left in the book drop, you will be subject to replacement costs and/or loss of privileges.

Use the catalog to search for these items.

Study Rooms & Conference Room

The Library has two Study Rooms and a Conference Room on the third floor.

Limit (2) hours total use per day.
Limit one block of time per day. Use by two or more people constitutes room use that day for each person.
Appointments can be scheduled up to (48) hours in advance. Call 978-465-4428 or reserve online.
Walk-ins permitted but 2-hour allotment is not guaranteed. See a librarian for alternative meeting spaces.
Rooms require check-in with 2nd Floor Information Desk Staff prior to access.
Study Rooms: 1-3 persons.
Conference Room: 1-5 persons.
Covered drinks permitted, no food.
At least one person must continuously occupy room during use. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Rooms contain a table, chairs and 3’x4’ white board. Dry erase materials are available at the Information Desk.
If you need to cancel a reservation, call us at 978-465-4428 x 2.
If you are 30 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled and made available to someone else. Please let us know ahead of time if you plan on coming late.

Click Here to Reserve a Study Room

Co-Working Space

The Library has an open co-working space on the third floor with small tables and individual cubicles.

No reservation required.
No time limit.
Cell phone use and collaborative conversation permitted.
Covered drinks allowed, no food.

Meeting Room

The Library has a room (limit 70 people) available for meetings. This space is currently reserved for library programming.

6-foot folding tables
70 chairs
Lectern
Ceiling-mount speakers and sound system
Retractable ceiling-mount large scale projection screen

Hardwired ceiling-mount projector
Handheld, lapel, and headset microphone
HDMI/VGA wall connections
Blu-Ray/DVD player

Different library areas have their own benefits and limitations for individual or group work and study. Please ask a staff person to find what best suits your needs.

PUBLIC COMPUTERS AND INTERNET ACCESS/WI-FI

Public computers are available on the 2nd floor Adult Services Area for adult and teen use. Computers are also available for use in the Children’s Room for our young visitors, and in the Archival Center for research purposes. Most library computers are accessed with a valid MVLC Library card. Other visitors can obtain a guest pass from the Adult Services desk. In order to assure equitable access for all users, daily times limits for public computer use may be enforced for each user.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Network: [NPL OPEN]. No password.

PRINTING FROM A LIBRARY COMPUTER

Public printing is available at the Newburyport Public Library. Please pay a staff member at the Adult Services desk on the second floor.

CASH/CHECK ONLY
$0.20/page Black and White
$0.40/page Color

Starting January 1st, the cost for printing and copying will increase by 5¢ due to the cost of upkeep and supplies. Black and white will be 20¢/page and color will be 40¢/page. We appreciate your understanding.

WIRELESS PRINTING

PRINTING FROM YOUR COMPUTER OR PHONE

Send your wireless print jobs from home or from your device while in the library.

Go to print.princh.com/?pid=108390
Type in our library’s code: 108390
Select your saved file and upload it
1. If you haven’t saved your file, make sure to do so
Select “black & white” or “color” printing & how many copies you would like to print
Check box for “Accept Terms & Conditions” and press “Continue” to proceed
Enter an email address
1. The address will be needed to release your print job
Once your print job says “Ready,” head to the printer & enter in your email address to release your print job
Please pay at the desk

32 mb file limit per job.

CASH/CHECK ONLY
$0.20/page Black and White
$0.40/page Color

8.5 x 11 paper ONLY

PREVIEW JOBS BEFORE PRINTING. Users will be asked to pay for all printouts due to paper and toner expense to library.

PHOTOCOPYING

Photocopying is available in the Adult Services area on the 2nd floor. Please pay a staff member at the Adult Services desk. All photocopying is subject to applicable copyright law.

CASH/CHECK ONLY
$0.20/page Black and White
$0.40/page Color

SCANNING

The library offers free full-color document scanning for 8.5″ x 11″ paper. The 2nd floor Adult Services area offers (3) flatbed scanners and (1) multi-feed scanner. Please ask staff for assistance.

FAXING

Outgoing fax service is offered on ‘as-available’ basis at staff discretion during library hours of operation. See 2nd Floor Adult Services staff for assistance.

• $1.00 per page excluding cover sheet
• 10-page daily limit including cover sheet
• Destination number will be tried once daily. One automatic redial attempt if busy
• Library cannot guarantee transmissions
• Written receipt for payment/services rendered only on request
• Incoming faxes not accepted and will be discarded unless related to official library business

In processing fax requests, patron consents to handling of materials via internal library equipment on behalf of patron, with reasonable attempt to maintain patron privacy throughout the transaction.

MICROFILM

A microfilm/microfiche reader is available in the 2nd floor Adult Services area, and in the Lower Level Archival Center for research use. Please ask a staff member for assistance.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The Newburyport Public Library offers several assistive technology items, including text-to-speech software, on-screen magnification tools, a portable digital magnifier (available for checkout), and backlit-LED large-type keyboards at most adult workstations. Additional full-spectrum task lights and articulating stand magnifiers are also available throughout the building. Please contact Adult Services staff for more information about assistive technology needs: 978-465-4428

Home Delivery Services

Are you unable to come to the library? Let the library come to you! Read below to learn more about the Home Delivery Service program and if you’re eligible. Limited spots available.

Who is eligible to participate in the Home Delivery Service program?

A Newburyport resident requesting the service is required to have a Newburyport library card in good standing and meet one of the following criteria:

A disability and/or health issue which prevents an individual from visiting the Library.
Mobility issues which prevent an individual from visiting the Library.
Temporary physical limitations (or illness) which prevent an individual from visiting the Library for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months.

Home Delivery status may be permanent or temporary, though winter-only delivery is not available.

Limited spots are available for the Home Delivery Service Program. In the case that spots are full, you may request to be added to a waiting list and will be contacted as soon as a spot becomes available.

Who do I contact about the service?

Please contact a Reference Librarian at the second floor Reference Desk by phone 978-465-4428 or email info@newburyportpl.org with any questions about the service, to place holds for delivery, or if you need to cancel the next delivery. Any staff member in the Reference Department can help.

What types of materials can I borrow?

You may borrow most library materials with standard check out periods (4 weeks), including fiction and non-fiction titles, large print titles, magazines, CD audiobooks, DVDs, and music CDs. Checkouts for home delivery patrons are limited to a maximum of 25 items. Hot Titles (7-Day Loans), Playaways, Commonwealth Catalog materials (available from libraries outside of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium), and Library of Things items (e.g., games, gadgets, etc.) are not eligible for Home Delivery.

How long can I keep materials I borrow?

Materials are delivered monthly and are granted a 4-week checkout period. With the exception of items with standing holds, items may be renewed for one additional 4-week period upon request. Please note, patrons who keep materials longer than the allotted checkout window risk not receiving home delivery until the materials are returned.

How will the Library know what I want?

You are welcome to place hold requests online or up to four hold requests per phone call with a Reference Librarian. If you receive permanent home delivery service, you may also ask the Librarian managing your account to select materials for you*. The Librarian will schedule a phone interview to fill out a questionnaire and establish your preferences for specific authors, genres, and formats. Chat with a Reference Librarian about any updates to your preferences.
*Temporary home delivery patrons are not eligible for Reader’s Advisory.

Who will deliver the library materials?

Books and other library materials will be brought to your home by a library staff member.

When can I expect delivery to my home?

Delivery schedules are set in advance with the Librarian managing your Home Delivery Service and take place once a month. The Librarian will call within a week in advance during the library’s hours of operation to confirm delivery of materials. Delivery dates are subject to change based on staff availability. Patrons will be notified in advance of any changes.

Are there any exceptions to the delivery schedule?

In cases where conditions arise that pose a risk to public health or safety, delivery of materials will be postponed until conditions are deemed safe for both patrons and staff. If the Library is closed due to inclement weather, delivery may take place another day that week.

May I come into the library if I’m feeling up to it? Or send someone on my behalf?

Absolutely! If sending someone on your behalf, please call ahead of time to give permission to your representative to access your account. We highly encourage you to send your library card with your representative for greater ease at check out, but we will also accept your telephone number. Items set aside for delivery are not available to check out during an in-person visit due to their storage location.

Ready to get started? A librarian will be in touch with you soon about availability!

Click HERE to fill out our intake form for Home Delivery.

Please keep in mind that procedures and policies are subject to change. Patrons who are part of the Home Delivery program will be notified of any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my PIN number?

Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number. You can change your PIN online or reset with librarian assistance.

What is my borrower ID number?

This is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card. Always enter this number without spaces.

How do I get a library card?

Residents of Newburyport and towns within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) ages 5 and up are eligible for a library card. A photo ID and proof of current Newburyport/MVLC residency or property ownership is required for all new library cards. Replacement cards can be obtained at the Borrower Services desk.

What can I borrow with an ecard?

A Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) eCard allows immediate access to online books and resources. Your eCard also allows borrowing privileges for physical materials at any MVLC library. If the eCard registration is not able to verify your residency, you will be issued a provisional eCard that will only allow access to online materials for 30 days. You will need to visit an MVLC library to upgrade a provisional eCard to a library card with full borrowing privileges. Register for an eCard HERE.

Can I use a computer in the library?

Yes. Call the Adult Services Desk for details: Adult Reference Desk: 978-465-4428.

Does the library have wireless internet (wi-fi) access?

Yes! The Library provides free open wireless Internet (wi-fi) access throughout the building on a public network [NPL Open] — no password required.

How do I request a book?

You can request a book by calling the Information Desk at 978-465-4428, or online using the MVLC catalog and your library account.

I requested a book. Is it here yet?

You will be notified of the arrival of your requested item by phone, email, or text. Sign up for email or text notification online through your library account or call the Borrower Services Desk: 978-465-4428.

Can I renew items?

Most library materials will be renewed automatically as long as they are not overdue or requested by another patron. Some items, such as museum passes and non-traditional materials, may not be renewable. Contact the Borrower Services desk with questions: 978-465-4428

What museum passes do you have and how do I reserve one?

The library has several discount and free admission passes to a variety of locations. Call us at 978-465-4428 or visit our Museum Passes information page for details.

Do you have study rooms? How do I reserve one?

Study rooms are available for reservation online via our reservation system, or through a staff member at the Adult Reference Desk: 978-465-4428.

Can I use my cell phone in the library?

Cell phones are permitted in the lobby vestibule, near the elevator on the first floor, in reserved study rooms, and in the third floor co-working spaces only.

Can I bring food and drink to the library?

Beverages with secure lids are welcome throughout the library. Food is currently prohibited in the library.

Does the library take book donations?

Donations are accepted twice a year just before the semi-annual Friends of the Library Great Old Book Sale. Check back for the Friends of the Library Great Old Book Sale upcoming dates.

Does the library have a Notary Public?

No. Please contact the Newburyport City Clerk’s office 978-465-4407 or a local financial institution for assistance.

Does the library have a fax machine?

Yes. Toll-free and continental U.S. destination outgoing fax services are supported by the library on an as-available basis. The cost is $1 per page, excluding the cover sheet. Call the Adult Reference Desk: 978-465-4428 for details.

Does the library offer exam proctoring?

Yes, with specific guidelines. Please call email info@newburyportpl.org for more information.