Bedford Hills Free Library

SERVICES

The library offers the following services for public use:

• Public computers
• Free Wireless Internet Service
• Daily newspapers available to read at the library
• Black and White Photocopier
• Fax machine (USA only) - $1 fee per page to send and receive faxes.
• Electronic Screen Magnifier, monomouse, allows people with sight difficulties to read printed materials on a television screen. This item can be borrowed through the WLS catalog or by calling 914-666-6472.
• “Kill A Watt” Electricity Usage Monitor available at the front desk for 2 week checkout. Comes with instructions, easy to use.

  Wonder if you can save money by simply unplugging the toaster? Monitor energy usage, may help reduce your energy costs. Gift from the Town of Bedford in support of initiative to reduce carbon footprint.

  S P A C E R

MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Applicants need to provide proof of residence in Bedford Hills. 
A person employed, owning property or attending school in Bedford may also apply with identification.
Only one library card is allowed in the Westchester Library System. If you  move within Westchester please let us know so we may update your card.

You may print out and complete this patron application form beforehand
and present it with proof of residence at the library.

Children are eligible for a card when they turn five years of age.

• Report lost cards or address changes to the library staff.
• IMPORTANT:
  Should you move from Westchester please be sure to return all borrowed items and clear fines either in person or by mail.
   

If you live outside of Westchester County: Application
If you DO NOT work, go to school, or own property in Westchester you may purchase a card from the Westchester Library System annually for a $75 fee.  Please fill out the application form and send it to WLS with your payment. Your card will be mailed to you and is honored at all Westchester public libraries.


CIRCULATION, & RENEWAL PERIODS, & FINES:

Inter-library loans* see below

Please pay fines promptly.
Starting January 1, 2011 when fines total $25, patron's card will be blocked from further use of the Westchester Library System.

RETURNS

Materials borrowed from Westchester Library System libraries may be returned at any of the WLS libraries, unless specified otherwise. Items returned may be brought inside or placed in the drop box by the main entrance.

PLACING HOLDS

Place holds at the library or online at www.westchesterlibraries.org using patron’s library card & pin# (default pin#, last four digits of telephone number registered with the library - may be changed).
Patrons will be notified when the item becomes available. Loan items are held for 8 days before being returned to the owning library.  

REFERENCE MATERIALS

The library owns reference materials to be used on library premises.

INTER-LIBRARY LOANS*

Items may be borrowed outside of the Westchester Library System, e.g. college libraries, Library of Congress. Circulation time is 28 days, with no renewals. There may be a fee for this service, you would be notified beforehand.
Late fine structure for this special loan is $2 per day with a maximum cap of $25.

WLS reserves the right to refuse further use of this special loan request if item not returned in its original condition and in a timely manner.

LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS

The charge for unpaid lost items will appear on a patron’s record.  Checks should be made out to the owning library. In the event that the item is found after payment, money will not be refunded. Please report damaged materials upon return to the librarian for assessment.

BLOCKS

If accumulated charges (fines, lost items etc.) reach $25, a patron's card will be blocked from further use until resolved.

USE OF COMPUTERS

The Bedford Hills Free Library takes care to peruse links we suggest for viewing. However websites and addresses are forever changing and we cannot be held responsible for their content. Please alert us to link errors.

Use of Internet-access computers is limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting and is available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Two more 15-minute sessions may be used if no others are waiting.
Patrons may start a second session if no others are waiting.
Personal headphones may be used.

Use of word-processing computers is limited to one hour if someone is waiting. Children's game-time is limited to a half hour. CD-Rom games owned by the library are permitted on the designated computer in the children’s room. Movie viewing is not permitted.

Inappropriate use of all public access computers will result in immediate loss of computer privileges.

The computers and wireless internet are free of charge.

Printing: There is a 15c per copy (per side) charge for black & white printing.

STUDY AREAS

We have limited space for study upstairs. 
Quiet and consideration for other patrons is required in these areas.