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 to send and receive faxes.
• Electronic Screen Magnifier. Bedford Hills Free Library owns two small portable magnifiers called the MonoMouse. The device allows people who have sight difficulties to read books and other 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 and
present it with proper identification 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. Items returned to the Bedford Hills Free Library 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.

Inter-library loans from outside the Westchester Library System circulate for 28 days/no renewals.
The fine structure for this special inter-loan, if returned late, 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

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.

Use of word-processing computers is limited to one hour if someone is waiting. Children's game-time is limited to a half hour.

Inappropriate use of all public access computers will result in immediate loss of computer privileges. Personal headphones may be used.
CD-Rom games owned by the library are permitted on the designated computer in the children’s room. Movie viewing is not permitted.

The computers and wireless internet are free of charge.

Printing: There is a 10c per page 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.