Your library card is more than a piece of plastic. It's the key that unlocks a treasure chest of information and entertainment both here at the library and on the Internet.
With your card you can check out books, including audio books; music CD's; DVDs; videotapes and more by stopping by the library. Through the Internet, you have free access to NC Digital Library, NCLIVE and all of our subscription databases, some of which can be accessed from outside the library, as well as downloads of audiobooks and other media.
Getting a Card
You may request a library card at the Lending Desk on the first floor.
Library cards are available free of charge to all Guilford County and High Point City residents or property tax payers. Others may also obtain a card by paying a nominal annual fee. Exemptions to the fee are detailed in the Library Card Policy.
You will be asked for a photo identification that proves residency in Guilford County or property ownership. A driver's license is frequently used or a utility bill with your current address can be used. The whole process takes about 5 minutes of your time. Please be aware library cards are not issued after 30 minutes prior to closing.
Loans and Renewals
Most library items may be checked out for 21 days or three weeks. A few items such as new books, new audio books, leased books and leased audio books are limited to 14 days or two weeks. DVDs are limited to 7 days or one week. Items may be renewed up to 4 times as long as that item isn't reserved by another customer and the customer owes less than $5.00 in overdue fees.
When checking out materials, you will receive a list of items which shows the due date for each item. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card until you return them. You can renew items in person at the library or by calling the Lending Desk at 883-3660. You can also call our automated circulation system at 883-9317. Have your library card ready when you make the call. You can renew most items unless they are on hold (on reserve) for another customer.
Limits
You may check out up to 50 items (2 items if you are a new borrower.) You may, however, only have 10 music CDs and 10 DVDs out at any one time.
Holds
You may reserve materials while at the library from any public computer terminal or you may call General Research Services at 883-3641 and request staff assistance to hold or reserve materials. Up to 15 items may be on reserve. Our automated circulation system will call to tell you that your requested item is available and how long the item will be held for you. A notice will be mailed to you if we are unable to leave a message. You may request to be notified by email or text messaging. We hold items for 3 days.
Interlibrary Loan
As a cardholder, you may use the Interlibrary Loan Service to borrow a book or microfilm from another library when the High Point Public Library does not own the requested item. This service takes between two to four weeks. Interlibrary Loan can also get a photocopy of an article from a magazine or other periodical that the library does not have. There is a fee for photocopies. To request this service, go to General Research Services on the second floor.
Fines and other Fees
Overdue fines are charged on items that are not returned by the date due.
The charge is 10 cents per day per item. In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for replacing lost library cards.