• Library

  • Department:

Borrowing Materials

Library Cards
Renewals
Hold Requests
Interlibrary Loan
Loan Periods and Fines & Fees

Library Cards
Library cards are available at no charge to all citizens in Onslow County, Onslow County property owners, and Onslow County Government employees.  For those living outside Onslow County, there is a $25 annual non-resident library card fee.

Adult cards will be issued to patrons 18 and older. Juvenile cards will be issued to children between the ages of 5 and 17. Each juvenile card must have a parent, legal guardian, or grandparent who will be legally and financially responsible for materials checked out on that card. For juvenile cards, a valid picture I.D. and proof of current address will be required for the parent/legal guardian. Children must be present when getting a library card.

Teachers requesting library cards for their students will be permitted to take applications and instructions to be sent home and signed by the parents. For more information, please contact the Circulation Manager at 910.455.7350 x1423.


How to Obtain a Library Card

  1. Fill out and submit our online library card registration form.
  2. Visit any one of our four branch locations in Jacksonville, Richlands, Sneads Ferry or Swansboro.
  3. Present a valid picture I.D. and proof of your current address to the circulation desk staff.

OCPL library cards are valid for one year and can be renewed upon expiration.

Patron Responsibility
Patrons are responsible for all materials and equipment checked out on their card or on a card for which they are the responsible patron. Patrons will be billed for late, damaged or lost materials, or equipment according to the fee schedule approved by the Board of Trustees and Onslow County Commissioners. Patrons will be denied checkout privileges (checkouts, holds, interlibrary loans) if a balance of $5.00 or more is due on their accounts.

  • Nonresident Visitor Cards
    Temporary library cards are available for nonresident visitors staying in the area for at least a month who provide a valid picture I.D and proof of a local address. Only one adult library card will be issued to the family. Checkout privileges will be limited to five adult books, five juvenile books, and three videos. The card will expire on the last day of the expected length of stay.
  •  
  • Lost and Stolen Cards
    If you lose your card before the 1-year expiration, there is a $1.00 replacement fee. Please report lost or stolen library cards as soon as possible so we may flag your library account. When replacing lost or stolen library cards, you will be asked to present a valid picture I.D. and proof of your current address to the circulation desk staff.
  • Withdrawing Library Privileges
    Patrons who repeatedly abuse library privileges may have their card withdrawn, and checkout privileges cancelled. This will only be done with the approval of the Circulation Supervisor and Library Director. Patrons will be notified in writing of such an event. 


    • Return to Top of Page

    Renewals
    Library materials may be renewed twice in succession. Materials or equipment on hold for another patron may not be renewed. Material, which has been obtained through interlibrary loan, may only be renewed once.

    Ways to Renew Your Library Materials:

    1. Login to your library account from our website using your Username or Library Card Number and Password/PIN.
    2. Call your local OCPL branch & press option 1 for our automated renewal line. Have your Library Card Number & Password/PIN ready.
      Main Library/Jacksonville - 910.455.7350
      Richlands Branch - 910.324.5321
      Sneads Ferry Branch - 910.327.6471
      Swansboro Branch - 910.326.4888
    3. Call your local OCPL branch member during normal operating hours to speak with a staff member.

    Return to Top of Page

    Hold Requests
    Patrons with active library cards can place hold requests on library materials. Hold notifications can be sent by email, text, phone, or regular mail. Our Automated Polaris Notification System will contact you when the material is Held & Ready for Pickup at the branch location of your choice. Requested items will be held for 5 days.  

    How to Place a Hold Request:

    1. Login to your library account from our website using your Username or Library Card Number and Password or PIN.
    2. Search for and locate the title you would like to place on hold.
    3. Click "Place Hold Request."
    4. Select your Pickup Location and Activation Date.
    5. Click "Submit Request."

    Don't remember your Password/PIN? If you know your Username or Library Card Number, your password can be sent to the email address we have on file. Request your Password/PIN

    Return to Top of Page

    Interlibrary Loan
    Interlibrary loan assist patrons in obtaining and using materials not available in the Onslow County Public Library System. If you already have a library card with us, you can request material through Interlibrary Loan. We we will try to locate and borrow requested material from another ILL lending library. There is a $5.00 fee for each Interlibrary Loan received. You will be notified when the material is Held & Ready for Pickup at the branch location of your choice. Hold notifications can be sent by email, text, phone, or regular mail. If we are unable to fill your request, our ILL staff member we notify you by phone, email, or regular mail.


    Return to Top of Page