FAQs / Policies - Delaware County Library System

Library Information:
Library FAQs/Policies

The DCLS staff and member libraries are currently developing a list of questions that patrons ask, both in person and by Internet. We've come up the list below and welcome your input. What questions do you have about library service in Delaware County? Let us know: support@delcolibraries.org

Q. How do I get a library card?

A. A Delaware County Library System library card can be used in any of the 28 member libraries in the county and in most public libraries in Pennsylvania, through the Access PA program. Your library card can also be used to connect to our electronic information resources.

To obtain a library card you will need identification showing your current address in Delaware County, PA. A photo identification, such as a driver's license, is preferred. Visit any public library in Delaware County. The library staff will provide an application form. Complete the application form, read and sign the user agreement, show your identification, and your library card will be issued. It will be helpful if you know the official name of your municipality (i.e. Ridley Township, not simply Folsom).

There is no minimum age for obtaining a library card; however a parent's signature is required for persons under 18.

There is a three dollar fee for replacement of lost cards, and outstanding fines must be paid before a new card is issued.

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Q. Where can I use my library card?

A. Library cards issued by any public library in Delaware County can be used in all county public libraries. For a list of libraries click on the second question in the left column.

If your library card has a blue and white Access PA* sticker, it can be used in most public libraries in Pennsylvania. (Procedures for registering in out of county libraries varies.) Participating public libraries have a similar sticker on their door. For information on neighboring libraries select a link below.

The Free Library of Philadelphia

Chester County Library System

Lower Merion Library Association

MCLINC (the Montgomery County Library Information Network Consortium).

*In the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania the only public libraries not participating in the Access PA program are the Wyomissing Public Library in Berks County and and Lansdale Public Library in Montgomery County (the Lansdowne Library in Delaware County does participate).

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Q. Can non-county residents use DCLS member libraries?

A. Pennsylvania residents from outside Delaware County can use their local library card in DCLS member libraries if it has the blue AccessPA sticker. The first time you use the card in the county, you will have to complete a registration form and show proper identification.

People living outside of Delaware County who do not have an AccessPA library card may purchase a nonresident card. This card may only be used at the library at which it was purchased. Prices vary, and some libraries do not offer this option.

(People who work in Delaware County and do not have an Access PA library card can use their work address to apply for a regular card.)

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Q. Which libraries are handicapped accessible?

A. All DCLS member libraries are handicapped accessible EXCEPT: Darby, Marcus Hook and Ridley Park.

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Q. Which libraries answer reference questions by email?

A. If you would like to ask a reference question via email, select a library below. The reference librarians will not be able to reply at once but will try to answer your question within a few days. Your question should be as complete as possible. If you are a student, include your grade level in school, such as seventh grade, senior or college student. Whenever possible, include the reason for your question.

You can also get help online 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a live librarian through AskHerePA

Here are some sample questions:

I am looking into my family history and would like to know how to begin my research.
I am a high school student and would like to know if you have information on pharmaceutical companies in the Delaware Valley region for a paper on major employers in the region.
What is the average rainfall in the U.S.?
Who wrote Moby Dick?

Rachel Kohl Community Library (Concordville)
Helen Kate Furness Free Library (Wallingford)
Haverford Township Free Library
Lansdowne Public Library
Marple Public Library
Newtown Public Library
Ridley Township Public Library
Springfield Township Public Library
Swarthmore Public Library
Tinicum Memorial Library
Upper Darby/Sellers Library

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Q. What libraries have word processing and Internet computers available?

A. The Delaware County Library System works hard to provide adequate computer resources. Below is a list of computer resources available at DCLS libraries. (This list is under construction.)

Certain responsibilities come with your usage of our free public services, though. Viewing objectionable materials on library computers is prohibited. Internet filters are installed on our computers. Click here for the full Electronic Information Network (EIN) and Internet Safety Policy. Thank you for your cooperation.

Aston Free Library
Please contact the library.

Collingdale Public Library
Please contact the library.

Darby Free Library
Please contact the library.

Folcroft Public Library
Please contact the library.

Helen Kate Furness Library
Please contact the library.

Glenolden Library
Please contact the library.

Haverford Township Free Library
Number of Word Processing Computers: 3
Number of Internet Computers: 11
Plus 2 children game computers, and 1 teen game computer
Procedures: Outside disks are permitted.
Time Limits: There is a one hour time limit if people are waiting.
Costs: We sell disks for $1.00 and will hold them for the customer. Printing costs are $.15 for black and white copies and $.25 for color copies.
Computer classes are offered at the library. Please contact the library for
offerings and schedules.

J. Lewis Crozer Library
Number of Word Processing Computers: One Word Processing Computer
Number of Internet Computers: Five Internet Computers
An Early Learning Station Computer is also available. Please call
children's services for details.
Procedures: Sign in at the circulation desk with your valid library card. All fines
must be resolved prior to use of computers. Children under twelve must be
accompanied by an adult.
Time Limits: Time limits are one hour for WP. For Internet, time limit is one hour for
adults, 1/2 hour for children (under 18).
Costs: Printing is .15 for black and white, .25 for color. Disks are available for
purchase for $1.00.

Rachel Kohl Community Library
Please contact the library.

Lansdowne Public Library
Please contact the library.

Marple Public Library
Please contact the library.

Mary M. Campbell Library
Please contact the library.

Media-Upper Providence Free Library
Number of Word Processing Computers: 2
Number of Internet Computers: 6
Procedures: Computer users must sign in, persons under the age of 18 must have a library card or be with a parent.
Time Limits: If there is a waiting list, persons who have been on a computer for one hour or more are immediately asked to surrender their computer to the first person on the list. If no one has used a computer for an hour or more and someone has waited twenty minutes for computer access, the person who has been on the longest is asked to surrender their computer.
Costs: Black and white printouts cost $.15 and color printouts cost $.25. Floppy disks are sold for $1.00. Headphones are not provided to patrons.

Middletown Free Library
Please contact the library.

Newtown Square Public Library
Please contact the library.

Norwood Public Library
Please contact the library.

Prospect Park Public Library
Please contact the library.

Memorial Library of Radnor Township
Please contact the library.

Ridley Park Public Library
Please contact the library.

Ridley Township Public Library
Number of Word Processing Computers: 3 MACs (Appleworks 5.0). 3 PCs (1 PC has Microsoft Word 2000 and Microsoft Works Spreadsheet.2 PCs have Microsoft Office 2000 Premium. This includes Word, Publisher, Power Point, Front Page, Excel, Access, and Small Business Tools.) The above-mentioned computers do not have Internet access.
Number of Internet Computers: 6 Internet Computers
Procedures: Patron must register at the desk for computer use. Disks should be scanned by reference librarian.
Time Limits: Internet computers: half hour maximum. Word Processing computers: one hour maximum.
Costs: Printouts: $.15 per black & White, $.25 for color prints.

Sharon Hill Public Library
Please contact the library.

Springfield Township Library
Number of Word Processing Computers: 4 PCs with Microsoft Office 2000 Suite
Number of Internet Computers: 10
Procedures: Sign in at Circulation desks. No reservations. Adhere to DCLS EIN Policy.
Time Limits: No time restriction unless others are waiting.
Costs: Print charge per page: $.15 black and white $.25 color. 3 Color printers. NO outside discs or CDs allowed. Patron may purchase disc for $1.00 and it may stored at library for future use. No charge for PC use.

Swarthmore Public Library
Please contact the library.

Tinicum Memorial Public Library
Please contact the library.

Upper Darby & Sellers Memorial Library (main)
Number of Word Processing Computers: 4; 2 of 4 switch to PCs
Number of Internet Computers: 11; 2 of 11 switch to WPs
Procedures: Everyone signs-in, children under 18 need library card.
Time Limits: 20 minutes if people waiting, 1 hr. a day total
Costs: Printing / B/W- $.15, color- $.25; disks- $1.00; no
headphones/patrons bring own.

Upper Darby Library-Municipal Branch
Number of Word Processing Computers: 2; switch to PCs
Number of Internet Computers: 6; 2 of 6 switch to WP
Procedures: Everyone signs-in, children under 18 need library card.
Time Limits: 20 minutes if people waiting, 1 hr. a day total
Costs: Printing / B/W- $.15, color- $.25; disks- $1.00; no
headphones/patrons bring own.

Upper Darby Primos Branch
Number of Word Processing Computers: 2 computers with Microsoft office.
Number of Internet Computers: 6 internet terminals
Procedures: Everyone signs-in, children under 18 need library card.
Time Limits: Time limits are 1hr. per day for the internet and 2hrs per day for the microsoft office. Limits are reduced to 20 min. if people are waiting.
Costs: No charge for use of the computers but printing fees do apply to all. .25 for color and .15 for black and white.

Yeadon Public Library
Please contact the library.

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Q. Which libraries have extensive business reference materials?

A. Thanks to a collection of online resources funded by the Commonwealth and/or by the County, all of the libraries have extensive business-reference materials. Databases of interest are the Business Plans Handbook (eBook), Morningstar Investment Research Center, EBSCO Ebooks (search by title, authors, or business-related keyword), ReferenceUSA (a nationwide business directory), among others. These databases are accessible from home for patrons with library cards.

The libraries that are committed to maintaining the most extensive business resources in print are the county’s six Area Resource Centers: Haverford, Marple, Springfield, Radnor, Ridley Township, or Upper Darby/Sellers. The resource centers can answer questions about banking and finance, management, insurance, corporate profiles, current stocks and bond, national building codes and foreign investments, and can provide tips for searching databases.

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