Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions section below before contacting us direct. If the questions and answers do not answer your needs, then you may email us at warref@rcls.org or call the reference desk at 845-986-1047. ext 23.
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Please check the FAQ's (or Frequently asked questions) below before emailing the library.
What are the library's hours? and what are the directions to the library?
Please see the
Library hours and directions section of our website for this information.
What are the requirements for a library card?
Please see the Your account section of our website (from the Home page) for information on who may get a library card.
How long do items circulate?
Various formats of materials are housed in the library including books, videos, DVD's, books-on-tape, books-on-cd, and compact discs. All materials with the exception of New Books and videos check out for a four week period. New Books check out for two weeks. Entertainment Videos and DVD's check out for 7 days; instructional (non-fiction videos) check out for 28 days. All materials can be renewed in person, by phone (with library card), and from home through the Online Library Catalog which is located here. All books are renewable unless they are on hold for another customer. Overdue fines are $.20 per day for all materials except videos and DVD's (which have overdue fines of $1.00 per day). All materials with the exception of Reference, 14 day items, DVD's and some local history items are available for borrowing through interlibrary loan. The Albert Wisner Public Library's Circulation Policy can be viewed here.
Can I access my library account?
Yes, you can. From your home internet browser,or at the library, open your browser to the library's website, "http://www.albertwisnerlibrary.org", and go to 'avanced search' in the upper right hand corner. Click on GO, then at the catalog screen, click on the 'My account' tab. From there you must have your library barcode (the 14 digit number) and your 4 digit PIN number to access your account. If you have a problem, or get an error message, please call the library at 845-986-1047, or e-mail us for assistance. If you are in the library, ask for help at the reference desk.
Can I change my address, PIN number, etc.?
Please see the section above, "Can I access my library account", follow the instructions there, and choose from the top tabs, either "Profile" and correct edit box to change the appropriate information.
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How do I renew books and items online?
From our Main library webpage (www.albertwisnerlibrary.org) go the Onlline Catalog link under the 'Quicklinks' on the Left side panel
Then follow the procedures for the Horizon Information Portal (HIP) for renewing items.
Log into your account and follow directions for Renewing items
Please note these Exceptions
If a library item is overdue, it cannot be renewed online. Please contact the circulation desk of the library at 986-1047.All libraries in the Ramapo Catskill Library system have different interlibrary loan policies. An item may have a limit on how many times it can be renewed, or may be non-renewable.
How do I sign up for e-mail holds & overdue notices notification online?
We are no longer taking written requests for e-mail holds and overdues notification. You can now sign up e-mail notification of holds and overdue notices via the online catalog.
Simple instructions for doing this are:
From the Library's homepage, go to the upper right hand corner, click on 'advanced search', then click on the 'my account' tab above.
Find the tab to the far right marked "Email Notice Signup". Click on the tab. Follow directions from there on the form.
Alternatively, click here for the Email notification signup page.
You now are on the e-mail notification signup page. Please carefully read the disclaimer statements on the page before signing up. After reading the disclaimer, click on the pink button marked "Sign Me Up".
You are now prompted to enter your name (as it appears on your library card), e-mail address, library barcode number (14-digit number on back of card), and phone number (optional). After inputting the information, click the gray "submit" button.
You may change your e-mail address at anytime by clicking on the "my account" feature in the Catalog.
How do I research my Warwick ancestors and other local history online?
The library hosts a local history webpage that has online, print, and other materials that will help. Go to our Library's Local History page.
The library staff will research obituaries and marriage notices if you have the exact date. We can pull up to 3 items for you free of charge
The most complete genealogical resource in our area is the Orange County Genealogical Society. They accept written queries only. Write to: OCGS, 101 Main St./Goshen NY 10924. Contacts and other useful information are listed at the bottom of the main local history page for your convenience.
Can I have a test proctored at the library?
Yes. All librarians are able to proctor tests. Contact the Reference Desk at 845-986-1047 or email the library to schedule your test. This service is free of charge.
Do you have copy machines?
Yes, there is a copier opposite the Circulation desk to the left as you enter the library. Copies are 10 cents a page, and it copies 'letter' size and 'legal' (8 1/2 x 14).
How can I get items that are not in the Library's collection?
If you have searched the library's catalog, and we do not own the material you are searching for, you can request the item through interlibrary loan (ILL). You may call the Reference desk at 845-986-1047 or E-mail us. You may also request this service at the Reference desk at the library. A fee of $0.25 will be charged at the time you pick up your item. If we are unable to find the materials you want, someone from the reference department will call you.
How do I look for library materials?
You can search for library materials through our Online catalog, either at or away from the library. From home, go to 'www.albertwisnerlibrary.org', click on 'Search Library Catalog' link ar the upper right hand corner of the Main library webpage, or under the "Quicklinks" navigation bar on the Left hand side of the Main web page.
Below is an updated explanation of how to search in the New Online catalog:
Doing a Basic search
You search library catalogs for titles by entering multiple search terms in one or more fields. (For example, you can enter a word from the title in one field and the author's name in another field.)
To do a Basic search
Click the Search tab.
If necessary, click Basic.
Enter your search terms in one or more of the fields provided.
Tip: You can also search for items using a "wildcard" symbol or a truncation symbol. This is useful if you do not know the exact term for which you want to search. (For example, you may not know how to spell an author's name.)
Click Go.
The library portal returns a list of results based on the search criteria you entered. (For more information on how to understand your search results, see Interpreting your search results.)
How do I place a hold on an item?
You may do this by calling or e-mailing the Reference desk (see above ) or do this remotely from your PC on the Internet at 'www.albertwisnerlibrary.org'. Click on the 'Search the Library catalog' button, upper left, and do a search for your item(s) then click on 'Request' function button on the Right hand side of your search list. After you have 'logged' in with your barcode and PIN number, you will be able to 'request' an item.
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Does the Library have a typewriter available for public use?
At this time we do not offer a typewriter for public use. However, all of our Internet PC workstations have Microsoft Word installed on them, and are connected to a printer in the reference area.
How do I find Books on Tape or CD's in the Library?
You can get information on how to search the catalog and find a book at the Find a Book link.
Choose 'Advanced Search' and then choose your search method, either Author, Subject, Title, Keyword, etc. and scroll down to LIMITS and in the limits scroll down window choose, either "Sound cassettes" or "CDs-Sound recordings", then click on GO to do your search. You may also apply other limits such as 'sorting' by Publication Date-Author etc. See the example
How do I volunteer my time at the library?
Volunteers are always needed and appreciated at the library. If you wish to volunteer your time, please call us at 845-986-1047 or e-mail us, tell us what you are interested in doing, what hours you are available, and we can arrange something to suit your needs and ours.
What services do you offer?
The Albert Wisner Public Library offers adult, children's and young adult services for the purpose of meeting patrons' informational, educational, social, and recreational needs. The process of learning is enhanced by providing workshops, lectures, special events, and other services for the purposes of life-long learning and personal enrichment. These include computer classes for basic skills, Internet searching, homebound services, newspapers on cassette program (local Warwick newspapers) for the visually impaired. Please see the appropriate area from the Main webpage (under Events, Research, About, For kids, Teens) for links to our various services
Can I return items when the library is closed?
Yes, please leave your items in the main lobby area in the bookdrop provided for this purpose. If the library is open (normally after 9 a.m.) please bring items to the circulation desk.
Can I get my books at home? I am homebound
Yes. The Library Provides Homebound mailing of books and other library Materials.
Please see the link to the Homebound Services page for this. Please note: the the library can assist with general informational questions, but we cannot answer or give specific answers to certain questions, including:
Providing medical diagnoses (for people, pets, etc.).
Serve as a financial advisor, therapist or lawyer.
Do homework for students.( If you have a question regarding an assignment, we can help you find the answers from print or online materials, as opposed to us doing the work for you.)
Answer contest questions
Answer tax questions.
Updated 6/2008
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