We are happy to welcome you back to the library. We are open and offering modified services to reduce close contact and help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Safety is our top priority. In cases where we can’t guarantee safety we have suspended services. We are actively tracking the path of COVID-19 and will restore full services as soon as we safely can do so.
We offer many remote services and e-resources so that anyone who is uncomfortable visiting the library can stay informed, entertained, and engaged. Among others, we offer curbside pickup of materials and library cards, virtual help desk services, phone services, and a comprehensive e-library.
Thank you for your patience and for following our guidelines and policies as we navigate this time together.
Using the Library
Library Cards
Services
Returns
Holds
Computers
eBooks
Events
Using the Library
Is my library open? What are the hours?
Please check our Locations page for Bucks County Free Library branch and District member library hours. Check our website or call before your visit as hours may change because of circumstances related to COVID-19.
Do I need to wear a mask at the library?
Masks are optional at all branches.
How can I reduce close contact at the library?
Where available, the library asks that you use our self-check stations to help us minimize close contact. To use the self-check you’ll need to scan your library card or type in your library card number. You’ll also need to enter your PIN.
For all branches of the Bucks County Free Library we encourage you to make e-payments via My Account if at all possible. Our self-check kiosks accept both cash and credit card payments.
Can I bring food and drinks in the library?
Yes. Covered drinks and peanut-free, dry snacks, such as crackers or cookies are allowed in the library as long as all trash is thrown away or removed from the library.
What activities are there for children at the library?
Children are welcome to visit the library with their caregivers. Toys and interactive activities have been placed back in the children’s areas. For your child’s sake, we recommend that you stay close and enjoy picking out lots of great things to read, listen to, or watch together at home.
Where can I borrow museum passes?
Museum passes can be borrowed at the following libraries:
Fallsington Library, Free Library of New Hope & Solebury, Free Library of Northampton Township, Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, Morrisville Free Library, Riegelsville Public Library, Southampton Free Library, Township Library of Lower Southampton, Village Library of Wrightstown, and Warminster Township Free Library.
Please contact the library for their local policy regarding museum passes.
Library Cards
How do I get a library card?
You can register online or in person for a library card. You’ll need to provide proof of your identity and evidence that you currently live, own a business, work, or go to school in Bucks County.
How do I renew my library card?
If you are a Bucks County resident, you will receive an email every three years asking to renew your card. If you have an Access PA or Non-Resident card you will receive an email every year asking to renew your card. All cards must be renewed in person and require proof of identity.
How do I get my PIN?
If you have forgotten your PIN, please visit My Account and log in with your library card and password. If this is your first time logging in, you can setup a password by following the steps in . Once logged in, you can go to “My Account Details” and scroll down to the bottom of the page to click “Change settings” next to History and PIN.
Services
Where can I borrow museum passes?
Museum passes can be borrowed at the following libraries:
Fallsington Library, Free Library of New Hope & Solebury, Free Library of Northampton Township, Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, Morrisville Free Library, Riegelsville Public Library, Southampton Free Library, Township Library of Lower Southampton, Village Library of Wrightstown, and Warminster Township Free Library.
Please contact the library for their local policy regarding museum passes.
Can I book a meeting room or group study room?
Yes, you can use our online form to book a group study room.
Can I use a quiet study room?
Yes. All of our quiet study rooms are open.
Does the library offer homework help?
Yes. The library offers online tutoring and many more study tools through Brainfuse.
Does the library offer resume help?
Yes. The library offers online resume help and many more career services through JobNow.
Is the Bensalem branch accepting passport applications?
Yes, passport services are available at the Bensalem branch. Learn more or book an appointment.
Is Penn’s Little Village open at the Langhorne branch and Career Corner at the Yardley-Makefield branch?
Yes, both areas are now open.
Is the library accepting book donations?
The Doylestown, Quakertown, Levittown, and Yardley-Makefield branches are accepting donations.
Some of Bucks County Free Library’s branches are not accepting donations. Unfortunately, because of lack of space we will be forced to throw donations in the trash. We ask that you please hold on to them or donate them to another library or organization.
The following district libraries are accepting book donations: Village Library of Wrightstown, Fallsington Library, Southampton Free Library and Warminster Township Free Library. For addresses, visit the Locations page and scroll down to the District Member Libraries section.
Is the library accepting volunteers?
Bucks County Free Library is accepting volunteer applications. It may take up to 4 weeks for an applicant to hear from the library.
How do I submit a purchase suggestion to the library?
Any purchase requests can be submitted online here. By submitting this form, you can ensure that your suggestion is received directly by the people with the power to add resources to our collection. Purchase suggestions are considered in light of our selection policy and guidelines for local authors. While we strive to make our collections responsive to community needs, we’re not able to purchase every title that is suggested.
Where can I locate archival information for genealogy purposes?
Unfortunately, the public libraries in our library system are not set up to do that type of archival research. We do provide in-library access to the Ancestry.com database. In addition, the Bucks County Historical Society in Doylestown may be another great resource to utilize. The BCHS has extensive archives extending back to the beginning of the county through the present day. They can do research for outside parties. If you would like to view any available resources, services charges, and the hours of operation, here is a link to their website.
Returns
How do I return materials to the library?
All materials can be returned to indoor and outdoor book drops.
Should I clean or disinfect library materials before returning them?
Please do not clean or disinfect library materials. It will ruin the materials.
Holds
How long is a hold held for me?
Once you receive an email that your hold is available, it will be kept for 1 week until it is put back on our shelf.
What if I don’t want my hold anymore?
You can cancel your hold by logging into My Account and clicking on “Review My Account”. Go to the Holds tab to select which holds you want to cancel.
Can I pause a hold if I will be away or get too busy?
A staff member will need to pause your hold for you. Please call your library to have a staff member pause your hold
Can someone else pick up my holds for me?
If you can’t pick up your holds a friend or family member can pick them up from your Bucks County Free Library branch you in one of two ways. You can give them your library card and PIN to check out your materials. Or you may contact us in advance, and we can arrange for the friend or family member to check out your holds using their card. In that case, the materials would be checked out on their account and not yours.
Computers
Can I use library computers?
Yes. To support social distancing requirements, the library has had to remove some computers from the floor. Because of limited equipment the library is limiting sign-ups for now to one hour per person per day with no extensions. If computers are more available than expected the library will increase sign-ups.
Can I get in-person computer help at the library?
Yes. In-person computer help is available.
For extended help all branches of the Bucks County Free Library are offering half-hour appointments. For these appointments we will use special software to remotely connect to the computer you’re using. We will help from a distance or by chat.
Bucks County Free Library branches and District Member Libraries differ in the computer services that they offer. Please contact your local library to find out what computer help services are available.
Can I get remote computer help from home?
Yes. To find out what services we offer and book an appointment check out our Help Desk page.
eBooks
Where can I find what download services you offer and what do I need to borrow items?
You can find our digital content in the Downloads and Streaming section of our E-Library. All you need is a library card and PIN to begin downloading items.
cloudLibrary offers both eBooks and eAudiobooks for download. Items circulate for 14 days and can be renewed as long as there are no holds on the item.
Bucks County residents can borrow 4 items per month from Hoopla. Hoopla offers videos, music, books, audiobooks, and comics. Hoopla titles are always available and there is no waiting list.
You can check our Downloads and Streaming FAQ page for more information on any of our services.
Can I get help with ebooks and audiobooks?
Yes. You can schedule an appointment with our skilled staff members who can assist you with downloading the apps and learning how to download and stream free library items! If you are experiencing errors when downloading or streaming you can contact us by filling out our download support form.
Events
Is the library offering in-person programs and events?
Yes. We are offering outdoor in-person programs. Please visit our events calendar to see in-person programs at your branch.
Is the library offering online programs and activities?
Yes. Please see our events calendar for listings. If you love to do reading challenges and track your reading, we highly recommend our all-ages Beanstack app.
If we haven’t answered your question in this FAQ please do not hesitate to contact us.