York County Libraries - Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers

Q: Why can I only place 5 holds?

A. Our automated system provides all the residents of York County with the ability to place holds at any one of our libraries and then choose the pickup location. That means that the ability to move "on hold" items from one library to another is a big part of that function.

With the present limit, our patrons placed 83,000 holds last year. Unfortunately, with the present resources that we have at this time, we are not able to increase the limit of holds in our library system. As soon as we are able to increase the number of holds that can be placed by any patron, be assured that we will do that. We know how much our patrons would appreciate this added service.

Q: Do you have (a specific item)?

A: To check on the availability of a specific item within the York County Library System, check our catalog and follow the directions on the screen.

Q: How do I get a library card? Does it cost money?

A: Membership is free to residents of York County.

You can apply for an temporary card online in order to use the POWER Library. A permanent card, available at your local library, is required for all other services. Click here for directions for a library card.

Q: Can I find out what books I have out?

A: Yes. Click here for our catalog. Follow the directions on that page.

Q: Can I renew my books online?

A: Yes. Click here for our catalog. Follow the directions on that page.

You may renew your items twice.

Please Note: If the item is on hold for someone else, or if you have renewed it twice already, you will not be able to renew the item. Call your home library for assistance.

Q: Can I place a hold online?

A: Yes. Click here for the online catalog - follow the directions found there.

Q: Can I request items not owned by a library in the York County Library System?

A: Yes, Interlibrary Loan is available at any of the York County Libraries, or you can request online. For more information, Click here

Q: Do you have any online databases that I can search?

A: Yes. The POWER Library is available both in library and from home. Click on the POWER Library icon at the top right corner of any screen. At the Power Library welcome page, click on the appropriate link depending on whether you are in a library or at home. If you are at home, select the name of your library and enter the barcode from the back of your library card. Then click on the name of the database you want to use to get started.

Q: Do you have information on local history and genealogy?

A: Yes we do! All information can be found here.

Q: Do you have the local newspapers on microfilm?

A: Microfilm of the Hanover and York newspapers is available in the Pennsylvania Room, part of Guthrie Memorial Library.

The York County Heritage Trust has the York Daily Record from 1822 through the present and the York Dispatch from 1925 through 1971.

More information and resources can be found here.

Q: Do you have any job openings?

A: Job openings, when available, are posted on this page.

Q: Are you open (on a specific holiday)?

A: In general, holiday closings are noted on each library's home page. To be sure, however, call your library to inquire. Click here for links to the library home pages. Normal hours of operation are listed in the column on the left of each home page.

Q: Do you provide proctoring services?

A: The availability of proctoring varies from library to library. Please call the library you would like to use to inquire.