FAQ

About HVL > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick and easy answers to questions about the library.

How do I receive a library card?

Adults or Business Owners must present a valid Lower Moreland Township address. Children under age 18 must have the signature of a parent/guardian who will be financially responsible for materials borrowed on the child’s card. Montgomery County residents who do not have a home library in their township or borough may apply for a Montgomery County – Norristown library card.

Find out more about how to Apply for a Library Card.

Are you a fine free library?

Yes, we are a free library.

Most overdue items do not incur fines, however we encourage you to return items in a timely manner.

Museum passes, hotspots, robots, will be charged overdue fines if not brought back on time.

How long do materials circulate?

  • Books: Three (3) weeks
  • Music CDs: Three (3) weeks
  • Audiobooks, and DVD Series: Three (3) weeks
  • Magazines: One (1) week
  • DVDs and Videogames: Three (3) weeks (DVD limit of 8 per household)
  • Playaway Views and LaunchPads: One (1) week (limit of one (1) View per household; limit of one (1) LaunchPad per household)

Can I renew my library materials?

Any item may be renewed for one to two additional loan periods, depending on the item, provided there are no reserves or holds on the item.

Huntingdon Valley Library (HVL) will automatically renew eligible material that is checked out on your library card. Majority of the items may be renewed for one to two additional loan periods. This automatic process applies to all MCLINC libraries although other libraries may have differing renewal limits.

When will my item(s) automatically renew? HVL will attempt to renew your borrowed item(s) three days before the due date. If successful, your loan period will be extended for 21 days from the existing due date, an additional full loan period.

How will I know if my item was renewed? There are several ways to find out an item’s due date.

  • Within the courtesy notice emailed to you 3 days before the due date, opt-in to receive email notices if you have not already.
  • Via your online account.
  • By calling 215-947-5138 during operating hours.
  • In person

Why won’t my item Automatically Renew? An item will not automatically renew if:

  • Another library user has requested it.
  • The item has reached its maximum number of renewals (2 times for most items).
  • Your account is expired.
  • The item is a digital item, such as an eBook from Overdrive.
  • The item is an InterLibrary Loan from a library outside of MCLINC.

How much are overdue fines?

Most overdue items do not incur fines, however we encourage you to return items in a timely manner.

You will be billed for items kept 28 days after the due date.

Museum passes, hotspots, robots, will be charged overdue fines if not brought back on time.

  • Museum passes: $5 per day
  • Hotspots: $5 per day
  • Robots: $5 per day

What should I do if I’ve lost an item?
If you’ve lost or damaged an item, please notify a staff member at the Circulation Desk.
The charges for lost items are:

  • Library barcode: $5.00
  • Library materials: Replacement cost of item + $5.00 processing fee

The library will use the replacement cost and processing fee to purchase a new copy from our supplier. We do not accept ‘in kind’ donations of new or used books in place of lost items.

If you find a lost item after it has been paid for, the item belongs to you. We do not provide refunds.

What are the library’s (regular) hours? (varies in summer)

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday during the school year: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How can I volunteer at the library?
One of the greatest assets the Huntingdon Valley Public Library can boast is our volunteers. Our volunteers are essential in helping the library run smoothly and efficiently. Volunteering at the library is also a great way to get connected to your community.

If you would like to contribute your talents and skills as a volunteer, please call us at (215) 947-5138 or ask at the Circulation Desk for more information.

Teen Volunteers: *Please Note* The application for summer volunteering is now closed, and we are full for summer 2024. Please contact Beth, Head of Teen and Adult Services, at hvlysa@mclinc.org, to be placed on the list for applications for the school year, which will go out via email in August.

Adult Volunteers: Please contact Kristen at kbrehant@mclinc.org if you like to volunteer. Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Circulation Desk. *Please Note* We do not provide Volunteer Hours to patrons requiring them for Court Orders.

Who are the Friends of the Library?
The Friends are a non-profit organization founded to help support and promote activities and services of the Huntingdon Valley Public Library. The Friends provide funding for many of the children’s programs and activities, for the Summer Reading Program, and for special purchases, such as databases and eBooks. They hold a membership drive and are always seeking new fundraising, promotional and programming ideas.

Learn more about the Friends and all they do!

How do I get to the library?

Click here for a map to the Library.

(Updated 5/7/2024)