Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get a library card?
What is the policy for checking out materials?
Is there a branch library close to my home?
What are the hours of the libraries?
How do I renew my books?
How do I reserve a book or other library materials?
How do I get a PIN number?
What happens if I have lost library materials?
Do the libraries have an Internet connection?
Is Wireless Internet access available?
May I get a reference question answered online?
How do I contact the library?

How do I get a library card?

Library cards are free to residents of Bay, Gulf and Liberty counties and are good at any library in the system. A non-resident card may be purchased for $15 per year. Identification verifying address is required. A replacement fee of $2 is charged for lost cards. A parent's or guardian's signature is necessary for children under age 16. Parents are responsible for the book (and other material) selections of their children.

Patrons may also register online for a library card. Doing this will allow the patron to have immediate access to online databases in Research Resources. The patron will still need come to the library and provide adequate identification to begin checking out materials.

 What is the policy for checking out materials?

Patrons may check out up to 20 items with the following limits: 2 new fiction books; 2 new nonfiction books; 1 test study guide; 4 videos; 4 books-on-tape; 4 books-on-CD; 4 DVDs. (Some library locations may have different format limitations - please check with the circulation desk of your location.) The check-out period for all materials is three (3) weeks.    Top

How do I renew my books?

All materials may be renewed for another circulation period if they are not overdue and are not reserved for another patron. Online book renewals can be made by using the
My Account button on the Catalog page. Library materials may be returned to any Northwest Regional Library System library, except books borrowed through Interlibrary Loan, which must be returned to the library from which they were checked out.

How do I reserve a book or other library materials?

Materials that are in our catalog may be placed on reserve. Click here to find out how. The library will notify you when the material is available and hold it for 3 days. This may be done from any location branch or through the internet. Use the Hold Request  button found on the top of the item description page to place your hold. 

You will need your library card number with a PIN number which you can get from any library in the system. There is a limit of 5 reserves, whether made online or in person. 

All libraries have book drops for use when the library is closed. Certain materials, however, must not be returned to book drops: interlibrary loan materials, video tapes, records, audio cassettes, and films.   Top

How do I get a PIN number?

A patron who wishes to place holds must be a registered library patron with a Patron ID and a PIN number. The Patron ID is your barcode number on the back of your card, and the PIN number is a number you choose and give to a circulation employee, (in person, or by calling 522-2100). A chosen number allows the patron to select a personal number that they can easily remember.

What happens if I have lost library materials?

Overdue fines are charged to encourage the prompt return of materials. Fines are 10¢ per item per day to a maximum to $5.00, except  for a/v equipment, which are  $1.00 per hour or any portion thereof.

Charges also are made for damaged materials and for items lost or never returned. Patrons are responsible for the cost of the materials plus a processing fee of $5.00 per item. Patrons also are responsible for damage to non-book materials returned to a book drop.   Top

Do the libraries have an Internet connection?

The Northwest Regional Library System has an Internet connection at the Main Library, and the member Libraries. These connections are free to patrons in the library. Please read our Internet Policy.

The Northwest Regional Library System includes the headquarters at Bay County Public Library, and seven member libraries: Springfield, Panama City Beach, Parker, Wewahitchka, Port St. Joe, Bristol, and Hosford. Go to locations and hours.   

Is Wireless Internet access available?

Currently, the libraries at Panama City, Panama City Beach, Springfield, Parker, Port St. Joe, Bristol, Wewahitchka and Hosford have wireless access available for patrons. Be advised the staff is not able to assist with technical questions regarding the wireless internet access.