WPPL Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are you open?
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Please note that closing time is when we actually close. You should begin checking out materials, finishing your copy jobs and shutting down computers about 15 minutes before closing time.

Q: Where are you located? How do I get there?
A: The Library's address is 460 E. New England Avenue in Winter Park.

Driving Directions from I-4:
Take I-4 to Fairbanks Ave (exit 87). Head east on Fairbanks. You will go through the light at the intersection of Fairbanks and 17/92 (this is just a landmark, continue traveling east on Fairbanks). Keep a watch for the light at Park Avenue (you're getting close, but this is just another landmark). Take a left at the second light after Park Ave. The Library is the three story brick building on the left.

Driving directions from 436 (Semoran):
Go west on Aloma Avenue ( SR 426). You will pass lights at Lakemont and Phelps. A series of curves comes next. The next light will be at the Library. You can either get off before the light and go around the building to the north or you can go through the light and turn right onto Lyman Avenue. Parking is on the south and west sides of the building.

Q: Are you closed on X holiday?
A: The Library is closed on the following holidays:
New Year's Day -- January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- third Monday in January
Easter Sunday - date varies
Memorial Day -- the last Monday in May
Independence Day -- July 4
Labor Day -- the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day -- the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve (half day only) -- December 24, close at noon
Christmas Day -- December 25

Other closings that may be made at the discretion of the director:
Day before Thanksgiving - early evening close
New Year's Eve - early evening close or Sunday close

Q: Are there any other times you close during the year?
A: On rare occasions the Library is closed for fundraisers, extended holidays, in severe weather, due to power outages or other circumstances as determined by the Board of Trustees. We always attempt to give as much warning as possible in these situations. Please watch for signage in the building or listen for messages on the Library's automated answering system at 407-623-3300 for more information.

Q: How do I get a library card at the Winter Park Public Library?
A: We have several options for getting a Library card. Which card you get depends on where you live and what Library services you need to be able to use. Here are your options:
Winter Park Resident Card:
People who live within the city limits of Winter Park are entitled to a free library card. Just bring in a photo identification and an official document that shows your current address (such as an electric bill) to get your card. If you own property in the city limits but live somewhere else, you are also entitled to a free card. You can bring a tax receipt showing you pay property taxes to the City of Winter Park to get your card.

Please note: having a mailing address that indicates "Winter Park" does NOT necessarily indicate that you live within the city limits of Winter Park, particularly for those in the 32792 zip code. You can call the Library at 407-623-3300, ext 2, to verify whether your address is within the official city limits.

Reciprocal Cards:
A reciprocal agreement between the Orange County Library System (OCLS), the Maitland Public Library (MPL) and the WPPL allows OCLS and MPL patrons who live in Orange County to get a free WPPL card. WPPL patrons who live in the city limits of Winter Park can get a free OCLS and MPL card. OCLS and MPL patrons must show: a OCLS or MPL card, a picture ID and verification of his current address to register for a WPPL card. This card does not give the user access to reserves or holds, InterLibrary Loan services, eBooks, computer usage, homebound services, and some library programs. Reciprocal card holders should use their home library for these services.

Non-residents:
People who are not eligible for a resident card or a reciprocal card, or who wish to have a card that gives access to all WPPL services and materials can purchase a non-resident card. The cost of a non-resident card represents the money those living within the city limits pay on their property tax bills that is given in support of the Library. The non-resident card is a family card, so everyone in your family can use it. Currently, the one-year non-resident card is $125 and the six-month non-resident card is $75. You will need to bring something official that shows your address and a photo ID. Ask your employer if they have contributed to the Winter Park Public Library this year. If they have, you can get a non-resident card for half price.

Student non-resident cards:
The purpose of the student non-resident card is to assist students attending a school within the city limits of Winter Park in their coursework. Adults who apply for this card should be working toward a degree. The cost is $15.00 for a four-month period. The student may have a maximum of 10 items checked out at any one time. The card is not transferable and should not be used for checking out materials for other people. Students need to bring a photo ID, proof of their student status plus verification of their home address when applying for a card. If the student is under the age of 18, a parent must come in with a photo ID, proof of student status and verification of the home address.

Technology Card:
Non-residents who would like to use the Library's computers on a month-to-month basis may purchase a technology card (no materials can be borrowed). The cost of the card is $40.00 per month. These public computer workstations are connected to both black and white and color printing stations. They are all loaded with Windows XP - Pro operating system and include the following software: MS-Office 2003 (Word - word processing, Excel -spreadsheets, and Powerpoint), Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, the Library catalog, and Library databases). A picture ID and verification of current address are required.

One-day, 1-Hour Computer Use Card:
For $10.00, a person who needs to use a computer workstation can purchase a temporary card. This card allows use of the computers only (no materials can be borrowed). These public computer workstations are connected to both black and white and color printing stations. They are all loaded with Windows XP - Pro operating system and include the following software: MS-Office 2003 (Word - word processing, Excel -spreadsheets, and Powerpoint), Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, the Library catalog, and Library databases). One additional one-hour card can be purchased for another $10.00 on the same day. Two hours is the maximum amount of time an individual can spend on WPPL computers.

Q: Why does my mailing address say "Winter Park" but the Library says I don't live "in the City?"
A: The U.S. Postal Service doesn't necessarily use the legal boundaries of cities in deciding what city your mailing address will include. But the Winter Park Public Library must strictly follow the legal boundaries of the City of Winter Park in determining what addresses are eligible for Resident Library cards. So it's very possible that someone whose mailing address and driver's license say "Winter Park" (especially if you live in the 32792 area code) doesn't actually live in the City Limits, doesn't pay property taxes to the City of Winter Park, and cannot get a free, resident card. We understand that this is very frustrating for many of you and believe us when we say that we wish we could ask the Post Office to stop giving misleading addresses.

Q: What if I live in Orange County or Maitland, but not within the City limits of Winter Park?
A: Good news! Even though we cannot give people who live outside of the City Limits of Winter Park free full-service cards, we do have a reciprocal borrowing agreement that entitles those who already have Orange County Library System or Maitland Public Library cards to a Reciprocal Card. This is a borrowing agreement only. That means that it only covers the borrowing or books, music, videos, games and software. It does not cover use of our full service computers, homebound service, requesting items for purchase, placing reserves/holds, InterLibrary Loan and possibly some programming.

Q: What if I live in Seminole County or anywhere else outside of Winter Park, Maitland or Orange County?
A: We have good news and we have bad news for you. First the bad news. We cannot give you a free, full service card. And because we do not have a reciprocal agreement with any libraries other than Orange County and Maitland, we also cannot give you a free reciprocal card. The good news is that you can purchase a full-service nonresident card that allows you to use all of the materials and services of the WPPL. For what amounts to less than $10.50 a month, you can use the #1 library in the state. Currently, the one-year non-resident card is $125 and the six-month non-resident card is $75. You will need to bring something official that shows your address and a photo ID. Ask your employer if they have contributed to the Winter Park Public Library this year. If they have, you can get a non-resident card for half price.

Q: How is my personal information protected?
A: The Winter Park Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of our patrons’ personal information as well as information regarding their individual use of the Library or its services. This policy addresses some specific privacy concerns.

Q: How do I know if I have a "full service card?"
A: A number of Library services require that you have a full service cards. The following are considered full service cards: resident card, nonresident card and student card. These cards allow you access to any and all services, including the full service computers.

Q: Do I need a Library card to use Library computers?
A: Mostly yes, but it depend on what computers you are talking about. In order to use the full service Library computers that allow you to use a wide variety of software packages, you must have what we call a full service Library card. The "full service Library computers" are all loaded with Windows XP - Pro operating system and include the following software: MS-Office 2003 (Word - word processing, Excel -spreadsheets, and Powerpoint), Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, the Library catalog, and can access Library databases. Without a Library card you can still use the Library's catalog terminals and the typing terminals in the third floor Typing Room.

Q: I have a Library card but I've been told that I don't have the "right kind of card" for using the computers. What on earth is going on?
A: It means that you have a Reciprocal card. As you might imagine, it is time consuming and expensive to keep our full service computer terminals in good working condition and available to the public 68 hours each week. We are happy to freely provide these services to the residents of Winter Park, whose property taxes supply us with a good portion of our budget, or nonresidents who pay for a full service, nonresident card. Unfortunately, our borrowing agreements with Orange County Library System and Maitland Public Library do not cover these services. You must have a full service Library card (or a Technology card or a One-hour card) to use our full service terminals. You can also contact your home library about using their computers.

Q: How do I use Library computers if I don't have a Library card?
A. The short answer is that if you want to use the full service computer terminals, you will have to get a full service card, a Technology card or a One-day, one-hour card. If you only want to word process, you can use on of the two word processing terminals located in our third floor Typing Room.

Q: What if I just want to check my e-mail?
A: Checking e-mail requires software that is only available on our full service computer terminals. You must have a full service card, a Technology card (great for someone vacationing here for a couple of weeks) or a One-day, one-hour card (perfect for the business traveler or short-term visitor and cheaper than Kinko's).

Q: What if I just want to type something up?
A: We have a third floor Typing Room that has two word processing terminals. The only function these computers can perform is word processing. They are networked to laser printers on the first floor that print excellent quality black and white prints for 10 cents per page. The Typing Room also contains a typewriter, free for the public to use.

Q: What if I just want to print something out?
A: If the document is in MS Word and you have it on saved on a disk or flash drive, you can print the document from the terminals in our third floor Typing Room. From there you can print to our central networked printer (located on the first floor next to the Reference Desk). Excellent quality black and white laser prints are available for 10 cents per page. If the documents are in any other format you will need to use a full service computer terminal.

Q: Is there limit to how long I can be on a computer?
A: Yes. You get a maximum of two hours per day no matter what card type you have (although that would require the purchase of two one-hour cards if that was how you were accessing the computers).

Q: Does the Library have wireless Internet service?
A: Yes we do! And the cool thing about it is that we don't require any kind of Library card to use it and there is no time limit on how long you can be logged on. More about WPPL Wireless is available here.

Q: Does the Library offer assistance using the computers or software?
A: Library staff are happy to assist you with logging on to our computers and are happy to help you access and learn Library-provided databases and online services. If you experience a technical problem with Library computers, please let a staff member know at once. Library staff are unable to provide you with one-on-one computing instruction. They cannot proofread your documents. They cannot trouble-shoot your personal laptop computers or wireless connections.

Q: What items can be checked-out?
A: Anything in our "circulating collection" can be checked out. That includes: books (excluding Reference books -- unless permission is given by a reference librarian), videos, music, audiobooks, video games and software.

Q: What items can't be checked out?
A: Reference materials-- unless permission is given by a reference librarian, most magazines (some magazines in the Youth Services Department can be checked out), newspapers and materials in the Winter Park History and Archives cannot be borrowed for any length of time but can be used in the building.

Q: How long can I keep the items I check out?
A: It depends on what you check out. One week items include: anything currently on the New York Times best sellers, current Morse Reading List or Oprah's Book Club books, videos, DVD's, computer software, video games and new fiction ("new" meaning it is shelved on the New Bookshelf on the Library's first floor). Any items not fitting into the previous categories are checked out for two weeks, e.g. fiction, non-fiction, and music found in the regular stacks.

Q: Can items be renewed? How? How many times?
A: Items can be renewed up to four times unless another patron has a hold on the item. If the original checkout period was one week, then each renewal is for one week. If the original checkout period was two weeks, then each renewal is for two weeks. Library items can be renewed by visiting either of the circulation desks in the Library, by calling the Library at 407-623-3300, ext. 2 or 4 or by logging in to your account.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of items I can check out?
A: For all cards except for the Student Card: When you first get your Library card, you will be limited to three items checked out at any given time. We will send a postcard to the address you provided on your application. You must return that postcard to the Library. After you have returned it, there is no limit to the number of items you can have checked out. However, there is a limit of 10 on the number of DVDs you can have checked out at a given time and a limit of 3 video games.
A: For Student Card holders: The student may have a maximum of 10 items checked out at any one time.

Q: How can I reserve items to check out?
A: If the item that you want is not available, you can place a reserve (also called a "hold") on an item already in the collection or on an item that is on order. If you have your library card handy, you can place your own reserve at any of the catalog terminals or from home using our online catalog. If you need assistance, the staff at either of the circulation desks will be happy to help you. You can have a maximum of five items on hold at one time. When the book you want comes in, you will be e-mailed or called to let you know of its availability. IMPORTANT NOTE: You will have three days from the time an item becomes available to pick up a reserved item. You will be charged $1.00 per item that is not picked up or cancelled within three days.

Q: How do I cancel or suspend a reserve/hold?
A: The processes for canceling and suspending holds are described here:
- Go to www.wppl.org
- Logon on to your account using the “Click here to login to your account” link in the upper right corner of the screen.
- From the Account Overview screen, click on Hold Requests
- Find the Requested items not yet available section of this page
To cancel holds:
1) Select the items that have holds you wish to cancel by clicking the small boxes to the left of each item.
2) Complete the cancellation by clicking the Cancel Hold Request button
To suspend holds:
1) Select the items that have holds you wish to suspend by clicking the small boxes to the left of each item.
2) Using the Suspend until drop-down boxes, select the date when you will be available to pick-up items again.
3) Complete the process by clicking the Suspend Hold button.

Note:
* Canceling holds means that you have been permanently removed from the waiting list for that item. You can place another hold for that item at any time. To cancel a hold that is already available to you, call the Library before the three day limit expires.
* Suspending a hold keeps your name on the holds list, and you will continue moving up the list normally. If your name reaches the top of the list before your “suspend until date” the item will be given to the next person waiting but your name remains at the top of the list. You can only suspend items that are not yet available to you.

Q: What if your Library doesn't have a book I want?
A: If you are a full service card holder and you need a book that the Library does not own and it is less than a year old, you can fill out a reserve card for the book or fill out this form, and we will consider it for purchase. If the book is over a year old, ask the reference librarians about borrowing the book through an interlibrary loan.

[Top of page]

Q: When do I have to start paying fines on late items?
A: If your items are one day late, the Library will waive the fine for that one day. We call this your "day of grace."

Q: How much are the fines?
A: The fines per day are: 25 cents for adult and young adult materials, 10 cents for children's materials and $2 for videos, DVDs, video games and computer software. Fines continue accruing until that full value of the item has been reached. In addition, there is a $1 fine for not picking up an item you have placed on reserve within three days of the item coming available.

Q: What happens if I lose an item?
A: First of all, keep looking! You have a maximum of four renewal periods (as long as the item isn't on hold for another patron). Make sure you continue renewing the item on time to avoid late fees and use your maximum number of renewals to give you as much time as possible to look. If you are sure an item is lost (or that you have damaged an item to the extent that it will have to be replaced), you will need to pay the replacement cost of the item plus an $8.00 processing fee. In some cases, we may be able to allow you to provide us with a "lightly used" copy of the item, paying only the $8.00 processing fee.

Q: What happens if I (or my child or my dog, etc.) damages an item?
A: Bring the item to the Library. If the item is obviously damaged to the point that it has to be replaced, a staff member can immediately allow you to pay the replacement cost of the item plus the $8.00 processing fee. In some cases, we may be able to allow you to provide us with a "lightly used" copy of the item, paying only the $8.00 processing fee. But you must first bring the original item in and consult with a staff member to determine if that is an option. It is possible that the first staff member you speak to will not be able to determine whether the item is damaged enough to be replaced. In that case, the item will be sent to our Technical Services Department where the extent of the damaged can be determined. If it is determined that the item is a loss, a note will be placed in your account and you will be assessed the replacement cost of the item plus the $8.00 processing fee.

Q: Why is there an $8.00 processing fee?
A: The $8.00 processing fee is assessed to help cover the cost of replacing the security chips, cases, covers, and labels and the staff time required to reprocess items into the collection.

Q: What do I do if I think the Library has made a mistake in saying that I didn't return something?
A: We know this is a frustrating situation for you and we want to work with you to resolve the situation, so please call us right away so we can check the shelf.
While it is true that the Library sometimes makes mistakes in checking in items the truth is that the vast majority of patrons who initially believe they have returned an item find the item at home/work/in their car. To give yourself the most amount of time to look, please continue renewing the item on time to avoid any fines. Look for the item anywhere it could possibly be (under the seats of any vehicles in the family, under furniture and cushions, on your bookcases, in your CD/DVD players, etc). You should also call any other libraries you use and make sure it wasn't accidentally returned to the wrong location. Once you reach your maximum number of renewals or you have looked in every possible location at home, work, etc., or you don't believe looking at home is necessary, we will place the item on "claims return" status. That means once a week for four weeks, a staff member will search the shelves looking for the item. After 30 days of searching, if the item hasn't been found it will change to "lost status" and you will be responsible for the replacement cost of the item plus the $8.00 processing fee.

Q: I just got a letter saying that if I don't pay a fine, I'll get sent to a collection agency. Is that for real? What do I do now?
A: The letter is absolutely for real and you should not ignore it. Call or visit the Library as soon as possible to begin resolving the matter. You can also e-mail our Circulation Supervisor Bonnie Wright at bwright@wppl.org or our Assistant Director Craig Stillings at cstillings@wppl.org. If you do not resolve the matter within the time frame specified in your letter and you are sent to our collection agency, your account will be assessed a $20 collections fee that cannot be waived under any circumstances. The collections fee is in addition to the fines, fees, replacement costs, etc. that originally caused the issue.

Q: I received a letter from a collection agency regarding my Library account. Why have you besmirched my stellar credit?
A: We completely understand your concern and we understand that you are upset, but you should know that there is a big difference between being referred to a collection agency and having a report filed against your credit. If you take care of the issue immediately, there won't be any impact on your credit. There are quite a number of steps (and more than three months of time) between your account being sent to our collection agency and a report being filed against your credit. You will have plenty of opportunities to take action before your credit is affected.

Q: How do I locate a specific book, movie, audiobook, etc?
The Winter Park Public Library features an electronic catalog to assist you with your searches of the library collections. There are two terminals on each floor. If you need help in searching for an author, title or subject, please ask any staff member to assist you. Our Reference Librarians are available in person at the Library and via phone (407-623-3300, ext. 3) during all regular Library hours to assist you with any specific research needs.

Q: Where are the DVDs?
A: Good question! Due to the lack of space in the Library, DVDs are located in four different areas of the Library.
- First floor: Recently purchased DVDs for adults and young adults (regardless of genre or subject) are located on a special rack on the first floor of the Library.
- Second floor - DVDs for theatrical release movies (things that were at movie theaters) and foreign language films are on the second floor on the shelving immediately in front of the elevator.
- Second floor - Children's Area: All DVDs for children are located in the Children's Area
- Third Floor: DVDs of biographies, documentaries, instructional videos, television movies and TV series are located on shelving that is on the opposite side of the floor from the Administrative Suite.
NOTE: DVDs are shelved together with VHS tapes.

Q: Where is X meeting room?
A: The Community Room is located on the first floor of the Library. The most accessible door is immediately to the left when you enter via the Lyman entrance doors. The Conference Room in on the second floor (take an immediately left as you exit the elevator; walk toward the Staff Lounge door; turn right at the Staff Lounge; it's the first door on the left after the Staff Lounge. The Melanson Room in on the third floor (when you get off the elevator take a right off and enter an open reading area; it's the double doors in the far right corner of the reading area).

Q: Can I rent or reserve a room in the Library for a meeting?
A: Large and small meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual support are available for rent and offer community groups a pleasant environment for meetings. Contact the the Administrative Office Assistant at 407-623-3278 for rental prices, availability and reservations. Information about the available rooms, pricing, etc. is here.

Q: How can I get a boat decal for the Winter Park Chain of Lakes?
The Library sells boat decals that allow access to the Winter Park Chain of Lakes at our first floor Circulation Desk during any of our our regular operating hours. You will need to bring your current boat registration and know the horsepower of the engine on your boat. For more about rules regarding boating on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, visit the Winter Park Police Department's Lake Patrol Web page.

Q: Can I register to vote at the Library?
A: Florida Voter Registration Applications are available at the first floor Circulation Desk.

Q: Is the Library a polling location?
A: The Library is frequently used as an Early Voting location by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. However, the Library is not a regular polling location, meaning that you will never come to the Library on Election Day to vote. Check your voter registration card for your voting precinct information. A Reference Librarian can help you look up your Election Day voting location; call 407-623-3300, ext. 3 for assistance.

Q: How can I display my art in the Library?
A: Once a year, usually in the fall, the Library has a "call for artists" who wish to display their art on the walls of the Community Room for a month-long show during the coming year. The artist must submit an artist's statement, a short biography and 6 - 10 images representative of what he/she intends to show. A panel of artists and local art experts select the year's exhibitors. Look for notices about the "call for artists" in September or October on the Library Web site and in the Library's e-newsletter.

Library Frequently Asked Questions

Second Floor:

Third Floor: