RESOURCES
FAQ’s
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RUTH KEELER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Do you deliver books, DVD’s and audiobooks to the homebound?
Yes, we do. The library will deliver books, magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks to homebound North Salem library patrons. For more information, please call the Library at (914) 669-5161.
How do I get a library card?
Anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or pays school taxes in North Salem is entitled to a free library card. Simply come in with some form of ID showing your North Salem residency, or a statement that shows you pay North Salem taxes, and we will gladly issue you a card. With a library card, you will be able to check out materials not only from the Keeler Library but from libraries all across the entire Westchester Library System. You can sign up for a library card in-person at the library, or with our online library card application.
A library card is a financial responsibility; you are responsible for all materials borrowed from your or your child’s library card. Furthermore, you must advise the circulation desk of any changes in your name, address, or phone number. Please report lost cards immediately. If you lose your card, you can replace it.
Children of all ages are entitled to library cards.
How do I donate books and other things?
Before our annual Spring Library Fair on the first weekend in May, we will accept donations of adult fiction books, in good condition, published within the last 5 years, and all kinds of children’s and young adult books, also in good condition. We will not accept encyclopedias, condensed books, smelly or moldy books, or old, outdated nonfiction books. The library reserves the right to accept or reject books because of their subject matter or condition. Please check back with us throughout March and April for an announcement of when we will be accepting these donations.
Throughout the rest of the year, all other books, DVDs, CDs, Audiobook CDs, and Vinyl Records can be put into the white donation bin in the back corner of our parking lot that says “Discover Books”, next to our dumpster (Discover Books is no longer in business, and the new company that bought them out is called Bay State Books, based out of Rhode Island). Be sure to check the inside of any books you’re donating for personal items that may have been used as bookmarks, such as old bills and photographs!
Please note: this is NOT a dumpster or a recycling bin, so all items MUST BE in good condition to be resold. If your items are falling apart, developing mold, smell of mildew, or do not play properly, please dispose of them elsewhere.
Patrons quite often want to add a book to the library’s collection in honor or memory of someone. We are delighted to help you with this. Please check with the library director for details.
How do I reserve or renew a book, magazine or AV item or pay my library fines?
We are happy to help you in person, on the phone, or by email, so please contact us. You can also go online in the WLS catalog, or download the WLS app any of your devices, if you prefer to do it yourself. Just enter your FULL barcode number, NO SPACES!!!, and your 4-digit PIN which should be the last 4-digits of your phone number on file. For all Android device users, the app is simply called “WLS Mobile”. For all Apple devices: the new app is called “Solus Library App” in the App Store, and you will need to enter the code “WLSMOBILE”. If you need help with downloading the app, or logging into your library account, please call, email, or stop by the library for assistance.
Following the practice of other Westchester public libraries, the library abolished fines for overdue materials in the fall of 2021. We believe penalties could burden some families and discourage families from taking out children’s materials. Lost items still must be paid for. An un-returned or renewed item becomes lost after 30 days. A library card will be blocked if the items cost over $25. While many county libraries have abolished overdue fines, not all have, and charges on items from those libraries will still accrue. You can pay any outstanding charges on your library account by card, or in-person by cash or check. If you believe a mistake has been made and an item you returned is marked “LOST”, please let us know and we’ll be happy to help figure it out!
How do I give a program at the library or suggest ideas for programs?
We are always looking for interesting program ideas. Please contact the library director with any program suggestions. We are delighted always to co-sponsor programs with local non-profit organizations.
How do I reserve a room at the library?
How do I borrow an item from outside the county?
We regularly borrow books or microfilm or get articles from outside the Westchester Library System. We are unable to borrow AV materials, and generally, colleges will not lend books that have been published in the last six months. We submit these requests to the Interlibrary Loan staff at WLS, and they facilitate it. They do not charge for this service, and we do not charge. Sometimes, however, a lending library (generally colleges) will charge. We will not go ahead with the request without notifying you first and getting your approval for a charge.
How do I get notified about overdue items and holds?
You can be notified by email or text message. We will no longer be doing automated phone call notifications, so let us know if this is an issue for you, and we’ll help come up with a solution.
Forgot Your Library Card?
No problem, we can look you up with your ID. You can also download the app to your phone with your digital library card on it. You can see what you have out when items are due and renew items. You can search the catalog, put up to 20 items on hold, and stay updated with the latest RKML events.
How do I ask a librarian a question?
If you have reference questions, want a good book to read or a movie to watch, or have any other pertinent questions, please email the library at info@keelerlibrary.org or call us at 914-669-8042
How do I register for a program?
Please visit our program calendar for program registration instructions and/or requirements. Not all programs require registration.
