Library Cards
To get a WHPL library card:
- You must be a resident of West Hartford.
- You must present a valid form of identification with your name and current address (driver’s license, checkbook, cancelled mail, or see a library staff member for additional forms of verification)
Teens 13 to 17 years old may apply for their own library card by showing proof of residency.
Children age 12 and under may obtain a card when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Nonresidents and Students
Our materials may be borrowed with a hometown library card from any public library in Connecticut and West Hartford residents may use their cards at any public library in Connecticut. Most borrowed items may be returned to any Connecticut public library.
Student residents attending school in West Hartford who do not have a current card from another CT public library may apply for a card one semester at a time with a student ID and proof of residence. Cards are valid only while attending school in West Hartford.
If you are a temporary resident and would like a card, please call 860-561-6960.
Renew Your Card or Replace a Lost Card
Library cards are valid for 3 years. We can renew your card at any customer service desk with your photo ID (required) which displays your West Hartford address. There is a $1.00 fee for the replacement of a lost card.
Loan Periods
| Rapid Reads | 1 week |
| DVDs/Blu-Rays (entertainment & children’s) | 1 week |
| Adult & Teen Magazines | 1 week |
| Hotspots | 1 week |
| NEW Adult Fiction & Non-Fiction | 2 weeks |
| Music CDs | 3 weeks |
| DVDs/Blu-Rays (instructional/educational) | 3 weeks |
| Adult Books | 3 weeks |
| Audio Books | 3 weeks |
| Children’s Books, Magazines & Realia | 3 weeks |
Renewals
WHPL offers courtesy renewals on all items except for hotspots and Rapid Reads. This means that, if you check out an item at one of our locations, most items are automatically renewed unless they are on hold for someone else. If you check out WHPL materials outside of town, you may be responsible for renewing items you’d like to keep longer. To do so, please see the options below for placing holds.
Holds
There are 3 ways to place holds. You can:
Access the WHPL Catalog by entering your library card number and pin. Once you’ve searched the catalog and found an item you’d like, select “Request It.”
Download our app. Go to the app store on your device and search for “Library Connection Mobile.” In the app, you can search the catalog and then select “Place Hold” when you’ve found an item you want.
Contact the library.
To place a hold by phone, call:
Faxon 860-561-8202
Bishops Corner 860-561-8212
Noah Webster 860-561-6990
Or email, chat, or text with us here.
Materials on hold in the adult department of each library are shelved in a self-service location near the Circulation Desk for patrons to pick up directly. To protect patron privacy, we shelve items alphabetically using a unique code: the first 3 letters of your last name & the first letter of your first name, plus the last 4 digits of your library card number. Example: SMI, K 6789. After picking up your hold, you may check out your materials using our Self Checkout stations, or wait in line at the desk for a staff person to check you out. Please note that there is a maximum of 25 holds per library card.
Manage Your Library Account
If you need to update your account information, there are 2 ways to do so. You can:
Update your email address by accessing the WHPL Catalog. If you need help resetting your pin, please call the reference desk at 860-561-6990.
Update your email address, telephone number, home address, or other information by contacting the library. Here’s how.
Fines and Fees
WHPL is fine-free which means we do not charge overdue fines on any items except for hotspots. Due to their expense and the limited quantity available, hotspots will accrue a $5/day late fee. Although WHPL is fine-free, we still may charge replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if one accrues fines and/or fees in excess of $25.00. To pay a balance on your account you may visit a customer service desk or pay online through the catalog. Click here to read our Fine-Free FAQs.
Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
Materials not owned by WHPL or held by any member library in the consortium to which the library belongs may be requested by calling the Information Desk at 860-561-6990. For more information on our Interlibrary loan service, click HERE.