Frequently Asked Questions

Is the library open or is there staff available for help?

The library will be open for limited access beginning Monday, June 15th. Our building hours are Monday -Thursday, 10am-6pm, and Saturday,10am-2pm. Access will be limited to 20 patrons at a time, not including staff or volunteers. We ask that you please respect a 6-foot social distance while in the building.
All visitors should enter through the upstairs, main entrance.
As awalys, there will be staff answering the phones from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday to assist you.

What is your reopnening plan?

You can find the full Library reopening plan here.

Should I wear a mask while in the building?

For the safety of all patrons, a mask is strongly encouraged while in the building. The library will have disposable masks available for those who do not have their own.

What can I do when I come in the library?

The Library will be open for check-in/check-out, returns, and short term computer use.

How do I check something out?

When you approach the desk, you will give the librarian behind the plexiglass your name and your address. When you are prompted, you will scan the barcode on the inside cover of each material. Your receipt will be printed and handed to you.

How do I return my stuff?

To return your items, you can either places the items in the outdoor drop or directly in the return slot at the Circulation desk.

Can I use the Bookworm store?

The Bookwork Shop will be open for 1-2 patrons at a time, please respect a 6 foot social distance while in the Bookwork Shop.

Can I use a computer?

Computer use will be limited to 30 minutes per person, per day, with no renewals. Computer stations will be sanitized between patrons. Print, copy, and fax services will be available.

Is the library offering curbside pickup?

The library is pleased to be able to offer curbside pickup, starting Monday, May 11th. At this time, there are no patrons allowed in the building, and when picking up books, we ask that you remain in your car. Below, we’ve outlined the steps for the process.

Place an item on hold, using the online catalog, or by calling or emailing.
When your item is ready, you will receive a notification by email, phone, or text message depending on your account preference.
On the day of your pickup, please drive to the upper parking lot, and following the signs, park in the pickup drive-thru lane.
Call 603-524-6042 or text the library at 603-367-0264 to let the library staff know you are there to pick up your items. Provide staff with the make, model and color of your car.
Staff members will bring your items out to your car, please remain in your vehicle. Either roll down the passenger side window, or open your trunk, and staff will place your bagged materials inside.
If you have returns, please return them into the outdoor book drop.
Also, please hold on to any donations, and we will accept them later in the summer.
At this time, the library is not offering interlibrary loan services.

Should I return my books or wait until the library reopens?

Please hold on to any items you have out until the library reopens. The due date on all items has been updated to 5/18/2020 so that no late fees will accrue while we are closed.

It says my books are due, but I put them in the drop box. What's happening?

When any material is placed in the outdoor drop box, we bring it in the next morning (M-F), and it is quarantined for a full day before it is checked in. You won't get any fines or late fees, but your items will still show up on your account until the quarantine period is over.

What if I am notified that I have an item on reserve?

Once the item is available, we will hold your item until we reopen. You will not be able to pick it up until then.

Can I still reserve items or call to request an item even though the library is closed to the public?

We are not currently open for circulation. While you can reserve or request items, they will not be available to pick up until the library reopens.

How do I login to Libby, Hoopla or Kanopy?

For Libby, you need to have the app downloaded onto your phone or tablet. From there, select Gilford Public Library as your library and login with the last six digits of your library card. Your password is the same as logging in to your GPL account. By default this is the phone number you have on file with us. If it is a NH number, only use the seven digits; out of state please include the area code.
Hoopla also needs to be installed on your device. You do need to create an account by putting in your email and creating a password. From there, you will need to put in the last six digits of your library card and putting in the seven digit or ten digit phone number you have on file with GPL.
Kanopy is much the same as the previous. You will click on “get started” which will prompt you to choose your public library. After selecting GPL, you will put in your library card number and your seven or ten digit phone number.

What remote services are offered through the library?

In addition to Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy, we have a selection of databases available for your use through the Reference/Research tab on the GPL website or through the home page of the catalog. You will need your 13 digit library card number in order to access these.
Also in the Reference/Research tab, there are a variety of things to fight boredom under the heading Online Activities, Resources, and More!
Our children’s librarians are also conducting story times through our Facebook page! These will be held at 10:30am so please, feel free to join in! We are also constantly posting links to additional fun things to do on Facebook so check in frequently!
If you need assistance with homework, select either the Children or Teen tabs and click on Homework Help.
We also offer online access to Consumer Reports and Concord Monitor. Contact the library for information on how to log in.
If you enjoy crafting, Creative Bug is coming to our website soon! We’ll be offering some of the classes for your use.
Teens – To help connect teens and tweens during this time of social distancing, the Library has created a Discord server open to all teens and tweens served by the Gilford Public Library. It is a free tool allowing for communication over text channels and voice channels. Create a Discord account and contact the library for the link to join the library server! (please do not share the link with anyone outside the local homeschool coop or the Gilford School District).
Using this new tool, the Gilford Public Library will host a Game Club daily on week days from 2:30-3:30pm starting on Friday, March 20th lead by Mark Hassler and Mark Thomas. Please email mark@gilfordlibrary.org or call the library at 603.524.6042 with any questions or comments.