Frequently Asked Questions

Bring in a form of proof that you're a Croton resident — such as a driver’s license, utility bill, student ID, etc. — and we can issue your card right away. Please remember that we cannot issue cards during the last 15 minutes before we close.

Library cards are free. If you lose your card, it will cost $1 to replace it.

If you are a resident of the Croton-Harmon School District, you can get a Croton Free Library card.

If you live outside of Westchester County and work in the Croton-Harmon School District boundaries, you can also get a card — just bring proof of your home and work addresses.

If you live elsewhere in Westchester County and already have a card for another library in the Westchester Library System, you don't need a Croton card. Your Westchester card is good at any library in the county, so you can use it here!

Please let us know right away! You are responsible for material checked out on your card unless you have reported it as lost or stolen.

Yes, but we prefer that you bring your card. You may be asked for identification if you do not have your card.



Except for special circumstances, like school reading list books during the summer, there is no limit on how many books may be checked out.

DVDs, Blu-rays, magazines, and specially labeled new books go out for 7 days. New fiction goes out for 2 weeks. Everything else is 3 weeks.

After 7 days, Croton items go back on the shelf or to the next person on the holds list. Items borrowed from other libraries are sent back or sent to fill holds elsewhere.

Instructions are on our homepage or visit the library for help.


Yes, as long as the total is less than $25. Your card will be blocked if your fines are $25 or more.

Yes, you may choose either option in the system when you get your library card. The system provides an automated phone call if you choose that option. We also call our patrons when items come in, so please let us know if you prefer not to be called at all.

Yes. We can order multiple copies of books for book clubs, as long as there are copies available in the library system. We can’t order very new titles, and we don’t recommend titles that have many holds on them, as we may not be able to get enough copies for the group.

Yes, we provide Interlibrary Loan services through the Westchester Library System. If you are searching online at home, and a title is not available in a WLS library, you will be prompted to fill out a form. The form will come to us to be submitted for search outside of the system. You may also ask in person at the Reference Desk.

Please note that requests for textbooks are no longer being filled by most libraries.

If it's an item you feel the Croton Free Library should own, you may also  submit a purchase request by filling out our Suggest a Purchase form.

A Croton item may be renewed twice if there is no hold on it. Items belonging to other libraries may be renewed once if there are no holds. Many items will auto-renew if there are no holds on them!

Yes to both. Call us during library hours and we can renew your items, or renew online. You will need your library card number and PIN to access your records.

If we can’t repair it and it needs to be replaced, you will be asked to pay for it. In some instances, we can accept a replacement copy. Don't worry, but please talk to us about it — call or stop by the Reference Desk!

Call us or stop in, and we can tell you the steps for replacement. If the item belongs to another library, we can find out the replacement cost and forward payment to the owning library.

Most items may be returned at any library in the Westchester Library System. Materials borrowed from libraries outside of Westchester must be returned at the library from which they were picked up.

You can use our databases here. Have your library card ready! You will need it to access some of the databases.

Check out our newspaper databases for full, free access to The New York Times — and more newspapers, too!

Check out this list of local authors in our catalog.

The Library relies on volunteers for events like the Book and Bake Sales, as well as for help with organizational tasks. If you'd like to volunteer at the Library, please go to the Reference Desk and ask for an application.

Nonprofit community organizations may apply to use the Ottinger Room, the Small Program Room, or the Creative Space once per month. Applications must be made a minimum of two weeks prior to the date requested. All meetings must be free and open to the public, and organizations must provide proof of insurance. Check out our Room Use Policy for more information.

Fill out our online form! You can also visit or call the reference desk with your recommendation at 914-271-6612. We will consider all recommendations and do our best to accommodate requests.

Yes! You do not have to have a Croton library card or be a resident to attend programs here. Programs are free and open to all, and we welcome everyone!

Some programs do require registration. Please visit our online events calendar to check.

Code of Conduct:
Croton Free Library is committed to providing a positive experience for patrons and performers alike! Everyone using the Library must conduct themselves in an orderly and respectful manner. Parents are responsible for their children at all times during programs, and we cannot allow children to run, interrupt or touch performers, or come up on the stage. Loud talking and excessive noise from adults or children will not be tolerated. Our facilitators may ask disruptive patrons to leave at any time. Please respect our Library and help make it a great place for everyone.