Located at the corner of Lawrence & Harrison streets
Entrance and parking lot are on Harrison Street, opposite the Fire Hall

 

Library hours

History of the Library

Library hours Monday 10-7 Tuesday 10-7 Wednesday 10-7 Thursday 10-7 Friday 10-6  Saturday 10-5  Sunday 1 - 5 Closed City of Port Townsend holidays The Port Townsend Public Library was established in 1898 by a group of "leading community ladies."  By 1913 the ladies had acquired the land, secured City funding, and received a grant from the Carnegie Library Foundation to construct a new building in keeping with Carnegie architectural design standards of the period.  The Port Townsend Carnegie served its community so well that a 4,500 sq. ft. addition was added in 1990 to accommodate the high volume of use that continues to increase significantly each year. A Source of PT Pride -- How City Library Developed Starting in 1898 by Pam McCollum Clise Getting a Library Card The Port Townsend Library is a member of the Cooperative Libraries Automated Network, or CLAN, which also includes Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock.  You can register for a library card at either public library.  Please bring identification which shows your name and current mailing address, such as driver's license, checkbook or canceled mail.  If you do not have identification, we can mail your card to you, but you will only be able to check out one item until you receive your card.  Children of all ages may register for their own library cards. Checking out library materials Your selection of library materials may total 6 videos, 6 audio books, 6 PlayAways, 6 music CDs, 4 DVDs, 3 "new" books ... and as many other books and magazines as you can carry (and return on time)!   Books, books-on-tape, music CDs and how-to videos circulate for 3 weeks, and magazines, videos and DVDs for 1 week.  Library materials maybe be renewed, in person or by phone (360-385-3181), unless someone else is waiting for an item.  Placing & picking up holds You may place holds on materials that are checked out by someone else, or that are in the collections of other CLAN member libraries (Jefferson County Library, bookmobile, Quilcene and Brinnon schools).  You can pick up reserves at Port Townsend Library, Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock or the Jefferson County Library bookmobile (for information about bookmobile service, please call 360-385-6544).  Books that are being held for you will remain on the hold shelf for one week after we have notified you.   If someone else is picking up library materials for you, please have that person bring your library card.  You are also able to place holds and renew materials on the Internet by logging into The CLAN Library Catalog. When you are on vacation, you can suspend your hold list, and keep your place in the holds queue.  To do this, stop by the circulation desk, phone the library at 385-3181, or log into The CLAN Library Catalog.  Too many books to read right now? You can also put selected titles on suspended status. Fines & fees The Port Townsend Public Library does not charge fines for overdue books or magazines.  There is a fine of $1.00 per day per late video or dvd. Using a public computer You will need to have a CLAN library card and complete a one-time computer use registration with the librarian before using the library's computers. You will need to chose a password at this time.  Once you have your password, you can reserve time using the library's special Reservation Kiosk. You may schedule for the current day or the next day the library is open.  Visitors will be given a guest pass to use the system. The following computers are available upstairs in the adult services area (18 years and over only): 3 - 15 minute express computers to be used on a drop-in basis only 5 - 1 hour reservation computers 1 - 1 hour ADA computer, available to all, but priority is given to those who need these services 1 - research/ job search computer.  This computer can be reserved in advance by calling 379-2979 or email ill@cityofpt.us The library has free Wi-Fi access including printing for your personal laptop. The following computers are available in the children's area (17 years and under or parent with child only): 3 - 1 hour computers to be used on a drop-in basis only, homework takes priority RULES FOR USE OF PORT TOWNSEND PUBLIC LIBRARY COMPUTERS The Port Townsend Public Library cannot guarantee privacy for individuals using library public access computers to search the Internet and be aware that computer screens can be seen by others. Internet users are requested to exercise appropriate discretion in viewing materials. Computer users agree to accept the conditions of the computer use agreement and to abide by the rules for use of Port Townsend Public Library computers. Computer time is available by appointment according to the following guidelines:    An individual may reserve up to one hour per day with a maximum of six hours per week;     Reservations may be scheduled for the current day or the next day the library is open;     The Children’s Department computers will be used only for children pre school through age 17, or parents with their children;      Computer time will be held for 10 minutes, after which the reserved time slot is available for another user;      The Adaptive Technology workstation is available for those people who need its special features, their use takes priority.       Printer copies are 10¢ per page. Files retrieved from Internet sources must be downloaded onto users’ personal cds or USB flash drive. Please be aware that software downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. Users may not alter software or hardware configurations of library computers.  Users caught willfully altering configurations or settings will lose their library computer privileges. Staff reserves the right to limit the number of people at a single computer at one time. Electronic communication carried via the Internet is not considered confidential.  Be careful when transmitting personal information, and do not provide such information as credit card numbers over library Internet connections. Users are responsible for knowing how to use computer hardware and software.  Library staff can provide minimal guidance, but not instruction on use of the Internet or other software.  Library staff provides minimal instruction on use of free e-mail services. Please close all files you have used and log off the computer before you leave. Home Delivery   To better serve the growing populations of seniors and people with disabilities, the Port Townsend Public Library provides a home delivery service.  Books On Wheels began June 9, 2006. This service provides library materials on a monthly basis to those within the Port Townsend city limits who are unable to visit the library on their own.  Library volunteers deliver selected materials in all formats (books, Large Print books, audio books, dvds, videos, and music cds) to individual homes and care centers.  If interested or to refer someone, please contact Keith Darrock at the Port Townsend Library, 344-3068 or by email kdarrock@cityofpt.us