Frequently Asked Questions

The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is comprised of six member libraries.  For details, visit the Library Info page or contact us at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.

Each Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative member library (Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville and Valparaiso) issues its own cards. You can apply at any member library regardless of where you live in Okaloosa County (one account per customer) and your card is honored at all six locations. Online services linked in ReadOkaloosa.org are available to all members (individual libraries may purchase additional content available exclusively to their cardholders).

For more details, including online registration information, click here or call us at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.

You may access your account online by visiting the OCPLC website and clicking "Sign In."  You will need the barcode number on the back of your library card and a PIN to log in.  The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number on record.  If you have any problems, please call 850-279-6436 ext. 1500. 

Each patron may check out up to 15 items (limit three video games).

All items are checked out for a period of two weeks.

Each item is eligible for two renewals unless it is on hold for another patron.  Video games may be renewed once.

The library no longer charges overdue fees on any item except the telescope ($5 per day).  Overdue notices are mailed or emailed weekly.  Patrons will be billed the replacement fee for any item not returned after the third notice. 

For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.

You can renew items online by accessing your account at ReadOkaloosa.org or calling your library.  Be aware that items which have already been renewed may not be available for additional renewals.  In addition, items on hold for another patron cannot be renewed.

The library no longer charges overdue fees on any item except the telescope ($5 per day).  Overdue notices are mailed or emailed weekly.  Patrons will be billed the replacement fee for any item not returned after the third notice.

When accessing your account online, you will need to enter your library card number and a PIN.  The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number on record.  After logging in, change your PIN by clicking "Reset PIN/Password" in your account settings.

Items checked out from the Niceville Public Library may be returned to any OCPLC member library.  Book drops are located at all locations, including the Library Spot Lending Machine in Baker.  The Niceville Library is not responsible for items left in book drops.

Over the course of being a Niceville Library user, you may end up damaging or losing library material.  We understand that accidents happen to all of us. If you lose or damage an item owned by our library, we would prefer that you purchase an item identical to the one you are replacing and bring it to us for processing.  You could also choose to pay for the item.  Please call the library at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500 or visit the front desk to report the item lost or damaged. If you find an item that you have already paid the replacement cost for, you may receive a refund, minus a processing fee.

There are a few situations where your library card will no longer be able to place holds, check out items, use the online resource databases, or other functions. To find out the specific reason your card may not be working, please contact the Library at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.  You can also email us or stop by the front desk.

Possible causes include:

• Your card privileges may have expired.  Please contact the library to verify your account information is up-to-date and renew your privileges if necessary.
• If your account has more than $10 in total fees, you may not be able to place holds, use our online resources, or check out items.

Computers with internet access and word processing capabilities are available to the public.  A card from any OCPLC member library provides access to our internet computers.  Adults without a library card must show picture ID at the Circulation Desk each visit to be signed on with a guest pass.  A child without a card must have a parent request access for them.  Filtered internet computers and AWE learning stations equipped with educational games and programs are available in the Youth Services area.  If you wish to restrict your child's access to internet computers, please notify staff at the front desk.

Yes to both.  Look for our WiFi information sheets around the library which include passwords and instructions for accessing both our wireless internet and wireless printing networks.

If you have lost your library card, please contact our library right away.  You can call us 850-279-6436 ext. 1500 or come to our Circulation Desk for assistance.  You are responsible for all materials checked out on your library card, so please treat it as you would a credit card.  Once the lost card has been cancelled, a new card may be obtained with photo ID. In addition, if you lose your card twice there will be a $5 replacement fee.

There are monthly children's programs offered at our library.  For more information visit the Youth Services programs page, see our calendar of events, or contact Youth Services at 850-279-6436 ext. 1514.

We have two study rooms available with a computer in each.  There is also small conference room that can accommodate up to 8 people. To reserve one of the rooms, please call 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.  Reservations are limited to two hours and can be scheduled no more than two weeks in advance.  You may also check at the Circulation Desk for availability. 

The Niceville Public Library provides exam-proctoring services in support of lifelong learning goals. This service is provided as a courtesy to patrons and is subject to the availability of staff to administer the examination. The Niceville Public Library may refer students to other institutions that provide proctoring service when conditions cannot be met or a library staff member is not available to provide this service.

Limitations:

• This service is only available for high school and university or college students.
• The Library does not proctor for business licenses.
• The Library does not proctor tests taking more than three hours.
• The Library does not proctor tests requiring extra software.  Students should verify that online tests would be available at the requested test time.  
• Anyone who misses three scheduled appointments without notification prior to test time will be denied future test proctoring at the Library.

The Niceville Public Library has display spaces available for individuals and organizations to display their art, crafts or collections.  Click here for more details.