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FAQs
Will I have to come if the case is settled before the day of trial?
Please call the jury line at (503) 397-1129, the night before the trial to confirm if it is still scheduled. If the case is settled before the trial date, the message will be updated to reflect that the trial has been canceled and you do not need to appear.
Will there be a lunch break?
The Court usually breaks for lunch around noon. Occasionally, the judge may change the schedule for purposes of the trial. You will be free to leave City Hall during lunch.
How do I get a library card?
You will need to come to the library and fill out a library card application and provide documentation to obtain a library card.
When should I use 911?
If you are involved in a situation that requires the immediate response of police or fire services please dial 911.
What is the non-emergency police telephone number?
For non-emergency police services call 503-397-1521.
Who can get a card?
Anyone providing acceptable documentation (see FAQ: How do I get a library card) can obtain a library card. Residents of the City of St. Helens have already paid for library access via their taxes to the City of St. Helens. Non-residents can pay a fee to obtain a library card or may be eligible for a card at no charge through the Oregon Library Passport Program. Anyone who has a business license with the City of St. Helens is eligible for a free library card.
Can I get a card if I live outside of the St. Helens City limits?
If you live outside of the city limits but have a library card at an Oregon Library Passport Program member library (your “home library”), you can obtain a St. Helens Public Library card by showing your card from your home library, filling out a library card application, and showing appropriate documentation (see above). Passport card holders at the St. Helens Public Library cannot check out Cultural Passes or Library of Things items, cannot request interlibrary loans, and are limited to 10 items checked out at once and 3 holds at a time.
If you are not a member of a Passport library, or if you would like full access to the St. Helens Public Library’s collections, you can pay for a non-resident card. Non-resident cards are $35 for a year of access or $10 for three months of access.
Should I call the police about suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
Absolutely. We need your help in keeping our communities safe and ask that you please call us when something does not seem right. Do not hesitate to use 911 for emergencies. Please call our non-emergency dispatch number 503-397-1521 for all non-emergency situations.
Where can I dispose of expired/unused medicine and medical sharps?
The St. Helens Police Department does not have a medical drop box; however, there are several locations in St. Helens where you can dispose of your expired or unused medicine and medical sharps.
Medicine Drop Box
Columbia County Sheriff's Office
Jail Lobby
901 Port Avenue, St. Helens
503-366-4611
https://sheriff.columbiacountyor.gov/
Sharps Exchange Program
Columbia County Transfer Station
1601 Railroad Avenue, St. Helens
503-397-9811
https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/transfer-station-general-information
Are there laws regarding loud noises within the city?
Yes. There is an ordinance that restricts noises within the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day. There are some exceptions and a person may apply for a variance. If you need more information regarding the noise ordinance, please contact us at 503-397-1521.
Are there limits to how many items I can check out at once?
Most members can check out up to 50 items at a time, 10 of which can be DVDs or Blu-rays. Passport card holders may check out up to 10 items at a time.
Can I get a copy of my criminal history?
Yes. For that information you must contact the Identification Bureau of the Oregon State Police. Their telephone number is 503-378-3070.
Library of Things
Library of Things items checkout for twenty-one (21) days and cannot be renewed. There is a limit of three items at a time. To checkout one must have an adult level card. We’re sorry but at this time juveniles and passport card holders are not able to checkout items from the Library of things.
How can I contact the Humane Society or the Columbia County Animal Shelter?
The Humane Society’s telephone number is 503-397-4353. The Columbia County Animal Shelter is at 503-397-3935. Both agencies are located within the same building at 2084 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Oregon.
How long can I keep what I checkout?
Most library materials check out for 21 days. However, Cultural Passes check out for 3 days. (Except the Oregon State Park Parking Pass which checks out for 7 days.)
How can I get a restraining order?
You need to contact the Columbia County Circuit Court. For information, please call 503-397-2327.
What if I want to keep something longer?
Cultural Passes and Library of Things items cannot be renewed. For all other items, as long as no one else is waiting for the item, you may renew it up to three times. There are several ways to renew:
Items except New and Library of Things will automatically renew up to three times. However, automatic renewals do not happen if there are fees on the account or other items have holds on them.
Call the library at 503.397.4544. If the library is closed, leave a voice message and we will renew your items on the next business day.
Email the library: shpl@sthelensoregon.gov
Check your account online (note: your PIN is usually the last four digits of your library card)
How can I receive a copy of a police report?
You may obtain copies of police reports by filling out a Public Records Request.
Any reports involving a case that is under investigation or is pending prosecution cannot be released without approval of the City Attorney 503-397-6272 or Columbia County District Attorney 503-397-0300. For information on any reports involving a juvenile, you must contact the Columbia County Juvenile Department 503-397-0275.
What if I keep something past the due date? Do you charge a fine?
We do not charge overdue fines.
If an item is kept three weeks past the due date, the item is assumed lost and you will be charged for the original list price of the item. If the item is returned in good condition, the fee will be waived. If you pay for a lost item and then find it within 90 days of payment, you can return it to the library for a refund as long as the item is in good condition.
How do I get a concealed weapons permit?
You will need to contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for a permit. Call 503-397-2511 or click here for additional information.
How do I get my property released back to me?
Property Release Procedures
To request property to be released, please email shpd@sthelensoregon.gov.
The items that you will need are:
- If items were seized as evidence, you will need a signed property release letter from either the District Attorney's Office or the City Attorney's Office (depending on where the case was handled) stating what item(s) may be released (this does not include items held for safekeeping or found property)
- State-issued picture identification
- St. Helens Police case number and/or St. Helens evidence/property receipt number
If you do not have all of these items, it is possible that your property may not be able to be released. If you want to have someone else pick up your property, they must have a notarized letter authorizing them and they must provide state-issued picture identification.
If you have questions regarding property, please call 503-397-1521 and ask to leave a message for the St. Helens Police Department Evidence Custodian.
If I turn in found property and it isn’t claimed, can I have it?
Yes and No. If you are the finder and wish to gain legal title to an item you must comply with Oregon law. If you are the finder of money or goods that are valued at $100.00 or more, you must give notice of your finding in writing to the County Clerk within ten days. Within 20 days of your finding you must publish within a newspaper of general circulation a notice of your finding. You must publish this notice once each week for two consecutive weeks. After three months, if the owner is not found, the finder becomes the owner of the goods.
Story Time - When are storytimes offered?
We offer regular story times but we take breaks for holidays. Please call the library at 503.397.4544 to ensure that story time is in session. If we are closed or it is more convenient you may also check the Library's calendar at: View the Library Calendar.
I’ve been involved in a traffic accident. Should I call the police? Do I have to fill out a report?
Provided that you have exchanged information with the other parties involved you do not need to notify the police. If there is an injury or the vehicle damage exceeds $2,500.00 you must file an accident report with DMV. For additional information you can go to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Story Time - Does my child’s age have to match the age specified for that
No, but please keep in mind that the activities are selected with that specific age group in mind. You may discover that another session may be more developmentally appropriate for your child. If the presence of older children inhibits the involvement of children in the target age group, please understand that your child may be asked to allow younger ones to participate.
