- Your Government
-
Our Community
-
- About St. Helens History of St. HelensState of the CityCourthouse Dock Camera
- Local Events City Calendar Citizens Day in the Park13 Nights on the RiverSpirit of HalloweentownRecreation Activities Sand Island CampingKeep It Local CC
- Community Resources City Newsletter City Social Media Emergency Services New Resident InformationProtecting Our Environment
-
-
Business & Development
-
- Local Business Directory Get a Business License City Bids & RFPs Broadband Study
- Business in St. Helens St. Helens Advantages Directions & Transportation Incentives & Financing Resources for Businesses Business Guide Columbia Economic Team Chamber of Commerce
- Current City Projects Waterfront Redevelopment Public Safety Facility Strategic Work Plan
-
-
How Do I?
-
- Apply for a Job Apply for a Committee Find A Park Find COVID Info Find Forms Follow St. Helens - Facebook Follow St. Helens - Twitter Follow St. Helens - YouTube
- Get a Police Report Get a Business License Get a Library Card Get a Building Permit Newsletter Signup Past Public Meetings Pay My Water Bill
- Public Records Request Report a Nuisance Register for Rec Activity Reserve a Park Sign Up for the 911 Alerts Universal Fee Schedule
-
Library FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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 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.)
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)
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.
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.
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.
Story Time - Is registration required?
Storytimes do NOT require advance registration. Just come ready to participate with your child.
Story Time - Do I need to stay with my child during the program?
Yes! Our storytimes are very participatory and we want everyone to listen to the story and act out the rhymes with your child. You will both have fun!
Story Time - What if my child starts crying?
If your child becomes especially fussy or loud, it’s okay to leave the library and return when they are calmer. It is also okay to “call it a day” and try again next week. We want storytime to be enjoyable for all participants.
Story Time - Any other tips?
- If you wish to visit with other parents, please wait until story time is over. Even seemingly quiet conversations can be distracting. And please turn off all cell phones during this time.
- Snacks, toys and even other books can be distracting to other children, so we ask that you put those items away during storytime.
- Repeating story time songs and rhymes at home is highly encouraged! We often have handouts with all our favorites. Please help yourself!
- Parents and caregivers make the best storytellers of all! We encourage you to read to your child and continue the storytime experience at home. Library staff can recommend excellent books for you to check out.
