Frequently Asked Questions

Library cards are issued in person to any resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia who is at least 4 years old. Proof of identity, proof of current address and a completed application are required. Applications are available at the Circulation and Reference desk. Children between 4 and 16 years of age will need a parent's or guardian's permission.

On the library's website, click on "Library Catalog" in the left-hand navigation to access the online library catalog. In the upper right-hand corner of the library catalog, click "My Account." Enter the barcode from the back of your library card. You can view the items you have checked out and when they are due. Items that are not overdue or on hold may be renewed here. You can also reserve items and check on the status of items you have on hold. Items may also be renewed in person at the Library and by calling the Circulation Department at Tabb, 757-890-5130, or Yorktown, 757-890-5205.

Notary service is available free of charge at both libraries. Call Tabb Reference at 757-890-5120 or Yorktown Reference at 757-890-5207 before you come to the Library to determine if a notary is available. Note that acceptable proof of identity is required before a document can be notarized. Acceptable proof of identity is a United States passport, a certificate of United States citizenship, a certificate of naturalization, an unexpired foreign passport, an alien registration card with photograph, a state-issued driver's license, a state-issued identification card or a United States military card. All documents must be signed in the presence of the notary. If a document must be witnessed, you must provide your own witnesses.

The Tabb and Yorktown meeting rooms can be reserved online. Read the guidelines for organizations and businesses to use the meeting room before submitting your application.

All library job applications are processed online through the York County Human Resources Division. A list of library job openings, as well as other York County job openings, is available on the York County Human Resources web page.

Both libraries have public computers with internet access and Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You will need your library card to sign in. Wireless internet access is also available at both libraries.

You can renew your library card in person at the Tabb or Yorktown Library circulation desk or by calling the Circulation Department at Tabb, 757-890-5130, or Yorktown, 757-890-5205.

See a listing of York County Public Library closings and holidays here. Information about closings due to inclement weather or emergency situations will be posted on the York County home page.

Through a contractual agreement with the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL), York County residents may utilize the services of both WRL branches:  Williamsburg Library located at 515 Scotland Street and James City County Library located 7770 Croaker Road. For directions and hours of operation, visit the WRL website.

Printing is available from all of the library's public computers. Black and white printing is 15 cents per letter-sized page. Double-sided and color printing is not available. Printing can only be done on library-supplied paper.

Black and white photocopy machines are available at the Tabb and Yorktown Libraries. Copies are 15 cents per letter-sized page and 20 cents per legal-sized page at the Tabb Library. Copies are 15 cents per letter-sized page and 15 cents per legal-sized page at the Yorktown Library.

York County residents can check out a maximum of 50 items on one card at one time. Non-residents can check out a maximum of 30 items on one card at one time. DVDs and Books on CD are each limited to 5 items per card.

There are several reasons you might not be able to place a hold through the library catalog.

• You have unpaid fees in excess of $5.
• Your library card has expired. Patrons must renew their library card every two years by verifying their address and email.
• You have reached your hold limit. York County residents are allowed 20 holds, while non-residents are allowed 15 holds. OverDrive holds are limited to ten and do not count toward the previously mentioned limits.

If none of the above apply to you, contact the Circulation Department at Tabb, 757-890-5130, or Yorktown, 757-890-5205.

Yes, you can enjoy food and non-alcoholic beverages while in the library.

• Keep food and drink away from computers.
• Use re-closable, spill-resistant containers for drinks.
• Restrict snack food to small, packaged items. Meals, messy foods, and foods with a strong smell are not allowed.
• Spills should be reported to library staff at the circulation or reference desk.
• Be respectful of others by disposing of trash properly.

The Library owns a professional disc cleaner which can repair most damage. When you return the item, please let the Circulation staff know about the problem. For multi-part items, note which disc has a problem.

The Friends of the Library offer used books for sale at the Tabb and Yorktown Libraries. At the Tabb Library, the Friends book sale room is located on the right just past the entrance to the Children's Library. At the Yorktown Library, the Friends book sale shelf is located adjacent to the Teen Room. Pay for your items at the Circulation desk.

A limited variety and quantity of federal tax forms are available at both libraries. Forms and instructions 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ are usually available. They arrive late January and are available until April 30. Patrons may call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to have forms mailed to them. Current, prior and accessible forms, instructions and Publications are available on the IRS website.

The Library does not have Virginia tax forms. Virginia tax forms are available online at the Virginia Department of Taxation.

The Library does not send or receive faxes for patrons.