Library Checkout Policy

Most library materials are available for checkout in person or by mail. Items marked “Reference Only” or with the catalog prefix HIST may be reviewed on the library premises, but do not circulate. Current issues of general-purpose  periodicals (Linn’s Stamp News, American Philatelist, Scott Stamp Monthly, and Global Stamp News) also do not circulate.

Who May Check Out Books

• Current members of the Northwest Philatelic Library in good standing are granted checkout privileges. Members of an NPL Affiliate club/organization receive the same checkout privileges, provided the Affiliate group meets certain requirements (contact NPL  for details). Non-members may request materials only through interlibrary loan (see below).
• NPL reserves the right to refuse checkout service to anyone.

Checkout Rules and Fees

• Members may check out an item for up to one month. A renewal request for an additional week may be made during the original checkout period.A borrower may check out no more than two circulating catalogs at the same time. A late return fee may be assessed at $1.00 per week or portion thereof.
• Unreturned or damaged items will be charged to the borrower at replacement or repair cost.

Checkout by Mail

• An NPL or NPL Affiliate member may check out items directly, by mail. Borrowers pay the cost, both ways, of USPS media mail with signature confirmation. The same checkout period (one month), renewal, late fee and damage rules apply. Non-members may request checkout of an item by mail only through the interlibrary loan system. The item will be shipped only to the requesting library; non-members may not make direct requests.
• The prepaid base fee for interlibrary loans is $5 per shipment, plus $3 for the first item and $1 for each additional (three items maximum). The requesting library is responsible for any late fees and additional costs of repairing or replacing damaged or lost items. Renewals are not offered for interlibrary loans.