Library

Library Services

PUBLIC COMPUTER LABS AND WIFI  

PRINTING, COPYING, scanning, laminating AND FAXING  
MAKERSPACE   
MEETING AND STUDY ROOMS   
GENEALOGY 
MUSEUM PASS PROGRAM   
REFERENCE & READERS ADVISORY  
DRIVE THRU PICK UP & DROP OFF
PICK UP LOCKERS  
HOMEBOUND DELIVERY
NOTARY SERVICE 
INTERLIBRARY LOAN & Suggesting Purchases 
Digital Literacy & TEchnology Help
LITTLE LIBRARY

 

Public Computer Labs and WiFi

The Adult Computer Lab (ages 18+) has 16 desktop computers and 4 laptops that provide internet access, Microsoft Office software, and printing capabilities. One of the desktop computers provides these services as well as specialized software for people with visual difficulties. The laptops may be used inside the library building by logging in with your library card. 

The Young Adult Computer Lab (ages 13-17) has 3 desktop computers that provide internet access, Microsoft Office software, and printing capabilities. Young Adults age 13 and up can also use the library laptops inside the building. 

The Children's Computer Lab (ages 12 and under) provides 3 Early Learning computes with educational software and 3 desktop computers that provide internet access, Microsoft Office software, and printing capabilities.

Black & White prints are 10 cents each. Color prints are 50 cents each.  

Free WiFi is available throughout the building. 

The library has a WiFi Hotspot Lending Program. Patrons age 18 and older with a library card may borrow a WiFi Hotspot for 3 weeks. The hotspots are often in high demand and there may be a waiting list. To find out if one is available, or to add your name to the waiting list, you may check the library catalog by searching "hotspot" or call 402-844-2100.

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Printing, Copying, Scanning, Laminating and Faxing

Printing can be done from any of the public computer labs as well as through our Mobile Printing Station. Mobile Printing allows you to send print jobs from your phone or home computer to the library's printer. Prints stay securely stored for up to 24 hours and you release and pay for the prints when you get to the library. See here for instructions on Mobile Printing. Black & White prints are 10 cents each. Color prints are 50 cents each.  

The copy machine can copy in both Black & White and Color.  Black & White copies are 10 cents each. Color copies are 50 cents each.  The copy machine can also scan documents and save them to a USB flash drive. There is no charge for the scanning service. You may bring your own flash drive or purchase one from the library for $5 + tax. 

The fax machine accepts payments via a credit or debit card. Charges are $1.75 for the first page sent and $1 for each additional page.

The laminator is free to use and works with laminating pouches up to 11 inches wide. You may bring your own laminating pouches or purchase them from the library. The library has letter, legal, and business card pouches available for $0.25/each + tax. 

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MakerSpace

 The MakerSpace provides public access to high-tech and creative equipment to boost technology skills and creative opportunities. The MakerSpace currently offers an Embroidery Machine, Laser Cutter, 3D Printer, Cricut Vinyl & Fabric Cutter, AccuCut Die Machine, and Button Maker.  The AccuCut and Button Maker can be used without a reservation and instructions are provided by the machines. The Laser Cutter, Embroidery Machine, 3D Printer, and Vinyl & Fabric Cutter require a certification class prior to use and reservations are required following the training class.  See the MakerSpace page for more details. All equipment is available during the library's normal operating hours from Monday through Saturday. The MakerSpace is closed on Sundays. 

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Meeting and Study Rooms

 

Three Meeting Rooms are available for governmental, non-profit, and community groups to use for programs and meetings.  Three active reservations are allowed at one time and reservations may be made up to six months in advance. Reservations requests can be submitted online here, by calling the library at 402-844-2100, or by visiting the Service Desk.  The reservation request will be reviewed by staff and the person making the request will be notified of the decision. The Meeting Rooms are not available on Sundays. See here for more information on seating capacities and included technology and equipment. 

Four Study Rooms are available for governmental, non-profit, and community groups as well as individuals or small groups. Three active reservations are allowed at one time, each reservation has a maximum time limit of 4 hours, and each day has a maximum time limit of 8 total hours. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance.  The study rooms do not require a reservation, however, reservations are strongly encouraged. Any reservation made for a Study Room will take priority over someone who is using the room without a reservation. Reservations requests can be submitted online here, by calling the library at 402-844-2100, or by visiting the Service Desk.  No reservations are made for Sundays. The Study Rooms are open on a first-come, first-served basis on Sundays.

Please see our Meeting Room Policy for complete guidelines. 

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Genealogy

The Heritage Room at the Norfolk Public Library houses the Genealogy, Nebraska History, and Local History materials available.  Some of these resources include:

  • Microfilm
    • Census data from several states, 1850-1930
    • Norfolk Daily News, 1887 - 2009
    • Other Norfolk and surrounding area newspapers for various dates: The Norfolk Daily Times-Tribune, The Norfolk Journal, The Norfolk Press, The Norfolk Times, The Norfolk Times-Tribune, Norfolk Weekly News, Battle Creek Blade, Battle Creek Enterprise, Battle Creek Republican, The Burnette Blade, Elkhorn Valley Mirror, Madison Mail, Madison News, Madison Star-Mail, Meadow Grove News
  • Community History Archive - This keyword-searchable database includes the Norfolk Daily News from 1887 - 2020, the Norfolk High School Yearbook from 1898-2016, and will soon include other local history documents and photographs. This is a partnership with the Elkhorn Valley Museum.  
  • Norfolk City Directory, 1889 - present
  • Cemetery Records for Madison County, Norfolk State Hospital Regional Center Cemetery, Battle Creek Union Cemetery, Pierce County, Stanton County, Antelope County, Wayne County, and Greenwood Cemetery in Wayne. 
  • Norfolk High School yearbooks: The Milestone, various years from 1898 – 2019 and various NHS class reunion alumni books
  • Norfolk Junior College yearbooks: The Grenade 1930-1932 and The Blackhawk various years from 1947-1970
  • Plat Maps:
    • Madison County 1977-Present (missing 2006)
    • Antelope County 1994 – present (missing 1995-98 and 2006)
    • Pierce County 1977 – present (missing 1981-82, 2002, 2006, and 2012)
    • Stanton County 1977 – present (missing 1981-82 and 2006)
    • Wayne County 1977 – present (missing 1981-82, 2006, 2008, and 2009)
    • Platte County 2007 – present
  • Genealogy/Historical Society Newsletters (various years and available upon request):
    • Eastern Nebraska Genealogical Society Newsletter--- Roots and Leaves
    • Dodge County Historical Society
    • Elkhorn Valley Historical Society
    • Madison County Genealogical Society – Madison County Remembers
    • Nebraska State Historical Society – Nebraska Ancestree
    • Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia
  • Norfolk City Phone Books, various years from 1926 - present
  • Various Nebraska community and county history books
  • Various regional family genealogies as well as research guides and aids
  • The library’s pamphlet file contains articles and other materials on a number of local topics that may be helpful in genealogical research.

The library's catalog can be accessed outside the library here. 

The library also provides access to Ancestry.com Library Edition (for use in the library building only) and MyHeritage Library Edition research databases.

The library can provide a copy of an obituary or an article from the Norfolk Daily News archive if specific names and dates are given. Regular printing charges will apply.  If you would like the obituary or article to be mailed to you, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Patron Services Department. Articles can also be emailed at no charge. 

The library does not provide in-depth research, but instead recommends contacting the Elkhorn Valley Museum or the Madison County Genealogical Society to find researchers.  

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Museum Pass Program

Library patrons may check out a pass to the Elkhorn Valley Museum.  The pass gives free entry for one day to the Museum, Research Center, and Children's Discovery Zone for 2 adults and their children or grandchildren.  One pass may be requested at a time.  Passes must be requested and picked up at the Service Desk.  

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Reference & Readers Advisory 

Reference Service is the assistance given to someone seeking information.  Library staff will guide patrons to the information and resources provided by the library in order to help them meet their information needs.  When a question of a "ready reference" nature is asked, such as locating a phone number or factual information, every effort is made to locate the accurate information in a timely manner.  When a question is beyond the resources, time constraints, or scope of expertise of the library staff, the patron will be referred to an appropriate outside organization to continue to their search.  

Readers Advisory is the assistance given to someone looking for reading material that matches their interests, tastes, and reading level.  See the Readers Corner page to find all our services for those looking for book recommendations. 

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Drive Thru Pick Up and Drop Off:

Patrons may pick up items on hold for them through the Drive-Up Pick Up Window on the east side of the building. This includes any item that they have been notified is available for them, whether a regular library item or an Interlibrary Loan.  Patrons are encouraged to call ahead and notify staff that they will be picking their item up at the window so that it can be ready and waiting for them.

Patrons may also call the library at 402-844-2100 and request that items currently on the library shelves be pulled and held for them at the window. There is a maximum of five items requested at a time.  If using this service, please request the items at least an hour in advance of the expected pick up time. 

The Drive Up Book Return/Drop Off is open at all times. It is also located on the east side of the building.  All book and media items can be returned through the Drive Up Book Return EXCEPT for Hotspots and Board Games. 

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Pick Up Lockers

Patrons may have items placed in a Pick Up Locker upon request. The lockers are accessible 24/7 and offer a way for patrons to pick up materials when they need to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines, when they need access to materials outside of the library's normal operating hours, or for any other situation where this is a helpful option. To use this service, call the library at 402-844-2100 and request that items be held for you in a locker. There is a maximum of five items requested at a time. If using this service, please request the items at least an hour in advance of the expected pick up time.

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Homebound Delivery

The library will deliver library materials to patrons whose health or disability prevents them from visiting the library. If you are interested in this service for yourself or a loved one, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Lenaya, at 402-844-2100.

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 Notary Service

The library has staff that can provide notary services at no charge. Available times vary, so calling ahead is encouraged.  

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Interlibrary Loan & Suggesting Purchases

If the library does not own what you are looking for, you may request an Interlibrary Loan to borrow the book from another library or you may Suggest A Library Purchase to recommend that the library purchase this item for the community's use. Forms for these requests are available by clicking the links provided here or in print format at the Library's Service Desk.

Digital Literacy & Technology Help

The library can help you advance your technology skills. In addition to providing books on many technology subjects, the library provides access to online programs to help learn new software programs and advance your digital literacy. Check out Learning Express Library for popular software tutorials or LinkedIn Learning for career technology programs. 

Get personalized, individual help to learn how computers and technology work by asking for a Tech Tutoring Session. A 30-minute session can be scheduled by contacting Mike Dittmer at 402-844-2100.

Digital Literacy Group Classes are available upon request for up to 7 people at a time. Classes can be provided on anything from Computer Basics to more advanced skills. If interested, please contact Library Director Jessica Chamberlain by or by calling 402-844-2100 and we'd be glad to see if we can meet your need. 

Little Library in Central Park

For those looking for a different option for borrowing books, there is a Little Library in Central Park where community members can “Take a book, Leave a book.” This Little Library is cared for by Library and Parks Department staff and is filled with donated items. Central Park is located at 705 S. 6th Street in Norfolk. 

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