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All Registration Policies Services Library Hours Loans Research Flipster Overdrive

How do I get a library card?

You get a library card when you join the library. Membership is free to residents of Trinidad and Tobago. Applicants must provide a valid form of identification and proof of current mailing address (utility bill, bank document, official document).

Non-residents must provide a valid passport, proof of a temporary address in Trinidad and Tobago, and a permanent address in the country of residence. There is a non-refundable deposit of TT$25.00, payable upon presentation of the receipt, the return of all books and library card, and payment of any fines.

If I find a lost item which I already paid for, can I return the item and receive a refund?

You can receive a refund if the item returned is in good condition, as determined by NALIS and you have your original receipt/s showing full payment for the item.

Do I need a library card to use the collection at the National Library?

No. You only need a card if you wish to borrow items from the library or if you wish to use the print or photocopy services at the library.

How do I reserve a computer?

You can log on to an available computer using your library card and pin. Please note that patrons are allowed a total of one hour computer time per day or half hour for children.

Can you return a book from another branch to your home branch?

Yes. However, please note that there will be a delay in updating your account to reflect those transactions if you return your items to a branch which does not have automated circulation services.

Can I access print and photocopying services at the library?

Yes. If you are a member of the library you can use your card to complete prints and photocopies. However, if you do not have a library card, there is a limit to the number of pages you can request.

Black and White prints/copies cost $0.25 each and Colour prints/copies cost $5.00 each.

What are the library's opening hours?

Business Hours are:

Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.15pm
Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm

Library hours are:

Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Saturday 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.

How do I place a hold on an item?

All NALIS cardholders can place a hold (reserve) on available items within the catalogue. Holds will be delivered to the pickup location selected when hold was placed. To Place a hold using the catalogue:

Find the item in the online catalogue.
Select the title.

A page comes up with the different branches where the item can be located.

To the top left, there is a dropdown menu ‘Select an Action’.
Click on this menu to view options.
Select ‘Place Hold(s)’.
You will be prompted to enter your credentials.

Reminder: User ID refers to your card number and PIN refers to your four-digit code

How do I renew a book?

You can renew your items by phone, in person or online via the OPAC.

By phone - You can get the telephone number for your branch library here. Please have your library card and PIN number available and be prepared to confirm your identity. You must indicate to staff which items you wish to renew.

In person - Take the items you wish to renew to the Circulation Desk at any branch library. Staff can renew the items for you.

Via the OPAC - 1. From the homepage go to Search our Catalogue located in the Navigation Links on the left hand side of the page.

2. Click on My Account located in the menu on the top right hand side of the page.

3. Enter your library card number and pin.

4. You should see an option to Renew My Materials.

5. Select which items you want to renew.

6. Click on the Renew Selected Items option at the bottom of the module.

7. The confirmation of a successful renewal will be displayed.

Please note that Items can only be renewed once, for a period of 28 days. Also, if one or more item is overdue or you have outstanding fines against your account, you will not be able to renew your items.

Can you recommend titles or subject areas for purchase?

Yes. You can submit a book request at the Circulation Desk of your library. You will be required to provide as much information as possible regarding the Title, Author, ISBN, Publisher or Date and Place of Publication. You can also recommend a title online.

I need help with a query, but I cannot come into the library. What Can I do?

For brief factual queries, you can contact your Public Library by phone:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

How do I find out what new books the library has received?

From the Homepage, please select ‘Search our catalogue’, found in the navigation links on the left side of the page . Scroll down to the ‘What’s New’ section, to see the categories of new items available. User can now select as desired.

What if my library card is lost or stolen?

Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards. Loss or theft should be reported within 48 hours. The charge for a replacement card is $25.00. There is a waiting period of 2 weeks before a new card is issued.

Do I need to have a library card to access Flipster?

Yes. If you are not a member of the Library, you can join by visiting https://www.nalis.gov.tt/Services/Online-Registration. Click on REGISTER ONLINE and fill out the form then sign in to Flipster with your temporary ID.

How do I access Flipster?

1. Visit the NALIS website and click on the “View more” button of the Flipster ad;

2. Visit our EBSCO resources page at https://www.nalis.gov.tt/Resources/Databases and choose Ebscohost Full-text Databases.

Is there a mobile app to download Flipster?

Coming Soon.

What types of magazines are available on Flipster?

You can read best-selling magazines such as Women’s health, Men’s Health, PCWorld, Better Homes & Gardens, Muse, etc.

Are back issues available and how do I access them?

Yes.

To access back issues on your desktop or laptop computer, open the most recent issue of a magazine and select the All Issues menu item in the right column to see all available issues.
To access back issues on your mobile device, open the most recent issue of a magazine and select the All Issues menu item from the menu in the top left corner to see all available issues.

Can I print from a digital magazine?

Printing is determined by the publisher, so you may be able to print a single page, a range, or none at all. The print option is available when reading a magazine on a computer, but not from the mobile app. You can find the Print button at the bottom of the right hand menu.

Can I search within a magazine?

Yes, both the desktop and mobile versions of Flipster support keyword searching within a magazine. You can also search across all issues accessing the content gallery feature. There is no search feature on the mobile app.

What is the Contents Gallery?

The Contents Gallery allows you to view the table of contents for all available issues of a magazine when using Flipster on your desktop or laptop computer.

To use the Contents Gallery:

Select All Issues from the viewer menu and click Contents Gallery from the resulting menu pane.
Click the View button. A new Contents Gallery window opens allowing you to page through the table of contents from all issues available.
Click on a feature or article to go directly to that page.

Note: The Contents Gallery is not accessible when using Flipster on a mobile device. However, the Mobile Viewer does offer the ability to view the Table of Contents and All Issues for the title being viewed.

How many magazines can I borrow from Flipster?

There is no limit to the amount magazines you can read or download. Downloads are only available via the mobile app.

Do I need to have a library card to access Overdrive?

How do I access Overdrive?

You can visit https://enalis.overdrive.com to access Overdrive.

Is there a mobile app to download Overdrive?

Yes, Libby, the ONE-TAP reading app from Overdrive.

How to access LIBBY?

The Libby app can be downloaded from the Apple Store, Google Play Store, or you can visit https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/

What types of books are available on NALIS Overdrive

You can find E-books, Audio books and Spanish language books for readers of all ages, from a variety of genres; suspense, business, romance, fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, folklore and many more.

How many books can I borrow at one time?

You can borrow two (2) books at a time on the NALIS Overdrive.

How long do I have access to a book?

The book will be accessible for 14 days.

If I complete a book before the 14 days can I return it?

Yes, the book can be returned early and you can borrow another.

Can I renew a book?

Yes, a book can be renewed three (3) days before expiration; however, the book will not be renewed if another patron/s placed a hold request on the book.

If I see a book, I like can I place a hold?

Yes, you can place a hold on two (2) books at a time, Overdrive/Libby will prompt you via an alert in the Libby app when the book becomes available.

Can I search within a book and bookmark a page?

Yes, Overdrive/Libby supports searching within the book, bookmarking of page/s, and adding notes. You can even read a sample before borrowing.

Can I view the Chapters and Titles within the book?

Yes, there is a tab called Chapters that allows you to view the contents of the book.

The font size is too small, can I change the size?

Yes, the Font Size can be change. Go to Reading Settings to change font size, colour and background.

Why can't I renew a title?

There are three reasons this can happen:

Someone else has the book on hold. In this case, you'll see a Place Hold button (instead of Renew), which means you need to wait to borrow the book again.
It's too early to renew the book. You'll be able to renew a book three (3) days before it's due. If it's too early, Libby will also tell you how much longer you need to wait before you can renew it.
The book is no longer in NALIS' Library catalogue. This may happen because the book has expired or has been manually removed from Overdrive.

Can I change the app language for Libby?

Libby automatically uses the language your device or web browser is set to, as long as the language is supported in the Libby app. If you'd like to use Libby in a different language than your device, go to > Get Some Help > Choose Your Language (under "Common Solutions").

How is Libby different from the Overdrive app?

Both Libby and the classic Overdrive app allow you to borrow and read the same digital content from NALIS, but they look and feel different. Libby is an upgraded app for borrowing and reading titles and has a fresh, easy-to-use design that makes it the best app for NALIS users.

How do I remove my Library Card in the Libby App?

To remove your Library:

Go to My Account,
Choose See Library Cards,
Click on Actions, then select Remove Card.

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? HERE ARE SOME CONTACT OPTIONS

BY EMAIL

Send us your request by completing the online form. You will receive a response within 2-3 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.

Online form

BY PHONE

Have a quick question? Call us during opening hours. Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Contact Listing

IN PERSON

Need more in-depth help? Visit any Public Library nationwide and speak with an Information Professional.

Find a Public Library

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CONTACT INFO

National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS),
23 Abercromby Street,
Port of Spain 100509,
Trinidad and Tobago, W. I.
Phone :
+1(868) 623-9673
+1(868) 624-1130

+1(868)624-4466
Fax : +1(868) 625-6096
Email : nalis@nalis.gov.tt

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Business Hours :

Monday to Thursday - 8.00am to 4.15pm and
Friday - 8.00am to 4.00pm
Library Hours :

Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 5.00pm and Saturday - 9.00am to 2.00pm

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