Searching? Researching? Looking? Find it at Port Jefferson Free Library

John Cotton Dana once said "Libraries are the index to the world." For a smaller sized library, the has a lot of material but you might be searching for something and find it's not on our shelves.

Librarians to the rescue! We have many sources we can use to help you find exactly what you are seeking.

Interlibrary Loan. The first option is to see if the materials in question are available in another Suffolk County Library. The librarian can make the request or patrons can place their own requests through the County Catalog online. To access the County-wide search please click here.

To place a request  for materials online, patrons must have their library barcode handy and must have a password (to create a password please click here.)

• The search procedure is exactly the same as using the Port Jefferson Free Library’s catalog.
• The main search is a keyword search, but it can be changed by using the “Advanced Search” feature.

Need something from a newspaper? Check out: Newspapers Plus. This terrific database contains the contents of 730 newspapers. International publications are included as well as US based papers. Please note you will need your library card barcode and password handy to access this resource. You can find the link here.

For those who are looking for Consumer Reports reviews. Here’s how to find them:

1. Access Live-brary though the link at the bottom of the Port Jefferson Free Library’s Homepage.
2. Once on the Live-brary homepage click the link on the left side that says “Research.”
3. On the top of the list on the left side you will see “A to Z of Resources.”
4. Click the link A to E link that appears immediately underneath the “A to Z of Resources.” This will be bring up all the resources from that section of the alphabet.
5. Scroll through the alphabetical list until you come to “Consumer Reports.”
6. Click the link.
7. When prompted enter your library barcode number and password.
8. Search database using your keyword terms.

Need a nonfiction book or publication? Did you know that the Library can get books and other non-fiction materials from libraries outside of Suffolk County? For more information on this service, you must consult with a Reference Librarian.

Specific details about the publication you seek is helpful. When an item is located it will be sent to the Port Jefferson Free Library. Some items may only be perused in the Library and are not able to be checked out. The policy varies based on the policies of the loaning library.

Don’t see it in Port Jefferson and you find it doesn’t exist in Suffolk County Library Collection? Don’t want the hassle of getting it sent from far away? The library may be able to order it just for you! Port Jefferson Free Library patrons can always make suggestions for materials that should be ordered. We cannot guarantee that the item in question will be purchased, but we make every effort to accommodate each request.

If you need any additional assistance please call the Library at (631) 473-0022 or email the Library at: adref@portjefflibrary.org.