The circulation policy of the Norfolk Public Library exists to facilitate community access to the materials and information in the library's collections, while protecting these same collections. In order to borrow materials from the Norfolk Public Library, library users must register for a library card. Any resident of Virginia who has proper identification can register and receive a card.
All cards are valid for one year.
At the end of that year, the patron will be asked to verify the information again. All other registrants will receive an adult card. People who are not residing in the state of Virginia can receive a card upon the presentation of valid identification and the payment of a fee that is specified by the Library Board and City Council. Institutions may receive a card if the director of the agency will sign a statement committing the institution to be responsible for all books checked out on the institutional card. Anyone who cannot verify residency can receive an unverified borrower's card and will be allowed to check out only one item at a time.