Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a library card?

• Getting a library card is easy! Visit the library with a photo ID and proof of your current local address.
• For those under the age of eighteen (18) a parent or guardian must also get a card and take responsibility for their child’s use of the library.

Does it cost anything to get a library card?

• Your first library card is free.
• Replacement cards are $5.00 but you have the option to save a scannable version of your library card number in the library’s app and will not need to carry a card.

Do I have to have my library card with me to check something out?

• Using your card is the safest way to check out but it isn’t required. Staff can check your photo ID or verify your identity with the photo on file if you don’t have your card. If you always carry your smart phone, the library’s app is a great way to be sure you always have your card with you.

What is my pin?

• Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card. You have the option of changing your PIN under your account settings.

When will things that I check out be due?

• The loan period for most items is 14 days. The library’s computer system will automatically renew items that are eligible for renewal.
• Items can’t be renewed if someone else has requested them by placing a hold or if they have already been renewed twice.
• Some items have shorter circulation periods and some cannot be renewed. The chart below lists loan periods and renewal information for different types of items in the library.

Do I have to have my library card with me to check something out?

• Using your card is the safest way to check out but it isn’t required. Staff can check your photo ID or verify your identity with the photo on file if you don’t have your card. If you always carry your smart phone, the library’s app is a great way to be sure you always have your card with you.

Will I owe a fine if I turn my items in late?

• The library doesn’t charge fines or late fees.
• We send email reminders and make phone calls if items are overdue to encourage everyone to return what they have checked out. When items are overdue, staff won’t be able to check out additional materials until overdue items are returned.
• When items on an account are long overdue, the computer system counts them as lost and adds a charge for the replacement cost of each overdue item to the patron’s account. This in turn generates an invoice that will be mailed.
• The library always prefers to have items returned but if that’s impossible, we do require payment of the replacement cost of the lost/overdue items.
• The library does not accept patron purchased replacement copies.

What if an item I borrow gets damaged or parts get lost?

• If items can’t be returned in the same condition in which they were borrowed, the library charges for the replacement cost of item. We know this happens and we don’t want you to feel embarrassed about it. We’ll work with you on a payment plan if needed to allow you to still use the library while you’re paying for a damaged item.

When will things that I check out be due?

• The loan period for most items is 14 days. The library’s computer system will automatically renew items that are eligible for renewal.
• Items can’t be renewed if someone else has requested them by placing a hold or if they have already been renewed twice.
• Some items have shorter circulation periods and some cannot be renewed.
• The chart below lists loan periods and renewal information for different types of items in the library.

How many items may I check out?

• The total number of items that can be checked out at any one time is 35. Some items, like DVDs, have different limits but
  count toward that total number of 35 items. The chart below has information about additional limits as well loan periods
  and number of times that items can be renewed.

May I donate books or other items to the library?

• The library has limited storage space and therefore limits its donation intake. Please call the library at 304-842-8248 to find out how many items and what types of items the library is able to accept. This will vary according to the number and types of books already on hand.
• The library most often is able to accept fiction, children's books, cooking and craft
  books, audiobooks, puzzles, and DVDs.
• The library never accepts textbooks, encyclopedias or magazines and usually limits nonfiction.
• Donations are only accepted during hours that the library is open.
• Please do not put donations in the book return or leave them outside. Donations left in the return can cause the return to be overfilled and not leave room for return of library items.

What if I have other questions?

• Library staff are available to assist you by phone during all hours the library is open. Call us at 304-842-8248 and we’d be happy to help.