FAQ

How do I obtain a library card?
Can I renew materials? By phone?
What if I am not from this area?
Will I be notified if my materials are late?
Who is responsible for materials checked out on my card?
Do I have to pay a fine if my materials are late?
Can I use my card at other area libraries?
Where can I return the materials I borrowed?
What kind of materials can I borrow from the library?
What if I lose or damage something?
What if the materials I want are not at your location?
What if I can’t get to the library while it is open?
How long can I keep the library materials I borrow?
What if my library card is lost or stolen?
Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?
Is the library handicap-accessible?
What if I forget to bring my card?
I would like to suggest a good book for the library. How can I do that?
What if I move and/or change my phone number?
Can I donate some books or magazines that I don’t want anymore?
Can I place an online request for materials from home?
Could I bring a group or class to tour the library?

How do I obtain a library card?
You will need to complete a registration form and provide photo identification and verification of your current address.  Forms of address verification may include a bill such as power or phone. Library cards issued to youths ages 5 through 17 years of age require a legal guardian’s signature.

What if I am not from this area?
A Limited fee-paid nonresident card can be issued.

Who is responsible for the materials checked out on my card?
The name that the Harrison County Library card is issued under is responsible for ALL materials that are borrowed under that card. This includes all fines and bills associated with the card. To avoid problems, patrons should only check out one’s own materials on their card and not others.

Can I use my card at any library?
Your library card may be used at all member libraries of the Harrison County Library System.

What kind of materials can I borrow from the library?
You can borrow books, large print books, books on tape, videos, DVDS, and CDs.

What if the materials I want are not at your location?
If the materials are at another location, you can request that these materials be sent to the library nearest you. If they are not in the system at all, you may make an Inter-Library Loan Request.

Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?
The first time you use a new card you are limited to 2 items. Other limits may apply, contact your local branch for more information.

How long can I keep the library materials I borrow?
The library has loan periods that vary from 7 to 14 days. A receipt is given at check out with the due date. Please be sure to check these prior to leaving the library in case you have any questions.

What if I forget to bring my card?
A library card is necessary to check out any materials from the library. The cost of replacement is $2.00.

What if I move and/or change my phone number?
All changes should be reported to the Library. Contact any one of the Harrison County Libraries by phone or in person.

Can I place an online request for materials from home?
Yes.   To make a request, click the button “Request item” and fill out the appropriate information or you may call any of the member libraries and place a request.

Can I renew materials? By Phone? Online?
Most items can be renewed if they are not overdue and if there are no holds for it. You can renew by phone by calling any member library. Please have available your library card and the item barcode number for the materials you wish to renew. You can renew items individually or all the items you have charged providing there are no holds and it is a renewable item.  Or log into your account through the library catalog.

Will I be notified if my materials are late?
Notices are sent out to remind patrons of overdue materials.

Do I have to pay a fine if my materials are late?
Yes, the library has the following fine rates:

Type of Material Amount of Fine per day Maximum per item
Items other than Visuals 10 cents $5.00
Visuals $1.00 $5.00
Maximum fine for all overdue items with the same due date $20.00

Where can I return the items I borrowed?
All materials may be return to any of the Harrison County Libraries.

What if I lose or damage something?
You are responsible for the replacement cost. Contact Circulation for costs.

What if I can’t get to the library while it is open?
For your convenience we have bookdrops located at the entrances of the libraries or a drop box near the libraries.

What if my library card is lost or stolen?
The loss or theft of a library card should be reported to the Library as soon as possible. Contact any of the Harrison County Libraries by phone or in person. Your card will be disabled. Replacement fee for a lost card is $2.00.

Is the library handicap-accessible?
All libraries are handicap-accessible.

I would like to suggest a good book for the library. How can I do that?
Fill out a request form at the Circulation Desk.

 Can I donate some books or magazines that I don’t want anymore?
Each of the libraries welcome any donation you would like to make. A letter of receipt will be sent to the patron with a listing of materials donated if requested.

Could I bring a group or class to tour the library?
Tours and/or class visits can be arranged with the library. Please contact the library for details.