FAQs
2) Why does the library need my photo on my account?
When you get a library card for the first time we take a photo to include in the patron record. This is for your benefit: 1) if someone else tries to use your card we will not allow them (unless they have permission) 2) if you have forgotten your card we can look up that account by name and verify with the photo.
3) How do I renew an expired library card?
You must come into one of the library locations. Bring a government-issued ID and any updated contact information.
4) What is my PIN?
This is usually the last four-digits of your telephone number that the library has on file.
5) How do I retrieve my PIN?
Click “Forgot your password or pin number” from the MY ACCOUNT page or come by one of the library locations (you must present an ID if we do not have your photo on file).
6) If I am not a child’s legal guardian can I get a library card for them?
No. A child (age 5 and up) may acquire a children’s library card with their parent or guardian being the primary owner of the card. Therefore the parent or guardian is responsible for the account and able to gain access to information about the account. Once a child is able to obtain a government issued photo ID and parental permission, they may have their own adult card; no one other than the child may have access to this card.
Anyone over the age of 16 does not have to have parental permission to obtain an adult library card.
If a parent or guardian would like to add an additional adult to the account they may do so, but only with written consent.
7) What is a Gateway Card?
This is a library card that you can use at a selection of libraries across Arkansas. GATEWAY INFORMATION
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CIRCULATION, COLLECTION, AND HOLDS
1) Can I check out and return items at either library branch?
Yes
2) Can I renew my items without coming to the library?
Yes, one time if the item is not on hold for someone else. You may do so by accessing your ACCOUNT or by calling the library. If you need to renew an item more than once, you must bring the item into the library.
3) How do I request a title that isn’t available in the collection?
4) Does the library have classroom sets of books?
No. But, if you are assigning a title it would be helpful for us to know so that we can order multiple copies for circulation.
5) What happens if I lose an item?
You will need to pay for the item or replace it with an equivalent item. You will also be charged a processing fee which will help us pay for the stickers and covers we put on items. LOST OR DAMAGED ITEM POLICY
6) How long do I have to pick up a hold?
3 business days
7) I put an item on hold last night, why wasn’t it ready to be picked up when you opened?
We need time to pull it. Sometimes it has to come from another branch. We will notify you when it is ready for pick-up.
8) What does the status of an item mean?
Available: At that current moment the item is on the shelf available for check out.
Not Available: The item is not available for check out. It is probably checked out by someone else.
Active: The item is on the holds list, but it is not ready to pick up yet.
On-Hold:The item is available for pick up at the library designated as the pick-up location.
Pending: The item is on the “to be pulled” list and will be available to pick up soon (if we are able to find it.
Shipped:The item is being sent from another branch and is on the way.
On-Order: The item is currently on order but is not available for check out yet.
In-Process: The item has arrived and is being processed by our Technical Services Department.
Lost or Missing:The library used to have this title but it has been lost.
9) What are the SCL's fines and fees?
Overdue fines begin to accrue the day after the material is due.
Fines for videotapes, books and audio/cds are 10 cents per day per item. The maximum fine per item is $5.00.
Fines for DVDs are $1.00 per item per day up to $10.00 maximum per item. A fine of any amount on a patron’s record causes a block on the account until the fine is resolved.
If an item is claimed lost by a patron or by the library the patron will be responsible for replacing the item either by:
· Paying the library the cost of the item plus a processing fee of $5.00 or
· Giving the library a replacement copy plus a processing fee of $5.00.
A replacement copy is defined as a brand new, exact copy of the item with the same ISBN number and format.
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ONLINE RESOURCES AND E-LIBRARY
1) What databases are available from home with my library card?
DATABASES. All are accessible from home except Ancestry Library.
2) How do I access the e-books and downloadable audiobooks?
3) How many e-books or downloadable audiobooks can I check out at a time and for how long?
4) I need assistance with the e-library or databases?
We have a program called BOOK-A-LIBRARIAN. Or visit MY HELP.
5) Having trouble logging in?
Do not include spaces in between numbers when typing your library card number or PIN. Or you could have a fine or need to update your registration. Give us a call and we can figure it out.
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1) Do you have a public fax?
No. We usually refer people to Office Depot,1621 Military Road, Benton, AR 72015
(501) 776-1368.
2) Does the library provide notary public services?
Yes. NOTARY SERVICES
3) Do you offer story time?
4) Do you offer a Summer Reading program?
Yes. We have 4 programs in the summer, for ages 0-7, 8-12, 13-18, and adults. It usually runs from the beginning of June to the middle of July.
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1) What are the library hours?
2) What are the rules/guidelines for computer use?
You may use a public access computer or the wi-fi for 90 minutes a day with a card in good standing. COMPUTER AND INTERNET POLICY
3) Do you have a public meeting room, and how do I reserve it?
Yes. We have a meeting room for 150 people at the Herzfeld Library and one for 50 people at the Boswell Library. They are free to use, but must only be used for non-profit, non-personal uses and can only be booked 30 days in advance. POLICY AND APPLICATION FOR USE
4) How do I suggest a program for the library to host?
We always welcome recommendations from the community to make our library even better. To make a suggestion you may contact us. If you would like to teach a class, fill out this APPLICATION.
5) Does the library accept donations?
Yes. See these GUIDELINES.
6) How do I sign-up for the newsletters?
7) Do you have public access Wi-Fi and how do you access it?
Yes. You must log in with a library account in good standing. You may use it for 90 minutes a day.