| |
           |
|
|
 FAQs |
|
|
|
| Question: | How do I get a library card and what can I do with it? |
| Answer: | There is no charge for library services.
Any
Wisconsin resident or Wisconsin property owner
may apply for a free library card. This card entitles him/her to check out materials, place holds, access the Internet and make use of other services. The card is valid indefinitely and may be used at any Wisconsin library. Even if you already have a card from your local Wisconsin library, we will issue you one from ours so we will have you in our system.
Out-of-State residents may obtain a card for a fee based on the length of time they wish to use the card
Regardless of residence, anyone may use the materials in the library without fee and may take advantage of our trained staff members as a resource to find materials or information.
To apply for a library card a proof of current address is required. We will accept the following if they have your current address:
| Driver's license | School ID | Fishing license | Bills for services at current address |
| Checkbook | State ID | Medical Assistance card | Lease or rental agreement for current address
| | Passport | YMCA card | Green Card (alien residency card) | Mail with recent postmark sent to current address |
|
| Question: |
What can I check out? |
| Answer: |
There are no limits on how many items may be checked out. The check-out period for most materials is 21 days. Videos & DVDs circulate for seven days. Patrons must be 16 to check out videos & DVDs. A library card is required to check out all materials. Materials (except magazines, videos & DVDs) may be renewed for an additional three-week period, as long as no one is waiting for them. If an item is overdue, the fine for that item must be paid before the item may be renewed. Fines of over five dollars must be paid before new materials may be checked out, or the Internet used. Renewals may be made in person at the library, by Telecirc (608-789-7162), or on the Internet (click the blue tab at the top of the page that says "Catalog" and click on "My Library Record").
All Branch Library collections contain a variety of the following:
| Books |
Reference materials |
| hard covers young adult | Newspapers |
| paperbacks children's books |
Various pamphlets |
| best sellers fiction | Puppets |
| large print nonfiction |
Family Fun Bags |
| Videos and DVDs (for adults & children) |
Cassettes & CDs with books (for children) |
| Audio Books (cassettes and CDs for adults & children) |
Music (cassettes and CDs for adults & children) |
| Magazines (for adults & children) |
Computer software |
|
| Question: |
How long can I keep materials and how much are the fines for overdue items? |
| Answer: |
To assure the prompt return of materials the County Library charges fines. The following is the County Library loan period and fine structure:
| Fines |
| Media |
Loan Period |
Fine if late |
| Audio Books |
21 Days |
25¢ per day |
| Books |
21 Days |
10¢ per day |
| Cassette & Book Sets |
21 Days |
25¢ per day |
| Cassettes |
21 Days |
25¢ per day |
| CDs |
21 Days |
25¢ per day |
| Encyclopedias (Circulating) |
7 Days (no renewal) |
10¢ per day |
| Computer Software |
21 Days |
25¢ per day |
| Family Fun Bags |
21 Days |
25¢ per day |
| Interlibrary Loans |
Varies |
25¢ per day |
| Magazines (Current Weekly) |
Not for checkout |
|
| Magazines (Monthly) |
7 Days (no renewal) |
10¢ per day |
| Magazines (Past Issues) |
7 Days (no renewal) |
10¢ per day |
| Puppets |
21 Days |
10¢ per day |
| Videos/DVDs |
7 Days |
25¢ per day |
|
Fines will accrue to a maximum of
$10.00 per item ($5.00 for paperbacks), not to exceed the cost of the item. |
| Service Fees |
|
| Photocopies (B & W) |
10¢ per page |
| Photocopies (Color) |
50¢ per page |
| Internet Printing (B & W) |
10¢ per page |
| Internet Printing (Color) |
50¢ per page |
| Fax |
$2.00 per page |
| Replacement Library card fee |
50¢ |
| Out-of-State Fee (Annual) |
$30.00 |
| Service fee if account is sent to a collection agency |
$10.00 |
Replacement Costs |
| If the exact cost is
not available in our records the following averages are used: |
| Materials |
Replacement Cost |
| Adult Book |
$25.00 |
| AV Materials |
$25.00 |
| Children's Book |
$15.00 |
| Computer Software |
$35.00 |
| Family Fun Bag |
$30.00 |
| Magazine |
$ 3.00 |
| Paperback |
$ 7.00 |
| Vertical File Materials |
$ 1.00 |
| Video |
$20.00 |
| Video Case |
$ 3.00 |
| CD Case |
$ 2.00 |
|
| Question: | What if the Library is closed and I need to return materials? |
| Answer: |
All five County Libraries are equipped with book drops for your convenience. Holmen, Onalaska and West Salem also have video drops. Please do not place videos or large puppets in the Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem book drops. It is permissible to place videos in both Bangor's and Campbell's book drops. All La Crosse County Library materials may be returned at any of our five facilities, or any WRLS facility in the 7 county region. |
| Question: | How do I request materials and how do I find out when they come in? |
| Answer: |
Requested materials are frequently referred to as "Holds"
At the top of this page or any page on the website: Click on the blue tab that says "Catalog," then click on "Search the Catalog" to place your own holds (requests). The La Crosse County Library has merged it's catalog with WRLSWeb. Materials from 23 libraries in the WRLS seven-county region can be requested and delivered to the library location of your choice. Holds may be placed whether the item(s) are on the shelf or checked out. When the item is available you will be notified by e-mail, telephone or postal mail. Tell the circulation clerk your preference. |
|
| Question: |
How do I manage my requests so they don't all come to me at once, or if I go on vacation? |
| Answer: |
Once your item is on hold you can access your request list from the Internet. |
| |
1. |
At the top of this or any page in the website click on the blue tab that says "Catalog," then click on "My Library Record." You will need to enter your library card number to access your account. |
| |
2. |
To view your requests click on the "Holds" tab at the top of the screen. A list of all the materials you have placed on hold appears. |
| |
3.
|
Along the left side of each title is a check box. Check any title you want to delay. |
| |
4. |
Choose the "Activate/Suspend" button above the title list. |
| |
5. |
If you wish you may put a date on the suspended request (the day you get back from vacation?) that will automatically change it to active on that date. If you do not you will have to manually remove the suspension when you are ready to receive the material. |
| You will not lose your place while you are suspended. Your name will continue to move up until you are in the first position. Patrons below you on the list will continue to receive the item until the re-activation date arrives or you manually change it from suspended to active. You will then get the next available copy. |
|
|
|
| |
