Library Cards
Am I eligible to get a Carrollton Public Library card?
Persons eligible for library cards are those who live in the state of Texas. Proof of residency is required.
How do I get a library card?
Applicants must complete a library card application available at the Front Desk at either library or you can print and fill out this online application. (En Español)
You must be at least 18 years old and have one of the following items with you:
- Valid Texas Driver License or ID with current address
- Valid Driver License or picture ID issued by a governmental agency with non-current address plus an apartment lease, utility bill,
printed checks, or vehicle insurance card with a printed current name and address.
Can my child get a library card?
Any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent (parent's ID must meet criteria above) when applying for a library card and the parent must sign the back of the card at the time it is issued.
How much does it cost to get a library card?
There is no charge for a library card. There is a
$2.00 fee to replace a lost card. Avoid a $1.00 charge for mailed notices by giving us
your e-mail address when you apply.
How do I renew my library card?
Library cards are issued for a period of one year. If you check out at least one
item during the year, do not owe any fees, have no overdue items, and your correct address is in your
library account, then your card will be renewed automatically. Otherwise, your
card will expire if left inactive for one year or fees are owed and must be renewed in person at
the library. If your card should expire, please bring with you a valid Texas Driver License or ID, and we will renew your card for
another year.
I lost my library card. How do I report this?
Report lost library cards immediately. Call the library at 972-466-4800 or submit a
library account feedback
online. There is a $2.00 fee to replace a lost card.
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Checking Out
How many items can I check out?
You may check out a maximum of 45 items at any one time with limits by format of no more than
- 15 videocassettes or DVDs
- 15 audiobooks (CDs, tapes)
- 15 music CDs or cassettes
- 25 books or other items not directly stated previously
How long can I keep an item checked out?
All items except videos, DVDs, binoculars, back issues of magazines:
- 3 weeks
- renew twice (if no one has placed a hold on the item)
Videos and DVDs:
- 1 week (checked out Monday due back the following Monday)
- renew once (if no one has placed a hold on the item)
Binoculars:
- 2 hours inside the library only
Back issues of magazines:
- 1 week (checked out Monday due back the following Monday)
- renew once (if no one has placed a hold on the item)
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Renewing Items
How do I renew items?
- Limits on renewals- There is a limit of 2 renewals for all items except for
back issues of magazines, videos, and DVDs,
which may be renewed 1 time. However, if another person places a hold on an item you have
borrowed, that item cannot be renewed and will need to be returned to the library.
- Renewal adds either 3 weeks or 1 week to the date you renewed NOT the
original due date.
- Renew online by clicking
on library
account, found
either on the vertical
navigation menu on the left side of the screen or at the top of the
catalog. You will need your library card number and
PIN/Password. Click the "checked out" button then either click
"renew all" or check the ones you want to renew and click "renew
marked." Check to make sure the item(s) renewed. Successfully renewed items have a message reading "RENEWED Now
Due..." with the new due date. If you see TOO MANY RENEWALS or ON HOLD FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER the item was not renewed and must be returned by the due date to avoid
fees.
- Call 972-466-4848 to access our 24-hour automated Telephone Renewal
System. Have your library card and the barcode numbers of the items to be renewed handy.
Listen carefully to make sure the item renewed.
- Bring your items to either Carrollton Public Library for self-service
renewals using a self-checkout station or a library employee will renew items for you.
- Call 972-466-4800 during library hours
to speak to someone in person about renewing items. Please have your library card handy.
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Returning Items
Can I return items after the library is closed?
Return items before midnight on the date they are due.
- Hebron & Josey outside drive up bookdrop - on the south side of the building (facing Hebron)
- Hebron & Josey inside book return - to the right of the Front Desk (during
library hours)
- Josey Ranch Lake outside drive up bookdrop - in the front of the building behind the flag poles
- Josey Ranch Lake inside book return - in the lobby on the right side as you enter (during
library hours)
Can I return items checked out to any Carrollton Public Library location?
You must return items to the Carrollton Public Library location from which they were borrowed. The library location is printed on the receipt you receive at check out,
so don't forget to save that receipt. If you lose your receipt, follow these directions to figure out online where to return library items.
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Overdue Items
Can I still check out if I have an overdue item?
You can still check out as long as the item is less than 21 days overdue and as long as the fees owed on your account are less than $10.
What happens if I have a library item that is really overdue?
Library items that are more than 21 days overdue
will prevent Carrollton Public Library customers from checking out
library materials, renewing items, placing holds, using a computer at the library, and
using self-checkout stations. Starting September 6, 2004, patrons with
library items 35 or more days overdue, owing $50 or more in charges, AND who have
made no attempts to contact the library to settle their accounts will be turned over to a library materials recovery
service. Read more about Unique Management
Services, the library materials recovery service.
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Fees
How much are late fees? (view a complete list of library fees)
- videos, DVDs, & storytime kits - $1.00 per item, per day
- binoculars - $1.00 per hour
- books - $0.50 per item, per day
- back issues of magazines - $0.25 per item, per day
- all other items - $0.25 per item, per day
Fees or charges over $10 will prevent Carrollton Public Library customers from checking out
library materials, renewing items, placing holds, using a computer at the library, and
using self-check out stations. Owing fees also prevents automatic renewal of actively used library cards.
How can I pay fees owed?
In person at the library:
- cash
- money order
- check made payable to City of Carrollton with library card number written
on it
- debit card
- Visa, Mastercard
By telephone:
By postal mail:
- check made payable to City of Carrollton with library card number
written on it & mailed to either library location (addresses)
How much does it cost to...
- ...print? $0.15 per page
- ...buy a print card? $0.50
- ...make a photocopy? $0.15 per page
- ...buy a floppy disk? $2.00
- ...buy a set of earbud headphones? $4.00
- ...take a proctored test? $10.00
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Lost/Damaged Items
I lost (or damaged) something I checked out. What do I do?
Please visit or call the library at 972-466-4800 to discuss the charge for a damaged or lost item. Charges for lost or damaged items are based on the type of item. For lost items, continue
looking for the item. Should you find an item once you have paid for it, you will be entitled to a refund, minus overdue charges,
if the item is returned to front desk staff in usable condition and within 90 days of payment.
Helpful hint: Renew the item while you continue looking for it. If an item
cannot be renewed, the maximum overdue fee will be $7.50 for an audiotape,
CD, or CD-ROM, $10.00 for a book, $20.00 for videos or DVDs and $10.00 for magazines.
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But I returned that...
I think I returned an item, but the library says I still have it. What do I do?
It sometimes takes a day or two to get items checked in, especially after a weekend, so
check your account online a couple of days after you
returned the item to be sure it still shows as out to you. If it is still showing on your account, talk to staff in person
at either library or by phone at 972-466-4800 during library hours. Library
staff will check the carts of items waiting to be checked in and the library shelves of both
locations. If the item is not found in the library, then it will be placed on "Claims Returned" status
for 30 days to allow time for you to continue looking at home and for staff to look again in the
library. If the item is not found within 30 days, it is declared "Lost" and payment will be due.
Helpful hint: Check beneath your car seats, under beds, in school backpacks, in closets, in drawers, and in bookshelves.
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Notices for Holds & Overdues
How can I be notified when a hold is ready for pickup or an item is overdue?
-
E-mail. Courtesy notices are sent
exclusively via e-mail 3 days before a Video or DVD is due and 5 days before
all other items are due to give you a chance to renew items or find them so
you can
return them before they are late.
-
Mailed notices delivered by the United States Postal Service. A fee of
$1.00 for each mailed overdue notice will be added to the customer’s account to recover a portion of the cost of this service. No fee is charged for a mailed
hold notice or a final bill notice.
- Library ELF. A free, independent service that lets you customize library
reminders.
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Holds
What if the item I want is checked out or at the other library location?
If an item is checked out or available only at the other library location, you may place a
hold to reserve that item. The library will hold the item under your name for 7 days. You may place a maximum of 10 items on hold. Precedence is given for holds picked up at the location where an item is
housed. If an item is owned at only one location, choose to pick it up at that
location to avoid being skipped over in the holds queue. There are several ways to place holds.
-
Place your own holds by using your library card barcode number and
PIN/Password in
CLICK, the library
catalog. Click on the "place hold" button on the screen. If you will be placing several holds,
try the holds/export
cart feature.
-
While in the library, ask library staff at an Information Desk to place
holds for you.
-
Call 972-466-4800 during library hours
and library staff will place holds for you.
-
If you want to pick up an available item the same day as
you place the hold, call the library at 972-466-4800 and staff will pull the item
from the shelf for you. This can save you an unnecessary trip should the item actually end up being
unavailable.
-
If you are in the library and the item you want is available at the
other location, ask for help at the Information Desk. If the other
building is open staff will call to have someone pull the item at the
other building. This can save you an unnecessary trip should the item
actually end up being unavailable.
How do I find out the status of a hold I have placed?
If you have provided an e-mail address, you will receive an e-mail when a hold is ready for pickup.
If there is no e-mail address, then printed notices are mailed to the address on
file with the library. When you log in to
your library account with your library card number and PIN/Password, then click the
"check holds" button, you will see
"Ready" and the "Pick up by" date in the STATUS column when your hold is available for you. The pickup location is also indicated in the PICKUP LOCATION column.
I am going out of town or in the hospital and don't want to lose my place in the holds queue. What can I do?
You can now freeze unfilled holds in your online library account. This allows you to be skipped in the queue while still holding your spot. You have to unfreeze your own holds when you are available again to
rejoin the queue. Library staff cannot unfreeze frozen holds.
Directions to freeze holds.
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Interlibrary Loans
The library doesn't own a book I want. Can you get it from another library?
If you cannot find an item in the
Carrollton Public Library catalog, ask
for help at the Information Desk. Once library staff has confirmed that the item is not in the
Carrollton Public Library collection, they may locate the item you want in
another area library's collection. Many area libraries allow Carrollton
residents to get cards through reciprocal agreements. You also may be eligible to receive a TexShare Card
allowing you to borrow the item from non-reciprocal libraries for no charge. Find out more about the TexShare Card Program. If the item is not located at another area library
or you do not want to go to another library, you may request the item through Interlibrary Loan.
- There is a $2.25 postage/courier
reimbursement fee for each filled Interlibrary Loan request including Federal Census Records on
microfilm. This charge must be paid even if you choose not to come pick up the
item.
- Items published within the past year cannot be requested.
- Genealogical materials other than Census microfilms cannot be requested.
- Media items other than books often will not be loaned.
- Unpaid fees on you account may interfere with you requesting items
through Interlibrary Loan. Please pay any fees owed before making the request.
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Suggestions for Purchase
How do I suggest an item for the library to buy?
Cardholders can suggest a purchase online. The item will be purchased if it meets the criteria listed in the library's collection development policy and if it is still available for
purchase. You may also stop at the Information Desk where you will be given an orange
card to fill out. Don't forget to include your name and library
card number to have the item placed on hold for you if it is ordered.
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Site Technical Requirements
What browser and settings do I need to search the catalog/access my account online/use databases from home?
Recommended browsers:
While you can use some older browsers, your browser should support HTML and XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), ECMAScript (the
standard behind scripting languages such as JavaScript), and the W3C Document Object Model (DOM).
If you have difficulties staying logged in while accessing your account or
getting in to a research database from home, try
adjusting the following settings, starting with the first two before trying the
others:
-
enable cookies
-
enable Javascript
-
set your browser security settings to Medium or Medium-low
-
disable or reset Internet Explorer's Content Advisor
-
remove any Spyware or Adware on your computer
-
disable your personal firewall
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Online Account
How do I log in to my online library account?
- Click "library account" on vertical side navigation on left side of screen or at the
top of the catalog.
- Enter your library card number found on your library card. You can enter
either all the numbers or the last 7 digits including any zeros.
- Click in PIN/Password field or hit tab key and enter your PIN/Password.
- Click "submit" button or hit enter key.
To protect your own privacy, remember to click "log out" when you are finished.
If you receive the error message "Sorry, the information you submitted was invalid. Please try again." then you entered either your library card number or PIN/Password incorrectly.
Try entering the information again. If the error persists, ask for help at the Information Desk or call 972-466-4800 during library hours.
What can I do in my online library account?
To protect your own privacy, remember to click "log out" when you are finished.
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PIN/Password
How do I get a PIN?/I forgot my PIN. What do I do?
You do not have a PIN/password when you receive your library card. Enter all other
information on the "library account" or "place hold" page but
LEAVE THE PIN/PASSWORD FIELD BLANK.
After clicking "submit" you will be given a field to enter a PIN/Password and another to
verify it. If instead of fields to create a PIN/Password, you receive a "Sorry, the information you submitted was invalid. Please try again." message, double-check that you are typing your library card number correctly. If the message persists,
call the library at 972-466-4800 during library hours for help.
Your 3-30 character long PIN/Password can be a combination of numbers and/or
letters that you will remember so long as it is not a "trivial" pattern.
A "trivial pattern" produces the following error message "Your PIN is not
complex enough to be secure. Please select another one."
A "trivial" pattern has:
- a character that is repeated three or more times (for example,
aaaa, ababa, bbbb)
- a set of up to four characters is that is repeated two or more
times (for example, abab, abcabc, abcdabcd).
Sometimes you forget your
PIN/Password if you have not used it in a while. If you receive a "Sorry, the information you submitted was invalid. Please try again." message, please ask for assistance
at any library service desk or by calling 972-466-4800 during library hours.
While staff cannot tell you your PIN/Password as it is encrypted, they can delete it to
allow you to create a new one. At your request, staff can also enter a PIN/Password of
your choice in your account.
Why do I need a PIN/Password?
You need a PIN/Password if you want to log in to your online account or if you want to
place your own holds. Since your library account displays your name,
address, phone number, and any items checked out or on hold, your PIN/Password protects
your privacy in the event you lose your library card. Your PIN/Password is encrypted and
cannot be viewed by library staff to further protect your privacy.
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TexShare Cards
Does the Carrollton Public Library participate in the TexShare Card Program?
The Carrollton Public Library participates in the TexShare Card Program. Read more about the
TexShare
Card Program. Eligibility requirements to be issued a TexShare Card:
- Carrollton Public Library cardholder for 6 months or longer
- no overdue materials
- fees owed less than $10
How do I find out if another library participates in the TexShare Card Program?
Check if another Texas library participates and find out about their lending policy at the TexShare Programs and Participants page.
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eBooks
What is an eBook? How do I get access from home?
eBooks are electronic books for reading, reference, and research that you read
on the computer. They show up in catalog search
results - look for the little red book with an e on it - or you can search for them through the
NetLibrary
database. Click "Databases" on vertical side navigation on left side of screen
or at the top of the catalog to go to the NetLibrary database. Users outside the
library will have to enter their library card number. Read more about eBooks on the
library's NetLibrary page.
Downloadable Audiobooks
What is a downloadable audiobook?
Downloadable audiobooks are digital versions of books that you can download and listen to on your computer or portable listening device, like an MP3 player. They show up in catalog search results
- look for the little red book with an e on it wearing headphones -, or you can search for them through the
NetLibrary
eAudiobook Center (requires a NetLibrary account to search outside the library).
Visit the library's Downloadable Audiobooks page
for more information.
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Playaways
What is a Playaway?
A Playaway is a "ready-to-go" audio player containing an entire audiobook. Find out more about using them and changing the battery on the
Playaway page.
Library Computers
What do I need to use a computer at the library?
You need a valid Carrollton Public Library card, with no items overdue 21 days or longer, and with fees less than $10.
You must bring your library card with you as library staff is unable to look up
your number for you. Each family member who wants to use a computer at the same time needs
their own library card. Non-Texas residents bring your Driver License to staff at the Information Desk for help logging in as a guest.
Available computers read "You
may use this computer for a maximum of 1 hour" on the screen. Computers with signs
reading "Library Catalog" do not allow Internet access and have
no Office applications. All computer users must abide by the library's
Computer
Use Policy.
What do I do when I get an error message when I try to log in with my library card?
- "Pharos: User not found" - see staff at the Information Desk for assistance
- "Pharos: Your account has expired" - bring ID with current address to
the Information or Front Desk to renew your card
- "Pharos: Excess money owed" - go to the Front Desk to pay your fees
- "Pharos: Your account is blocked" - see staff at the Front Desk or Information Desk
for assistance
- "Pharos: Unsupported card type" - you made a mistake typing your number or
are using another library's card number
What do I do if the computers are all in use?
Go to the Queue/Print Station where you will scan your library
card's barcode to put yourself in line for a computer. Watch the queue monitor
for your name to appear in the orange banner at the top. Once a computer has
been assigned, the computer is held for 5 minutes for you to sign in with the library card
number used to make the reservation.
How long can I use the computer?
Session time is 1 hour with additional time added in 10 minute increments if no
one is waiting in the queue, for a maximum of 4 hours a day.
How do I print?
Use PRINT PREVIEW to be sure you will be printing what you want and ONLY what you
want. NO REFUNDS are given for unwanted printouts. Printing is $0.15 per page. A print card is necessary to pay for printouts.
Purchase or add value to a print card from the Print Card
Machine next to the printers. The print card costs $0.50 and can be reused by adding value at the
same machine. The Print Card Machine only accepts $1 and $5 bills and does not give
change.
Scan the SAME library card used to log on to the
computer at the Queue/Print Station to release the print job. Insert your print card into the card reader.
Step by step directions are available at the station. Logging off ejects your print card.
Where can I save my file?
The CD-ROM drive is READ ONLY. You can save to a floppy disk. Floppy disks are sold at the
Front Desk for $2.00. You can also save to a USB storage device that doesn't require a driver (flash
drive, thumb drive, some MP3 players) using one of the 2.0 USB ports on the front of the PC.
What programs are available on the computers in the library?
- Internet Explorer 6
- Microsoft Word 2003
- Microsoft Excel 2003
- Microsoft PowerPoint 2003
- Microsoft Access 2003
- Microsoft Publisher 2003
- Microsoft FrontPage 2003
- Paint
- Calculator
- Windows Media Player 10
- Adobe Reader 7
- Microsoft Office Picture Manager
How do I hear sound on the library computers?
Headphones must be used to hear sound on the library computers. Earbud-style
headphones are sold for $4.00 at the Front Desk or you may use your own
headphones. The kind used for personal CD players or tape players will work. The
headphone port is on the front of computer. Volume can be controlled by using the knob on the keyboard or the volume control in the system tray on the
screen.
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Laptops
Can I use my laptop computer to access the Internet at the library?
Both library locations provide a wireless hotspot that is WiFi certified to the
802.11b standard. If your laptop did not
come equipped with a built-in WiFi card, check with your computer manufacturer, the store where you
purchased the laptop, or a local electronics store about getting a PCMCIA
wireless network card that you slide into a
PCMCIA slot on your laptop. For general information on how WiFi works, read the "How WiFi Works" article
on howstuffworks.com.
In addition to wireless access, there are hot data ports in the Study Rooms and along the walls of both libraries marked by
yellow starbursts reading "INTERNET ACCESS HERE." To use one of these
ports you will need an Ethernet cable (CAT5) and your laptop must contain a
network interface card (NIC). Your computer documentation may describe this
network card as 10/100 Ethernet.
You must set your laptop to automatically detect the network.
There are no passwords or settings for staff to give you. Note: Saved Internet
connection settings may interfere with connecting. Be sure you know how to restore those
settings before you disable them. For assistance contact your computer manufacturer, the store where you
purchased the laptop, or a local electronics store.
The firewall on the library's public computer network includes
the WiFi access and the data ports. This firewall allows only outbound traffic
which may interfere with access to certain resources such as VPNs (Virtual
Private Networks).
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Room Reservations
Does the library have rooms that can be reserved for personal use?
Study Rooms
Both library locations have Study Rooms for small group or individual use. You
must have a VALID library card to reserve a Study Room.
View the Study Room Policy and learn more about the Study Rooms. Study Rooms
can be reserved only 1 day in advance for a maximum of 4 hours. Call
972-466-4800 during library hours to make a
Study Room reservation.
Meeting Rooms
For larger groups, Meeting Rooms are available for
rental for social, civic, cultural, recreational, or charitable purposes
by individuals residing in Carrollton, at least 21 years of age, who possess a valid City of
Carrollton library card. Learn
more about reserving a meeting room.
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Preschool Stories
Does the library offer storytimes for children?
Both library locations offer weekday stories for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Hebron & Josey library
- Mother Goose Time for babies and a parent or caregiver
Monday, 11:15 a.m. (time change for summer only)
- Toddler Time for ages 1-3 years
Monday and Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. (summer only)
- Storytime for ages 3-6 years
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m. (time change for summer only), Thursday (for all ages), 7:00 p.m.
- Multicultural Stories for ages 3-6 years
every second Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Josey Ranch Lake Library
- Mother Goose Time for babies and a parent or caregiver
Monday, 11:15 a.m. (for summer only)
- Toddler Time for ages 1-3 years
Monday, 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.
- Storytime for ages 3-6 years
Tuesday, 11:00 a.m.
To view a listing of more activities for all ages, view our
Events Calendar.
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Volunteering
How can I volunteer at the library?
Print the volunteer application (PDF) and turn it in at either Carrollton Public Library location.
Applications are also available at both libraries.
The minimum age for volunteering at the library is 16 years. The library does not accept court-appointed volunteers.
