FAQs • Val Verde County, TX • CivicEngage

Can I request a book that the library does not have?: Yes. You have two options if we do not have a desired book: you may either fill out a request slip at the Circulation Desk, or you may fill out a form, in person, for an Inter Library Loan (ILL). ILL’s do carry a postage fee of $3.50 and usually take 1-3 weeks to arrive. A library card is required to complete either request. Please call the library if you have any questions.

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Library

1. How do I access a computer in the library?: Computer usage is allowed for patrons who are able to present a library card, and their account is in good standing. (No late fees over $5.00, or long overdue items)
Non-resident patrons are allowed guest passes but must show I.D. to gain access.

2. Can I renew my books from home?: Yes. You have two options to renew your titles. Please call us at (830) 774-7595 during normal operating hours OR you may log in to your account for renewals on the library’s catalog. Once you’re on our catalog, you will see a “Log In to Your Account” section on the top right corner. Your username is your entire library card number, and your password is the last four numbers of your library card, or if you have not set one up, it is your phone number that we have on record. Once you are in your account, under the "Items Out/Renewals" tab, you may renew any materials you have as long as they are not on request for another patron. If you have any questions, or concerns, please give us a call.

3. How do I place a hold on a book?: You must first log in to your account with the library. Instructions to do that are in the tab above. Once you have logged in, search for your item and make sure that the item is not available. An available item will display as green in the catalog while unavailable items will be displayed as red. Once that is complete, click the “Place Hold” button and then the “Submit Hold” button. Your item should be reserved now. If you have any issues, please give us a call.

4. Can I request a book that the library does not have?: Yes. You have two options if we do not have a desired book: you may either fill out a request slip at the Circulation Desk, or you may fill out a form, in person, for an Inter Library Loan (ILL). ILL’s do carry a postage fee of $3.50 and usually take 1-3 weeks to arrive. A library card is required to complete either request. Please call the library if you have any questions.

5. How many items can I check out at once?: Adults may check out up to 12 library materials including 5 DVD’s.
Young Adults (6th – 12th grade) may check out up to 8 library materials including 5 DVD’s.
Children (3yrs – 5th grade) may check out up to 5 library materials including 5 DVD’s. DVD's do count towards the allotted amount of items a patron is allowed.

6. Is library staff available to help me with technical support?: While the library staff is not trained professionally in technical support, the staff does have a general knowledge of computers, and printing. The staff does help as they are available, but due to time constraints, the staff member may have to cut their assistance short due to the responsibilities to their area.

7. Can I send and receive faxes at the library?: Yes. To either receive or send a fax in the library, it is $1.00 per page. The library does stop charging once the price has reached $10.00, but patrons are welcome to send more than 10 pages.

8. What do I need to get a library card?: At the library, we prefer that you bring a valid Texas license, or State I.D. that contains your local address. If you are unable to bring either one, you may use a U.S. passport, or a Resident Alien card along with proof of address. (Water bill, light bill, rent receipt) Library cards are free for first time applicant's while a replacement card is $1.00.

9. How long may I check out a book for (an audiobook, a DVD)?: Patrons are allowed to check out normal print materials, and audiobooks for 3 weeks. DVD’s are checked out for 1 week. Renewals are allowed as long as no other patron is waiting for the item.

10. How much does it cost to print/make copies?: It is $.10 per page to print in black & white, and $.50 per page for color.

Mon. – Thu.: 10am – 7pm

Fri.: 10am – 6pm

Sat. – Sun.: 1pm – 5pm

The library does adhere to all state and federal holidays.

12. What does it cost if I return an item late?: The item accumulates a $0.10 charge every day that it is late. The charge stops once the item reaches $5.00. This is per item.