Information

Check Out Services

How to get a library card at the Abilene Public Library:

Anyone age fifteen or older may get a free library card in the adult department.  Please provide the circulation desk with photo identification and proof of current address.  Children under the age of fifteen must be accompanied by an adult to receive a card in the Children’s Library.  By accepting a new library card, you are responsible for any materials checked out on the card.  Bring your library card each time you come to the library to check out materials.  You can also use it from home to view your account, renew materials, and reserve materials.  Failure to bring your card may result in no check out or a charge of $1.00 for a replacement card.

Loan Periods:

New books may be checked out for two weeks, movies may be checked out for two weeks with NO renewal and all other circulating material are permitted to be checked out for 3 weeks.  A receipt with all items checked out and due dates will be given at the time of checkout.

Fines: 

Adult books:  (fiction, nonfiction, large print, biography)  .10 per day

CaTS books:  .05 per day

New Books Adult:  .50 per day

DVD, Playaway, Audio CDS:  1.00 per day

Please click for a chart display loan periods and fines.

Online services: 

You may use the library’s online card catalog to search for materials.  To log into your library account enter the library card number in the ID box and use userpass as the password for first time log in.  You will then be prompted to change your password.  You can look at what you have checked out, renew materials, and reserve items.  You can also change your address or other personal information and sign up to receive weekly e-mails of your current checkouts and account status from the library.  We will keep everyone up to date as more features develop.

Keeping Track of Due Dates: 

Each time you checkout materials, you will receive a receipt that shows what you checked out and when it is due.  Keep that receipt and you will have an easy way to know when your materials are due.  You may also check your due dates by logging into your library account.  Click the card catalog link on this website.  You will need your library card number.  For first time login, enter your six-digit library card number and userpass as the password.  You may also sign up at the circulation desk to receive weekly e-mails of the items you have checked out.  You may set this feature up by logging into your account as well.  Click My Account and then edit.  Make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly.  Select desired day to receive e-mails in the email me on box.  When finished, click Done and you will now receive a weekly e-mail from the library listing all your checkouts, due dates, and other account information!

Renewals:

Items other than movies may be renewed by calling 263-3082 or the Children’s Library 263-1303.  Items may also be renewed by logging into your library account.  Click my account and then click items out.  If you are able to renew an item a blue renew link will appear next to the item.  If the item has a reserve or has exceeded the renewal limit, it cannot be renewed and must be returned the library.  When returning the item you may request to be put on the reserve list for the item.  Items may be renewed up to three times unless otherwise stated.  If another patron is on reserve for the item, the library will not renew that item.  Interlibrary loan items may be renewed only once and are subject to the lending library’s policies and approval.

Reserves:

If you would like an item that is currently checked out, the circulation staff can put a reserve on that item.  The reserves are placed in the order they are received.  If you are searching the card catalog and the item you want is already checked out, click reserve this item and click reserve again.  When the item is returned, the library will notify you.  When reserving items online, you will not know the due date nor if there are other patrons waiting for that item too.  Popular items or bestsellers may have long lists.

Patron History:

The library no longer keeps track of items you have previously checked out.  Please inform the circulation desk if you would like our computer system to keep track of all items you have checked out.  You may also set your account up for this service by logging into your account and clicking Check Out History.  Click yes to confirm you would like this service.  Once set up, you may log into your account and view any previously checked out items!

Lost or Damaged Items:

Please contact the library if you know you have misplaced a book.  The library will provide you with the replacement amount.  If an item has been damaged, please bring it to the circulation desk.  The damage will be accessed and a replacement amount given if necessary.

Notices:

The library will inform patrons by e-mail or telephone that the items they have requested are available.  The library will also notify patrons when items are overdue.