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Library

Show All Answers

1. How can I get a library card?

The Library primarily serves the residents of Rowlett and surrounding communities; however, anyone who is a Texas residence is eligible for a library card.

For adults and young adults (17 years and older):

• Present a valid driver's license (Texas or other state-issued), Texas Personal ID, or Military ID

AND

• Proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, imprinted checks, etc.) if not on the above


• Fill out a brief application form and sign the card


• In signing the card, you accept responsibility for all items checked out.

For children under 17:

• A parent or legal guardian must present valid identification (above) and proof of residency


• Complete an application form and sign for the child's card


• This adult assumes responsibility for all items checked out on the child's card.

If you discover that your card is lost or missing, contact the Library immediately so that staff can render the card inactive. Replacement cards are available at a cost of $1.00.

2. How do I use the Library’s Wireless (Wi-Fi) Access?

Free wireless internet access is accessible in the Library to any patron who comes in with a laptop and Wi-Fi card. Start up your laptop and open your web browser and you should connect to the wireless network. If necessary, change your connection settings to obtain an IP address automatically then restart your laptop.

As with any Wi-Fi access, you should disable file sharing and print sharing and maintain up-to-date anti-virus protection. Printing is not available over the wireless connection, but is possible from the workstations in the Library's PC Lab.

3. How do I use the PC Lab?

Library Lab Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 8:20 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:20 p.m.

To use the PC Lab:

• Have a valid Rowlett Public Library card with no fees owed.


• As a first-time user, review the Library's Acceptable Use Policy, and sign a release form stating that you understand it. A parent or legal guardian must sign the form for a child under 17.


• Log into a computer or, if all PCs are in use, reserve the next available PC. Computers may be used for 60 minutes.

Printing is available for $0.15 per page for black-and-white copies or $1 per page for color copies.

4. Can I borrow materials from other libraries?

We can request items for you from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan. Availability and loan periods may vary. We will notify you of any fees charged by the lending library.

Rowlett residents may obtain a TexShare card to borrow materials from participating libraries. Lending policies will vary by library.

5. What about renewals?

An item may be renewed if there is no request for the item from another patron. You may renew any item for one additional check-out period.

Renewals may be made in person, by telephone or through the Library’s online catalog.

6. How do I use my library card?

You must present you valid library card to the Circulation Staff to check out any materials. Be sure you have your card with you when you come to the Library (a driver's license may also be used to identify an account).

7. How many items can I check out?

The first time you use your card, you may check out any combination of five books, audio books, music CDs or movies.

After the first time, a total of 50 items may be checked out on a library card.

This can include up to 20 of each of the following types of materials:

• Adult books


• Juvenile books


• Audio books


• Magazines

Up to 10:

• Music CDs


• Non-fiction videotapes / DVDs

Up to five:

• Fiction videotapes / DVDs

8. How long can I check out an item?

Books, audio books, music CDs, magazines and educational movies can be checked out for three weeks. Entertainment movies can be checked out for seven days.

9. How can I return items when the Library is closed?

The drive-through book and video depositories are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are two outside return slots: one for books and one for videos / DVDs and audio books.

10. Can I reserve items?

To request an item in the collection, whether or not it is checked out:

• Call us or tell us in person to put you on the waiting list for that item.


• Place a hold from any of the Library’s computer catalogs.


• Place a hold from your home or office by visiting our online catalog and clicking on “My Account”.

We will notify you when the request is filled then hold the item at the Circulation Desk (three days for DVDs or five days for all other items) for you to pick it up.

11. What happens if an item is overdue?

The extended use fee for books, audio books, videos / DVDs, music CDs and magazines is $0.20 per day (we do not count the days that the Library is closed).

The maximum fine charged is the cost to replace the overdue item.

12. What happens if I lose or damage an item?

If an item is lost, the fee charged is the cost to replace the lost item plus a non-refundable $15 processing fee.

If a lost item is paid for then returned in good condition, the replacement cost will be refunded. The processing fee is not refundable.

If a returned item has been damaged, we will determine whether the item can be repaired or whether it must be replaced.

If it can be repaired, a fee to cover the repair costs will be charged. If it needs to be replaced, we’ll charge the cost to replace the item plus a $15 processing fee.

13. What happens if I lose my card?

Please notify the Library as soon as you discover your card lost or missing so we can render the card inactive. A replacement card is $1.