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Library

Show All Answers

1. How do I find library books, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines and more?

Go to Catalog and type author, title, subject or keyword for the material you want.
Library homepage

2. How do I find library locations and hours

Go to Library Locator for locations, hours and directions to library branches. Library Locator

3. How do I get a library card?

Most individuals who live in or pay library property taxes to Washington County are eligible for a free library card. Your library card is accepted at all Washington County Library branches and Library Express locations, Washington County Law Library, Stillwater Public Library, and Bayport Public Library.

Provide proof of your current address and photo identification at any branch to get a library card.

Individuals with library cards issued by any Regional Library System in Minnesota may register and enjoy borrowing privileges.

Non-Minnesota residents or individuals who do not have cards issued by a Regional Library System in Minnesota may purchase an annual Washington County Library card for $60. Privacy Statement

4. How do I download library ebooks and e-audiobooks?

Go to library's Read page and select OverDrive or 3M Cloud Library for ebooks and OneClickdigital for e-audiobooks. Ebooks and eAudiobooks

5. How do I find magazine or newspaper articles?

Most magazines and newspapers are available from library databases. Go to library's Find page and search for magazine, journal and newspaper issues or for specific articles or authors. You can download current issues of magazines using Zinio. E-magazines and newspapers

6. How do I change my library PIN?

Login to My Account and select User PIN Change option. Your default PIN number is the last four digits of your phone number. You can change your PIN to any 4 digits.
My Account

7. How do I request books, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines and other library materials?

1. Search for the title in the library catalog.
2. Select the Place Hold button.
3. Select your preferred branch or Library Express for pick-up.
4. You will be notified when the item is available for check-out.

Popular titles may have waiting lists.
Feature films released within the past two years and reference books are not requestable.
Library catalog

8. How do I request titles not owned by Washington County Library?

If the title is not in the library catalog, request it from another Minnesota library using MnLINK. MnLINK searches titles in libraries throughout Minnesota. Titles published within the past 12 months and feature films are not available from other libraries. If you cannot find an item through MnLINK, ask a librarian for assistance.
MnLINK

9. How do I borrow library materials?

Use your library card to borrow books, ebooks, audiobooks, e-audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, kits and other library material.

Loan periods
2 weeks for books, magazines, audiobooks and CDs
1 week for DVDs
1 or 2 weeks for Law Library materials

To share library resources in a fair and timely manner, there are limits for any library account at one time.
5 eBooks checked out; 5 requests for eBooks; 7 titles may be added to a Bookbag while browsing
20 Washington County Library requests
10 MnLink Gateway (interlibrary loan) requests
25 overdue items
100 total items
Borrowing privileges are suspended when limits are exceeded.
Library catalog

10. How do I renew my library materials?

Use My Account to renew library loans online.

Loan periods for most borrowed materials may be extended three times. DVDs may be renewed two times. Renewal periods are...
2 weeks for books, magazines, audiobooks and CDs
1 week for DVDs
1 or 2 weeks for Law Library materials

Loans for some materials cannot be extended.
Titles with waiting lists
Feature films produced within the past two years
Items loaned from other Minnesota libraries
E-books My Account

11. How do I return my library materials?

Book returns are open 24/7 at all branches and Library Express locations. Materials may also be returned to any public library in the Twin Cities metro area. Items returned at other metro libraries remain on your account until they arrive back to Washington County Library.
Library Locator

12. How do I ask a reference question?

Go to library's Ask page. Librarians are available by phone, email, online chat, and in person at your local branch. Ask a Librarian

13. How do I find library events, classes and storytimes?

Go to Library Events Calendar and search for an event, area of interest, or specific date. Library Events Calendar

14. How do I suggest a new title for the library to purchase?

Go to the library's Find page and click on "Suggest a new title not found in the library's catalog." Complete the form and submit.
Suggest a Title

15. How do I reserve a library meeting room?

Go to library's Use page and select "Meet page" under Meeting Rooms. Then call the library branch to reserve the room. Meet

16. How do I pay a library fee?

You can pay library fees using…
Cash or check at any branch service desk
Credit or debit card at some self-checkout stations

Library fees
$3 for a replacement library card

$60 a year for a library card for non-Minnesota residents or Minnesota residents whose city or county does not participate in a Minnesota regional library system.

Replacement cost for damaged items
If a library item is returned in a condition that makes it unusable, it is considered damaged.

Replacement price for unreturned or lost items
Items that check out for two weeks are considered lost when they are six weeks overdue. Items that check out for one week are considered lost when they are three weeks overdue. If a library user pays for an item, and later finds the item, the payment will not be returned.

$8 recovery fee for each item that is not returned before being considered lost
To avoid the $8 recovery fee, return items by their due dates or renew items that you want to keep longer. If you misplace, damage, or lose a library item, pay the replacement price before you receive a bill for the item.

10 cents per page for photocopies

15 cents per page for printing from a computer

70 cents per page for color photocopies

If you have unpaid fees on your library account, borrowing privileges are suspended until the fees have been resolved.

Washington County Library does not charge daily fines for overdue materials.

17. How do I get notified about library holds, overdue loans, and fees?

Washington County Library sends courtesy e-mail or mail notices for...
Materials nearing due date (e-mail only)
Overdue materials
Lost materials

A final courtesy notice is sent at six weeks overdue for unreturned three-week loans and at three weeks overdue for unreturned one-week loans. The final notice is a bill for the replacement cost of materials plus a nonrefundable $8 recovery fee for each item. Thirty days after the final notice is sent unpaid charges of more than $50 are sent to Washington County for debt collection.

Card holders should update their e-mail and mailing addresses at a branch.

You can also check My Account for the status of your borrowed or requested items.
Not getting library notifications?

18. How do I create my own book lists?

When you find items in Searching that you want to keep and organize, you can save them in My Lists. You can create and customize your lists, print or email your lists, and place holds on items.
You can add items to your My Lists by using the "Select An Action" drop-down from either a search results page or an item's detail display. If you are logged in to the system, you will be prompted to select which of your lists you want to save items to. If you are not already logged in to the system, any items you add to My Lists will be sent to a "Temporary List." To access your custom lists, you will need to first log in.
To view a list, click on it. It will open in the main window.
To arrange your saved lists, do one of the following:
• Use the () icon to drag and drop your lists in the order you want them to appear.
• Use the Arrange By drop down (2) to arrange your lists alphabetically (ascending or descending), or by the time they were created (most recent first or oldest first).
To create a new list, click the Add List button (3). A window will open and prompt you to name your new list. Enter the name and click Create to create the new list or Cancel to go back.
To delete lists, select the lists you want to remove and then click the Delete Lists button (4).
You can click on the title or image of any item to view its detail page.

My Account

19. How do I use wireless at the library?

You can use the library’s wireless network to connect to the Internet.
1. Plug in your laptop's power cord (if needed).
2. If your laptop does not have built-in wireless capability, insert your wireless card.
3. Turn your laptop on.
4. Open your web browser.

If you are unable to connect, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your laptop for assistance.

20. How do I use a library computer?

Use library computers to connect to the digital world.
Login to a PC using your library card barcode and PIN.
One-hour daily access; time extended when possible.
Printing is available at 15 cents per page.
Bring your own portable computer and connect to our wireless network. Library Locator

21. How do I use Library Express?

Pick up or return your library materials 24/7. All you need is a library card and an e-mail account.
1. Request titles from the Washington County Library catalog.
2. Select a convenient Library Express as your pickup point.
3. The library will send you an e-mail when your materials are available for pickup.
4. Go to the lockers and follow the instructions on the keypad.
5. Enter the last four digits of the library card used to place the request.
6. Press "enter." The assigned locker(s) opens automatically.
7. Remove your items from the locker. Your items are already checked out.
8. Close the locker door.
Return materials to the Library Express book return or any public library in the Twin Cities metro area.
Library Locator

22. How do I get homework help?

Go to library's Ask page and select Homework Rescue link. Tutors are available to help students and adult learners from 1 to 11 pm daily. Homework Rescue

23. How do I get job and career help?

Go to library's Ask page and select JobsNow link. Job coaches are available to help with job searching, resumes and interview skills 1 to 11 pm daily. JobsNow

24. How do I buy used books?

Used library materials and donated items are sold at all library branches.
Hardcover book, $2
Paperback book, $1
CDs and DVDs, $2
Book Sales

25. How do I donate books to the library?

Bring donations of current books, CDs and DVDs that are in good condition to any branch.
If you need a receipt for tax purposes, library staff will provide a receipt. You assign a value to your contribution.
Some items may be added to the library collection; other items are offered at library book sales.
Proceeds from the book sales are used to support collections and programming.
Library Locator

26. Does the library offer student exam services?

Go to library's Use page and click on "student exam service" for instructions.
Unsupervised student exam service is available at most branches. The library does not offer proctoring services nor do staff members observe students during the test.
Student Exam Service Instructions

27. How do I get tax forms?

Pick up copies of the most-used Minnesota and federal tax forms at library branches.
Photocopy tax forms from reproducible files (10 cents per page).
Download and print tax forms from the IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue websites.
Go to Tax Help for useful information.
Tax Help

28. How do I join a library book club?

Everyone is welcome at library book clubs. Go to library's Read page and click on "Join a library Book Club" for a list of book club schedules and locations. Book Clubs

29. How do I have library materials delivered to my home?

If you are physically unable to visit a library, use our At Home Delivery and enjoy library materials by mail. Phone 651-275-8500 for information.

30. How do I manage my library accounts?

Library ELF is a web and email tool for library users to keep track of what's due, overdue or ready for pickup from one or more library accounts. Users have the option to consolidate their library accounts into one account, making it ideal for families with multiple library cards or individuals who borrow from more than one library system.

Accounts are checked every day and email notices or RSS feeds are sent when items are coming due, overdue or when holds are ready for pickup.

If you're interested in signing up for the service or just want to find out more about how it works, go to www.libraryelf.org.
Library Elf

31. How do I schedule a library tour?

If you would like to schedule a tour of the library for a class or group, please contact your local branch. Library Locator

32. Does the library have mobile apps?

WCL Mobile and BookMyne are two free mobile apps that let you connect with your library anytime, anywhere. You can search the library catalog, access your library account, and more all from your mobile phone. Go to the library's Use page and click on "WCL Mobile and BookMyne" under Mobile Apps for instructions on how to download to your mobile device. Library Mobile Apps Instructions

33. How do I update personal information for my library account?

To update your personal information, please bring a photo ID and proof of residency to any library service desk. Staff will update your library account. Privacy Statement

34. How do I become a library volunteer?

Apply to become a library volunteer by submitting an online Library Volunteer Application from the form below. You will be contacted about available volunteer opportunities that suit your skills and schedule. Library Volujnteer Application

35. Why do I need two accounts for Zinio digital magazines?

Your Washington County Library Zinio account allows you to access the library's collection of magazines and check out as many as you want, as long as you want, without paying for a Zinio magazine issue or subscription. Your Zinio account allows you to read and manage the magazines you selected from the library's collection using Zinio's platform. The library account provides the access and the Zinio account provides the reading platform.

36. Why haven't I received the next issue of my Zinio digital magazine?

You need to return to your Washington County Library Zinio account to check out each issue of a digital magazine. The library Zinio page shows the newest issue of each magazine. Once you check it out, you can keep it as long as you want.

37. Where are my Zinio digital magazines on my iPad app?

The digital magazines are in your Viewer Collection, but your iPad app is not connected to your Viewer Collection.
1. Log out of your iPad app.
2. Close the app.
3. Reopen the app.
4. Log in using the same email and password used for your Zinio Viewer Account.
Your magazines will now be in your iPad Viewer Collection.

38. How do I get the newest issues of Zinio digital magazines loaded to my iPad app?

Your iPad app is a viewer only. It allows you to read Zinio digital magazines checked out from your library Zinio account. Simply go to you library Zinio account and check out as many magazines as you want. Then refresh your iPad app. The newly checked out magazines will be there.

39. Why does my iPad app have my Zinio digital magazine but not my iPhone app?

iPhones are not able to view every Zinio digital magazine. Some magazines, like Newsweek, have file formats that are not compatible with iPhone's graphic display. In your Zinio account change your view from magazine cover to list view. You will see what magazines are compatible with various apps.