Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
undefined
undefined
Library User's Guide

___________________________________________________________________

I want to join the Library.

About Library Cards

Your Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card can open the door to a world of information. The Library System offers books, audiocassettes, compact discs and videos for you to take home and use. We are here to help you with your information needs. So, join millions of citizens by becoming a library card holder.

You need a valid Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System library card to to check out library materials.

Who can get a library card?

Residents of the Free Service Area

Residents of Fulton County, the City of Atlanta and the City of Atlanta in DeKalb County are eligible for a free card.

Non-Residents

Non-residents may apply for a library card by paying a non-refundable annual fee of $75.00. Senior citizens pay a reduced non-resident fee.

Children

Children under the age of 13 who want to register for a library card must have the library card application signed by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must supply identification that shows the current residential address. By signing the child's application, the parent or guardian accepts the responsibility for all items borrowed on the child's library card. The child who is registering for the library card must be present or the parent must supply identification for the child.

What do I need to get a Library Card?

When you register for a library card you will need to verify your current name and address by presenting 2 (two) pieces of identification. One piece of identification must have your current residential address. Among the items you may present are your:

  • driver's license
  • senior citizens' identification card
  • work identification card
  • student identification card
  • birth certificate
  • passport
  • voter registration card
  • printed checks with current address
  • health care card
  • rental receipts or lease
  • welfare identification
  • Fulton County property tax receipts
  • food stamp card, or
  • current utility bill.
Confidentiality

The Library System will keep all records relating to your library card registration and the materials you borrow confidential.

Your Responsibilities as a Library Card Holder

You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card. Report a lost, missing or stolen library card immediately by contacting your local branch library.

Most cards are valid for two years. Renew your card by presenting the card and identification with your current name and residential address. We will renew your card after you have cleared all fines, fees, and overdue materials from your record.

Using your Library Card

You may use your library card be at all libraries within the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. You must present your library card to borrow materials. Library cards are issued to an individual and the Library System expects the card to be used only by the person who signed it. Special situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Parents: Please help your child understand that having a library card means borrowing responsibly, returning library materials on time and in good condition.

Back toTop ___________________________________________________________________

How long can I borrow this for?

About Loan Periods

You may borrow items for the following time periods:

  • Popular or "Browse" Materials - 14 days
  • Videos (only 2 at a time) - 7 days
  • All other materials - 28 days

Renewals

You may renew MOST materials one time. Popular or "Browse" materials, HOLDS, and videos can NOT be renewed.

We strongly encourage you to return materials by the due date. Overdue materials will impact your borrowing privileges.

Back toTop ___________________________________________________________________

Oops! I forgot..., I lost..., The dog ate...

About Fines, Lost & Damaged, Theft

Fines for overdue materials are:

  • Books and other materials - 10 cents a day, maximum $5.00 per item
  • Videos - $1.00 per day, maximum $5.00 per item
  • Children's materials (except videos) - No fines

Lost & Damaged Materials

Replacement cost for lost or damaged materials is based on our current average cost for that media or format.

Theft

Anyone caught stealing or damaging material with intent to steal will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Back toTop ___________________________________________________________________

I want that book!

About Holds Services

Holds is a Library System service that reserves library material for you, whether it is checked out or is at another branch library. We will locate the item you request and send it to the branch library that you designate. When the item arrives at the branch library of your choice, the Library System's telephone notification system will call you.

Q. Who can use the Holds Service?

A. Anyone whose Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System library card is in good standing.

Q. What do you mean by "good standing"?

A. If you owe more than $5.00 in fines, have any unresolved lost charges, or have two or more overdue items, your account is not in good standing and your library card is "blocked." You will be able to use this service when your account is cleared.

Q. How do I put something on Hold?

A. Use any of the following choices:

  • Patron Placed Holds - Patron Placed Holds is a service that allows you to use the computer to place a hold. There are several ways to access a computer:
    • Use the Library catalog from PASSPORT System Menu on the computers at any branch library;
    • Dial in to PASSPORT Connect and use the Library catalog;
    • Use the Library System's web site to get to PASSPORT and the Library Catalog;
    Or, you can
  • Complete a Holds Request form and give it to a staff person;
  • Telephone your branch library.

Q. How do I get my Holds items?

A. We will deliver your requested item to any library in the system with the exception of special libraries such as the Auburn Avenue Research Library and the Capitol Area Homes Information Center.

Q. Is there any limit on the number of Holds I can have at one time?

A. Yes! You may have up to 10 Holds on a card at one time. We also will only take up to 3 (three) telephone requests per person, per day.

Back toTop ___________________________________________________________________

Haven't finished that book yet?

About TeleLibrarian Services

The New Telelibrarian is waiting to help you. With your Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System borrower's card, a touch-tone telephone and the Telelibrarian service, you can:

  • Renew library materials (28-day materials and CDs can usually be renewed one time) by telephone anytime, day or night, seven days a week.
  • Find out if your Holds material is waiting for you.
  • Hear a list of all items currently checked out to you.
  • Hear a detailed list of fines and fees you owe.

Just call 404-730-1860 to access the Telelibrarian. It is ready to serve you.

No Kidding We'll Call You!

No more waiting for the mail! The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will call you:

  • when your Holds request is ready for pick up, or
  • to remind you of library material you may have forgotten to return.

So, when you hear "This call is from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System..." Don't hang up! There is important information for you.

If we can't reach you by phone we will notify you by mail. To be sure we can reach you by telephone we will be checking your telephone number when you check out books or place Holds on library materials.

___________________________________________________________________

 
InterLibrary Loan is a special service offered through the Circulation department which affords library patrons the opportunity to borrow materials (books, articles and microfiche) not owned by the Atlanta Fulton Public Library from libraries throughout the country. Patrons must have a current valid library card and are asked to give as much bibliographic information as possible about the requested item. Requests are limited to 3 at a time. There is no fee for this service unless one is required by the loaning institution. ILL also loans AFPL materials to institutions throughout the US. The availability of InterLibrary Loan supports scholarly studies, genealogical research and personal reading by library patrons. For more information and questions about InterLibrary Loan, call 404-730-1929.
 
___________________________________________________________________

Return to:
Top of this page | Home Page