Using the Library

Get a Library Card

You must have a library card in order to borrow library materials. New borrowers are limited to borrowing two (2) items on the first checkout. Max Checkout is five (5) items per card, or twelve (12) items per family.

How to Apply for a Card

Complete a registration form which includes the following information:

1. Name

2. Address

3. Phone

4. Email

5. Birth date

6. Notification preferences

7. Permissions for children (under age 18)

Forms of Identification to Present:

• A valid picture ID

• Driver’s license

• Piece of mail with name and address

A parent’s signature is required for children.

By completing registration for a library card: You agree to abide by library rules, pay fines or damages to library property and give notice of change of address or phone number.

Renewing a Card: Library cards are renewed every year from the original date of issue. Library staff will verify registration information and note changes.  Any library card which is not used for a period of three years or more will be deleted from the system.

Library cards are available at no cost.

Borrowing Books and Other Items

New Borrowers

• New card holders: check out 2 items at a time.

• If materials are returned on time and in good condition: borrow up to 5 items at a time.

• Families are limited to 12 books at a time.

If you have late fees or do not pay for lost or damages items, borrowing restrictions may be imposed.

Need a card? Find out how to get one.

Checkout Times

• Books, magazines and audiobooks, have a loan period of 14 days.

• Videos and DVDs may be borrowed for 3 days.

• New releases may be borrowed for 7 days.

• Movies: are limited to 3 movies at a time.

Other Services:

Notary

We currently have 4 notaries. Notary service is just $1.00.

Fax Services

Faxes are $2.50, no matter how many pages.

Copies

Prints are .20c per B&W copy and .50c per color copy.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Reserving Items

Materials currently in circulation but unavailable at the time of request may be reserved.  This may be done in person at the library or online.  Library staff will notify patrons when the materials are available.

Borrowing from Other Libraries

If you are looking for a book that the library does not hold in its collection, you can request getting the items through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Request forms are available at the front desk. We will contact you to let you know when your items arrive. Be aware that if you order a book through interlibrary loan and do not claim it, you will be charged a $5 postage and handling fee.

You may request 1 interlibrary loan at no cost per 6 month period. Multiple requests during a 6 month period will be charged $5 per book to cover the cost of postage and handling.

Where to Return Library Items

• Return books in person or in the book drop.

• Return audio-books, videos, and DVDs inside the library.

How to Renew Items

You may renew materials in person, by phone, or through your library account online.

There is a limit of one 1 renewal per item. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director (Tina) or Director of Operations (Talyn).

Overdue Fines

The library does not charge fines on overdue books and movies.  However, habitual late returns may affect your library privileges. If a book is never returned, or returned in bad shape, you will be responsible for the cost of replacement.

Fines for overdue Mobile Hotspots are $5 per day after the first day overdue. If the hotspot is not returned, you will be charged $50.00 for the hotspot.

Lost and Damaged Materials

Lost or damaged materials are the responsibility of the borrower. Cost of replacement will be assessed according to the degree of damage or age of the book.

Computer and Internet Use

We have computers for the public to use.

• To use a computer, you can log in with your library card, or request an access code at the front desk.

• Computer use is limited to 1 hour per day.

If you need the computer for school research, we are able to increase you time. Please ask us at the desk.

Computers are shut down 30 minutes before close of business each day.

You are not allowed to save information or download anything on library computers.

We are available to answer technical questions. However, we are not able to assist in completing any tasks which involve personal information.

Printing from Computers

• Use Print Preview before you print.

• All printing is done at the front desk.  You are responsible for anything printed.

• Prints are .20c per B&W copy and .50c per color copy.

Internet Access and Use

You must agree to the library’s policy on acceptable use before you can access the library’s wired internet.

Wi-Fi Use

The library offers free wireless internet for your laptops, tablets, phones and other devices.  Library patrons using Wi-Fi agree to abide by all laws, policies, and regulations governing the use of computers in the library.

Sometimes the Wi-Fi bandwidth fluctuates. This can depend on how many people are using the wireless connection and what they are downloading or streaming.

Safety of Children and the Internet

Blackwell Public Library will take steps to assure compliance with state and federal laws, including the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), laws pertaining to obscene materials, child pornography, and materials harmful to minors as defined by OS Supp. 200, 1040.75,  and Copyright law (US Code Title 17).  Library patrons using the computers agree to abide by all laws and policies governing computer and internet use.  To meet this requirement, content filtering devices and/or software are in use to protect computer users from accessing anything in violation of the laws.  Anyone not complying with the policy may forfeit computer privileges.

Children age 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent at the computer. Permission for children over 11 years old to use the internet may be indicated on the library card application and will be noted on the patron record.

Meeting Room

Meeting Room Policy

The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Library staff, City of Blackwell or the Board.

The room is available to individuals or organized groups in the Library service area. There are exceptions, in certain circumstances.

• The room is permanently reserved every last Wednesday of the month from 4-6pm for Board Meetings.

• The room may be reserved no more than 90 days in advance.

• Library programming will have first priority in room use.

• There will be no charge for use of the meeting room.

• No admission may be charged by the group.

• Refreshments may be served and shall be provided by the group. No smoking is allowed.

The people using the room shall leave it in neat, clean, orderly condition; if not, the group/individual will be given notice that continued offense will result in denied access to the meeting room.

The Library is not responsible for any equipment, supplies, materials, clothing, or other items brought to the Library by any group or individual attending a meeting.

The Library Board and staff do not assume any liability for groups or individuals attending a meeting in the Library.

Standards of Behavior

Welcome to Blackwell Public Library. Thank you for visiting. Please observe the following guidelines while in the library.

• Please keep your cell phone volume and voice low so to not disturb other patrons.
• Please make sure you are wearing proper clothing for a visit to the library.
• Remember, the library is a public place, so please refrain from public displays of affection.
• Please respect the library property and materials.
• Please remain in the public areas.
• Please keep track of your children.
• Please abide by the library’s computer policy.
• Please respect requests from library staff.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Behavior in the Library

It is your responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect your individual rights and the rights and privileges of others. You are expected to adhere to the social norms and customs associated with public places.

See the official policy on Behavior in the Library

Children in the Library

All children under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.

See the official policy on Children in the Library