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Public Library

Show All Answers

1. Are library cards free or do I need to pay a fee?

There is no fee for residents of Elgin to get a card in order to check out books and materials.  Effective 10/01/2019, anyone who lives outside the city limits of Elgin will have an annual non-resident fee of $15.00.   The library does charge a printing and copying fee of .20 per page and there is a .10 per day late fee for each overdue book.  Fines are not accrued on days that the library is closed. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224

2. How can I get a library card?

Becoming a member at EPL is quick and easy.  You will need to show a photo ID and proof of your current address and fill out a brief form and you will be issued a card.  Youth in 5th grade and up will need to have a parent/guardian present. The parent/guardian will need to show a photo ID and proof of current address.

3. How long can I check out books and other materials?

All materials are checked out for two weeks.  We can extend the due date at the time of check out if you have special circumstances. Speak to one of our front desk associates. Books automatically renew up to 10 times unless another patron has placed a Reserve/Hold on an item and therefore, the item must be returned before the due date. Patrons can check for their due date by contacting the library or logging into their account online with their Library Card Number and Pin which is their birth month and day: Example: January 1st = 0101. 

4. Is there a limit to how many items I can check out at a time?

We limit the check out of audio books and movies (DVDs & VHS) to 10 items per visit. Adults have a maximum limit of 25 items to checkout; youth (5th grade and up) have a maximum limit of 5 items; however, we hope you will only check out as many books as you can read in two weeks so that other patrons will have access to our materials.  We also request that you not check out a complete series of books as these are very popular and other patrons would like to enjoy them as well.

5. Can I renew items?

Typically, you can renew items several ways.  The fastest way is to call us during our business hours and give us your account number (or we can look you up by your name).  You can go to our website and enter your card number and 4-digit number of your birthday (mm/dd) and renew them yourself. This must be done BEFORE the due day.  You can also come into the library and renew them in person.   The only exception would be if another patron has reserved an item, in which case it would not be available for renewal.

6. Are there digital books available?

Yes.  The EPL is part of the Central Texas Digital Library Consortium. They have a shared subscription to Overdrive: https://ctdl.overdrive.com/. The EPL is also part of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's  E-Read Texas program where patrons are invited to download the SimplyE App to access the Overdrive books in addition to a collection of eBooks provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.  

7. Does the library have computers?

Yes!  We have 12 computers available for public use.  To log on you must use your library card bar-code number and the 4-digit number of your birthday (mm/dd).  Patrons are given the opportunity to sign up for computer access when they get a card.  Access to the computer will be restricted if patron's have overdue materials or fines on their account. If you do not have an account and need to use a computer, we will take a photocopy of your ID and issue you a one-time temporary card.  Patrons printing from a computer will be charged .20/page.  We do not have a color printer available to the public. ALL COMPUTERS ARE SHUT DOWN 15 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING TIME.

8. Can I pay for fines or printing with a credit or debit card?

Yes, we are able to accept payment of this type.

9. Can my child get a library card?

Youth 5th grade and up can obtain a library card with a parent/guardian present when they apply. Youth under 5th grade will check out books and movies to under their parent’s or guardian’s card. Any parent/guardian who signs off for a youth library card or checks out material under their adult card is the person who will be responsible for loss or damage of any materials.

10. Can my child use the computer with my card?

No.  Only the patron whose name is on the account can log on with the card.  If you wish for your child to have computer privileges and they do not have their own library card with permission to use the computers, then we can issue a minor computer access card which can be used to log onto the computer.  Books and other materials must still be checked out on the parent/guardian card. All parents/guardians must complete a Minor Internet Access form. 

11. Can I use my computer at the library?

Yes, our WIFI password is posted at various locations around the building.  However, you will not be able to print from your computer.

12. Can I send a fax from the library?

Yes.  We have a fax service.  The fee for sending a fax is $1.50 for the first page and .50/page for each subsequent page. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224 

13. Can I have a fax sent to me at the library?

Yes.  Our fax number is 512-285-3015. The fee is .50/page.  For your convenience, we suggest you request your name and phone number be included on the fax so we can contact you when it arrives. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224 

14. Can I get documents notarized at the library?

No.  The library does not employ a notary.

15. Can I scan and email documents from the library?

Yes.  We have a machine that will scan and email documents that you may use.  There is no charge for this service.

16. Can I research my ancestry at EPL?

While we do not have a designated genealogy section, you are welcome to use the computers to conduct ancestry research.

17. How can I find out about library programs?

Our monthly newsletter is available on the Elgin City Website, on Facebook for Elgin Public Library and at Elginpubliclibrary.org.  We also post updates about our programs on Instagram @ #elginpubliclibrary.  Or, you can pick one up at the front desk when you check out books and DVD's.

18. Can I donate old books to the library?

Elgin Public Library welcomes the donation of current books in excellent condition.  Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, we are unable to accept books that are out of print, damaged, written in or otherwise defaced.

19. What if you don’t have a book I want?

If the book is a recent release you may submit a request to have the book added to the library’s collection.  If the book is older, you may request an inter-library loan.  In this case we would collaborate with another library in Texas to bring the book to ELP for you to check out.  You would have to agree in advance to pay for postage for the book to be returned.

20. What happens if I lose my library card?

 You may show your identification and we will find your account and check material out to you.  You can a fee of $1 to receive a new card with a different account number but that is not necessary. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224 

21. Can I bring a pet to the library?

While service animals as described by the American Disability Act are welcome on the premises, we regret that we are unable to accommodate pets.

22. Can I drop my children off for library programs?

We want everyone to have a safe and rewarding experience at the library.  To ensure this, all children under 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible sibling who is at least 16 years old.

23. How can I support the library?

The Friends of Elgin Library is a group of citizens who help the library by raising funds and hosting literary events.  To join, stop by the library and fill out a membership card.

24. How can I get a job at the library?

Positions at EPL are highly sought after.  The best way to see if one is available is to check the Jobs listings on the HR page of the Elgin City website.

25. Can I donate a book in honor of or in memory someone?

Yes, we are happy to accept donations in memory of or to honor someone.  When you make the donation, let us know who you would like to honor and, if you want, you can suggest a title or topic for the book.  We will add a memorial plate to the front of the book stating the name of the honoree as well as your name.  Individuals or groups are welcome to make donations.