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 resident 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, tablet, or smartphone. On your device's Wi-Fi settings, connect to the Rowlett Public Library Guest network. Printing is available from personal devices using the PrinterOn App or website. Printing is also available from the Library's public computers.

3. How do I use the Public Computers?

Library Public Computer Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 8:15 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. To use the Public Computers:

• Have a valid Rowlett Public Library card with no fees over $5.00.
• 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.

Printing is available for $0.15 per page for black-and-white prints and $1.00 per page for color prints. The Library does not offer a fax or scanner service at this time.

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. To obtain a TexShare card you must have been a Library card holder with Rowlett Public Library for at least six months and your account must be in good standing. 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 your items two times if there are no requests. 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 your valid library card to the Circulation Staff to check out any materials. A driver's license may also be used to identify an account and check out materials.

7. How many items can I check out?

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

After the first time, the checkout limits per card become:

• 40 books (including audiobooks)
• 10 DVDs or blu-rays
• 1 mobile hotspot

8. How long can I check out an item?

Books, audio books, magazines and mobile hotspots can be checked out for three weeks. DVDs and blu-rays can be checked out for seven days. Items may be renewed two times if there are no requests on the materials.

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

The Library material depository is open after business hours each day, seven days a week. There is one outside return slot for books, 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 for three days for you to pick up.

11. What happens if an item is overdue?

The extended use fee for books, audio books, DVDs, and magazines is $0.20 per day (we do not count the days that the Library is closed). A maximum fine of $10 per item is charged. If an item is overdue for an extended amount of time the material will go to a lost status and the price of the book will be added to your account. The price of the book will come off of your account if the overdue item is returned, but any fines associated with the item will remain on the account.

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

If an item is lost, the fee charged is the price of the item that was lost or damaged plus a non-refundable $5 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 price of the item plus a $5 processing fee.

We cannot accept purchased/used books to replace lost books.

13. What happens if I lose my card?

Please notify the Library as soon as you discover your card is lost or missing so that we can render the card inactive. A replacement card is $1.00.