You are here:    Home  /   Departments  /   Library  /   About the Library  /   Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get a library card? The library primarily serves the residents of Rowlett and surrounding communities, however anyone is eligible for a library card. How can I get a library card?   For adults and young adults (14-17 years): Show a valid I.D. and proof of address, such as a driver’s license. Fill out a brief application form. Sign the card and accept responsibility for all items checked out. For children under 14: A parent or legal guardian shows a photo I.D. The adult fills out an application form and signs the child’s card. The adult is responsible for all items checked out on the child’s card. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. If you lend your card to someone else, you accept responsibility for the materials they check out on the card. How do I use my library card? You must present you valid library card to the Circulation Staff to check out any materials. Be sure you have your card with you when you come to the library. (A driver's license may also be used to identify an account.) How many items can I check out? The first time you use your card, you may check out any combination of 5 books, audiobooks, or music CDs plus 1 video/ DVD. After the first time, a total of 50 items may be checked out on a library card. This can include up to 20 of each of the following types of materials: adult books juvenile books audiobooks music CDs magazines videotapes/DVDs How long can I check out an item? Books, audiobooks, music CDs, magazines, and videotapes/DVDs check out for 3 weeks. What about renewals? An item may be renewed if there is no request for the item from another patron. You may renew any item for one additional period of 3 weeks. Renewals may be made in person, by telephone, or through the library’s online catalog at http://catalog.rowlett.lib.tx.us. How can I return items when the Library is closed? The drive-through book and video depositories are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are two outside return slots: one for books and one for videos/DVDs and audiobooks. 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 catalog at http://catalog.rowlett.lib.tx.us and clicking on “My Account”. We will notify you when the request is filled then hold the item for 7 days for you to pick it up. What happens if an item is overdue? The extended use fee for books, audiobooks, videos/DVDs, music CDs, and magazines is $.20 per day. (We do not count the days that the library is closed). The maximum fine charged is the cost to replace the overdue item. What happens if I lose or damage an item? If an item is lost, the fee charged is the cost to replace the lost item plus a non-refundable $15 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’ll 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 cost to replace the item plus a $15 processing fee. What happens if I lose my card? Please notify the library as soon as you discover your card lost or missing so we can render the card inactive. A replacement card is $1.00. 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. Lending policies will vary by library. How do I use the PC-Lab? To use the PC Lab: Have a valid Rowlett Public Library card with no fees owed. 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. Computers may be used for 60 minutes. Printing is available for $0.15 per page for black-and-white copies or $1.00 per page for color copies.