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Library

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1. How do I get a library card? / ¿Cómo puedo obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca?

Apply for a Library Card

To apply for a library card you must provide:

• Current photo identification, such as a state-issued driver's license or ID, military ID or passport
• Proof of residency, such as a voter registration card, utility bill, auto insurance or mail that is addressed to the applicant and postmarked within the past six months. Must show physical address not post office box.
• A completed application. Download the form (PDF).
• Applicants under the age of 16 can obtain a library card with the signature of a parent/guardian.
• Parent/guardian photo identification and proof of residency is required.
• Non-Guadalupe County residents can obtain a Seguin Public Library card by paying a $25 out-of-county privilege fee per year.

e-Cards

Only residents of Seguin and Guadalupe County may apply for an e-card. You may apply for an e-Card by completing the online application and emailing it to the Library. e-Cards only allow access to our electronic resources. Customers who do not have an existing account with the Seguin Public Library can apply for e-Cards during normal operation hours. For full library access, apply for a library card in person at any of our service desks.

Aplique por una tarjeta de la Biblioteca

Para aplicar por una tarjeta de biblioteca debe proveer:

• Identificación vigente con foto como la licencia de manejar o tarjeta de identificación estatal, tarjeta de identificación militar o el pasaporte.
• Prueba de dirección/domicilio actual como el registro de votante, factura de las utilidades, seguro del carro o correo con el sello postal con fecha de hasta seis meses pasados. Debe mostrar domicilio físico y no la dirección del apartado postal.
• Una solicitud completa. Obtenga el formulario de aplicación aquí (PDF).
• Aplicantes menores de 16 años deben estar acompañados de padres o guardianes para obtener la tarjeta de la biblioteca.
• Personas que no residan en el Condado Guadalupe pueden obtener una tarjeta de la Biblioteca de Seguin pagando $25 por año.

2. How old do you have to be to get a library card? / ¿A que edad puedo applicar por una tarjeta de la biblioteca?

There is no minimum age requirement for library cardholders. Young children may get a library card if they can write/sign their name on the application form and the library card.

No hay un requisito de edad mínima para los titulares de tarjetas de la biblioteca. Los niños pequeños pueden obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca si pueden escribir/firmar su nombre en el formulario de solicitud y en la tarjeta de la biblioteca.

3. Can I apply for a library card online?

You may apply only for an e-Card online. Only residents of Seguin and Guadalupe County may apply for an e-card. You may apply for an e-Card by completing the online application and emailing it to the Library. e-Cards only allow access to our electronic resources. Customers who do not have an existing account with the Seguin Public Library can apply for e-Cards during normal operation hours. For full library access, apply for a library card in person at any of our service desks.

To obtain a library card with full borrowing privileges, you must apply in person. You can print and fill out the application form (PDF) in advance.

4. If I don't live in Guadalupe County, how much do I have to pay for a library card?

Out-of-County Residents must pay a privilege fee of $25 per year, unless they have a TexShare card from their home library.

5. How much does it cost to replace my library card?

The cost of replacing a library card is $3 per occurrence. You must provide one form of identification. The original library card will be invalidated. If your card is lost or stolen, let us know immediately. In cases of unauthorized use of a lost or stolen card, the cardholder will be responsible for all costs and charges.

6. Does my library card expire?

Yes, library card privileges expire. They are valid for 1 year. You will be notified 14 days before they expire. Privileges can be renewed by phone and email as long as there is no change of residence and you are a resident of Guadalupe County. If you have changed residence, then you must renew in person with valid picture identification showing name and proof of current address in Guadalupe County. Non-Guadalupe County residents must renew in person and pay the $25 out-of-county fee. Non-Guadalupe County residents with TexShare cards must renew in person and present your current TexShare card from your home library.

7. How do I access my account?

Log into your account with your library card number and phone number or password.

8. How do I set up my account password?

You must first log into your account with your library card number and phone number. Under Account Info you may select to secure a new password.

9. What if I forgot my account password?

You must call 830-401-2422 or email the Library to reset your account password. Please be sure to provide your library card number.

10. How will I be notified if an item is overdue?

The library will send a courtesy 3-day notice before items are due. You will also receive an overdue notification by phone, text, or email once items are overdue .

11. Can I change how I am notified?

Yes, once you log in to your account, under notifications you may select how you would like to be notified.

12. Can I reserve items that are on the shelf or that show as available?

Yes, you can. Staff will pull reserves each day, usually first thing in the morning.

13. May I renew the items I checked out if I'm not finished with them?

All materials, except Interlibrary Loans, may be renewed, providing there is not a waiting list for the item. Interlibrary Loans renewals are determined on a case-by-case basis. Call interlibrary loan (ILL) staff at 830-386-2584 for renewal requests.

14. How much are late fees?

For Seguin Public Library materials, late fees are $0.20 per day (maximum of $4 per item) and for Interlibrary Loan materials the late fee is $0.50 per day (no maximum)

15. How much do I have to pay if I lose or damage a book, audiobook or DVD?

If you lose or damage a material you will be billed the replacement cost plus a processing fee.

16. Is there a minimum dollar amount required to pay for fees and fines with a credit card?

Yes, the minimum amount to pay with a credit card is $2.50.

17. How big is the library collection?

The Library owns a collection of over 70,000 materials, including books, DVDs and audiobooks. The collection emphasizes popular adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as materials for children and teens. We continuously add new books, and are always interested in your recommendations.

18. Does the library have Genealogy and local history materials?

Yes, the library has local history and genealogy research materials, such as Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (microfilmed), family histories, yearbooks, historic photographs and microfilmed copies of local newspapers back to 1900. The library also provides onsite access to Ancestry Library Edition.

19. What online/electronic resources are available at the library?

The library provides access to electronic resources such as TexShare, Ancestry Library Edition, Morningstar, Newsbank, Mango Languages, Brainfuse, RBdigital, RBdigital magazines, iCloud Library, Tumblebooks and Overdrive.

20. If the library does not own a book, DVD or audiobook that I am looking for, can you borrow it from another library?

Yes, materials that are not owned by the library can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan and in most cases the service is free.

21. If I need help finding information or have questions can the library staff help me?

Yes, you can call, email, or stop by the library and ask questions. All of your questions are important to us, and will be answered quickly and accurately under the guidance of a Reference Librarian.

22. Does the library have Internet access?

Yes, the library has twenty-four public workstations with fast and direct connection to the Internet. The library provides Internet access with no age restrictions, so parents are encouraged to be involved with their children's Internet use. Please read the Library's Internet, Wi-Fi Access and Public Computer Use Policy (PDF).

23. Does the library have Free Wi-Fi Access?

Yes, the library offers free wireless access. To access the internet, simply launch your web browser and agree to the library's terms usage terms.  The library staff is not trained to troubleshoot your wireless device—if you want to use this service, you are expected to be familiar with your own equipment. Please read the Library's Internet, Wi-Fi Access and Public Computer Use Policy (PDF).

24. Does the library offer hotspots?

Yes, the library has hotspots for checkout.

25. Does the library have headphones for the public to watch YouTube videos or to listen to music?

No, the library does not have headphones for public use. You can purchase a pair of earbuds at the library for $2.50.

26. Can I scan documents at the library?

Yes, you can scan documents at the library. You can scan to a USB drive, smart device, email, and to print. If you do not have a USB drive, you can purchase one at the library for $5.50.

27. Can I send and receive faxes at the library?

At the library, you can send out faxes, but you cannot receive faxes. The cost of faxing is $1 per page, and cash only.

28. How much does it cost to print/make copies at the library?

Black and white printing and photocopies are $0.15 per page and color printing and photocopies are $0.50 per page.

29. How do I donate to the library?

Learn about Library Donations.

The Seguin Public Library welcomes gifts and donations that support the mission of the library and serve to enhance library services and resources.

We accept new and gently used books and magazines for the Bookstore. Book donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.

Donations may also be submitted directly to the Public Library Foundation or the Friends of the Seguin Public Library. Both organizations provide funds to support the library's services and programs and are tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations.

Read about the Friends of the Seguin Public Library Memorial and In Honor Program.

30. Does the library have meeting spaces for public use?

Yes, the library has 7 study rooms, 2 conference rooms and 1 large community meeting room. Ask library staff for more information or visit the Meeting Spaces section of the website.

31. Does the library offer proctoring services?

Yes, we offer proctoring services. There is a $10 fee per test. Call the library for more information.

32. How can I volunteer at the Library?

Complete the Volunteering form (PDF) and return it to the library. Based on your interests and answers, the appropriate volunteer coordinator will contact you after your application has been cleared by the City's Human Resources Department.