When are the libraries open?
You can find the hours and locations of all of our branches here.
How long can I take out books/videos/magazines?
Our books, compact discs, audiotapes, puppets, and puzzles can go home with you for three weeks when you take them out with your library card. You can only check out videocassettes, DVD's and magazines for one week. If we get a book from another library system, they may want it back sooner.
How many books and other materials can I take out on my library card?
You can take out 50 items on your card at one time.
How can I keep something out longer?
You can keep something out longer by renewing the materials. If you renew something you can keep it out for three more weeks. If someone is waiting for the item, you will not be able to renew it.
Our tapes and CD's (also called audios), videos, and magazines may be renewed only once and only if no else wants the material or item. DVDs cannot be renewed at this time. Renewing materials from other libraries depends on their rules, not ours.
Can I renew library materials from home?
Yes! Have your library card ready. Call 932-3600 when we are open. Press the number 4 after the automated message begins. Or click here to renew your items online. You will need your library card number to renew the items.
What happens if I keep out an item too long?
When you keep an item out for too long, the item is overdue.
There will be $0.05 a day fine. Each extra day will cost a nickel for every item. You cannot be charged more than $5 in late fines for each item.
- Videos & DVD's: $1.00 per day
- For lost/damaged material: cost of the material lost/damaged
What if I have a fine on my card and want to check something out?
If your fine is under $10.00 you can still use your card. So if you owe $10.50 and pay $0.51 you can check out materials.
What do I have to do the get a library card?
It's free and easy. You can get a card at any age. You need to get a form to fill out from the check out desk. Ask your parent or guardian (the person who takes care of you) to sign the form and show their identification (something with their picture and current address) to the staff.
What happens if I lose my card?
You would have to pay the library $0.35 for a new card.
May I borrow books from other places?
Yes. You may borrow books from any of our branches: Coventry, Noble and University Heights. You can use your library card at any CLEVNET library (over 30 area libraries, including Shaker Heights, Cleveland Public, East Cleveland, Euclid and many more).
Can I return materials from other libraries?
Glad to have them! We participate in a daily delivery service, which moves materials all around northern Ohio.
Can I bring back my materials to other libraries?
Yes, Shaker Heights, Cleveland, East Cleveland and Euclid are some of the many libraries that will return your materials to us. If you are not sure if a library will return materials to us, just ask. We will be happy to let you know.
Can I really check out puppets and puzzles?
Of course. We have puzzles and puppets in bags that you may check out.
Do you have computers that I can use? When can I use these computers?
We have game computers, Proficiency Tutorial computers, and Internet computers for people to use.
Each of the game computers has games for all ages. You have to ask us to use the game computers. You sign up for half-hour blocks of time and can sign up for one appointment per day. You can sign up as far as a week in advance. We will sign you up at the Children's Information Desk or over the phone at 932-3600 (select number 2). Call each of our branches to sign up to use their game computers.
Our Proficiency Computers have programs to help students, grades 4, 6, and 9 to prepare for the Ohio Proficiency Test. You can sign up to use them for hour-long blocks of time. Staff will show you how to get to the programs.
The Internet computers in the Children's Department are first-come, first-served. We do not have a waiting list, but in the Children's Department we ask everyone to sign up when they get on a computer. This way we can make computers available to everyone in thirty-minute sessions when there is demand.
Internet computers may be used when the library is open. Game computers shut down 30 minutes before closing. The computers at the branches can be used when the library is open. We also have a Computer Center at the Main library that has PCs (personal computers) and Macintoshes. Here are the hours when they are open.
Can I use software or CDs on the public computers?
Unfortunately, no. We do not want our computers to get a computer virus. You can use a disk to save something that you have created or wish to download. You can buy blank disks for $1.00 in the Computer Center or at the Circulation Desk if you need to.
Does it cost me anything to use the computers or print?
Yes, effective June 1, 2003, the library will no longer be able to provide unlimited printing. You may print 10 pages for free. Additional pages are 10¢ each.
I know a web site I want to go to: how do I do it?
If you have a web address, you can type it in the bar that says "Address." Think of it like addressing a letter and you want to be "sent" to the site.
I was working on the computer and it "froze," what do I do?
Try clicking on the button the is marked "Refresh." If that does not work, ask a staff member to help you.
Where can I find information and suggestions on safe Internet use?
On the "Potamus Place" kid's page, we have some Internet Safety sites in "Grown-up Stuff." Or, you can go to it directly from the front of Potamus Place, or by clicking here.
Where else can I go when all the Internet computers are busy?
The Main Library has four workstations upstairs. You can call ahead and ask for the computers. You may use them for up to two hours.
Do you offer computer training?
Programs in using the online catalog and in accessing the Internet are offered frequently and in all our buildings. Ask a librarian for more information on programs and times or click here to check upcoming training programs. Also, all our branches provide individual catalog, Internet and Microsoft Word training, which are scheduled in advance.
I am a teacher or parent, where can I find things on the Internet to help me?
On "Potamus Place," our kids' web page, you can select "Grown-up Stuff" for great parenting sites and "Teacher Tools." You can also jump directly to Teacher Tools.
What other programs do you have and how can I participate in the programs?
We offer story times, school age, summer reading programs and a whole lot more. From 6 months to 6th grade we try to have fun programs for everyone. For more information, go to http://www.heightscalendar.org. Some of the programs require registration.
How can I sign up/register for a program?
You can sign up or register for programs on the telephone, online here, or by coming into the library and asking a children's librarian.
Do you sell bus passes?
Sorry, we don't sell bus passes. Tops grocery store located at 3628 Mayfield Road in Cleveland Heights does sell them.
I would like to give books to the library. Will you take them?
We accept all materials except magazines. The materials are added to our collection or given to the Friends for the book sale.
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