FAQs • Red Oak, TX • CivicEngage

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Library

1. Who can get a library card?: Anyone can acquire a library card. If you pay property taxes to the City of Red Oak, or are a Red Oak city employee or a Red Oak school teacher your card is free of charge. For all other interested patrons a yearly membership fee of $20 is required. Children may be added under a registered adult for $5 each.

Only a legal parent or guardian may get a card for a child, and may be asked to show legal proof of guardianship. All fees accumulated on the child’s card are the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian. Children must be old enough to sign their own name, or of an age where they would normally be able to do so.

2. What do I need to get a card?: You may fill out the online card application in the library or at home. Once you have registered yourself, come to the Library with photo ID with your name and current address (like a driver’s license). If your license does not have your current address you may bring a recent utility bill, lease, temporary driver’s license, or certified mail to prove residency. Show this proof to the library staff member and they will update your account and issue you a library card. If applying for a city employee or Red Oak teacher card then you will need to show ID or a pay-stub and a driver’s license.

3. What computer/printing services does the library offer?: Red Oak Public Library has 5 public access desktops available for use within the library. See the fines/fees page for printing/copying/fax costs. All computers have internet access and word processing software. Wifi is also available for library members.

4. What is the password to my library account?: By default your password is the last four digits of the primary phone number on your account. If your password is not working, or you need to reset it, please contact the library.

5. How many items can I check out, and for how long?: Any patron is allowed to check out up to 50 items on one account. DVD’s are limited to five DVD’s at one time. DVD’s may only be checked out for three days. All other items are loaned for 14 days. Due dates are shown on receipt issued at check out. Overdue notification is a courtesy and not a requirement. Patrons can check the status of their account by sign into Red Oak account
. If they do not know their log-in information they can ask library staff to reset their password (by default the last four digits of their phone number)

6. I forgot my card. Can I still check out items?: You can still check out items by showing photo ID to library staff. However, you can only show ID to check out a maximum of three times before you will have to pay the replacement fee and get a new card.

7. What if I have a card at another library? (TexShare): If you already have valid membership at another Texas library you may be eligible to receive a free Red Oak card through the TexShare program. Ask your home library if they can give you a TexShare card to present to Red Oak Library staff to receive limited borrowing privileges for 3 months. TexShare patrons may not check out DVDs or use library computer services.

8. Can I renew borrowed items?: All material can be renewed for its allotted period of time provided another patron has not placed it on hold. If the item is on hold, the current patron must bring it back to the library. DVD’s that are on the new DVD list cannot be renewed or held.

9. Can I place holds on items in the library collection?: Patrons may place holds on all materials. Patrons may place holds online through the catalog, or with the assistance of a staff member. You will receive an automated message when your items are ready. Please allow 24 - 48 hours for items that are checked in to be ready for pick up. If the item is checked out, it will be placed on hold when it is returned. Holds are kept active for six months before expiring.

10. Why is my card blocked / expired?: If a patron owes more than $10, their card is blocked from use. This includes using the Internet and checking out materials but does not block the use of the library catalog or using materials within the library. Expired cards are also blocked. Resident’s cards expire every three years and require the patron to update their current information yearly. Out of city cards expire after one year, and Texshare cards expire every three months.
Cards may be updated at the library information desk as long as the patron shows photo ID.

11. What if the library does not have the item I want?: If the library does not own the item, you have two options:

1) Place the item on the patron suggestion list hanging in the library or use our online suggestion form here. Library staff will refer to this list when they next order items. It is not guaranteed that we will buy everything you place on the list, but we will seriously consider it.

2) Ask to place an Inter-Library loan. The library will then try to borrow the item from another library in the U.S.

Both of these options may require that you wait several weeks for your item to come in.

12. Does the library accept donations / memorials of items / money?: Yes, the library will accept donations and memorials. However, we will only place into our collection items that are in good physical condition and that are appropriate for our users. All other materials may be placed in the library book sale at the librarian’s discretion. If you want to donate a large quantity of materials, please arrange delivery with the library ahead of time so they can prepare a space. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Donation / Memorial Forms are available from staff upon request.

13. Can I volunteer at the Library?: The library does accept volunteers over the age of 14 at our discretion. Fill out the form below to apply to be a volunteer.
Library Volunteer Form

14. Does the Library have a Friends Group?: If you are interested in supporting the Library as a Friend, please talk to a library staff member for more information