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Mathews Memorial Library

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the library?

The privilege of checking out library materials and the use of other library services is available to anyone regardless of residence. New patrons are asked to apply for a library card in person by filling out a short application and agreeing to adhere to all library policies.

If you are age 18 or older, you must submit your application in person at the adult circulation desk. If you are under age 18, you must submit your application in person at the youth circulation desk or the teen circulation desk. A signature of a parent or guardian will be required.

There is no fee for a library card. Replacement cards are $1.00. For more information and an application you can print out, please browse to our library card webpage.

Temporary visitor passes are also available for individuals visiting the area and would like to use the library's computer services.

How do I use a library computer?

Library computers are available for patrons to browse websites, check email, create Office documents, play games and much more. You must be a library card holder in good standing (no excessive fines or overdue items) to use a computer. It is not required for patrons to check in at the circulation desk before using a computer.

Adult patrons must sign in with their name and library card number at one of two signup stations. After a few moments you will be assigned a computer to use. Sign in again on the assigned computer and you are ready to go. Kids and Teens can go directly to a computer in their dedicated area and sign in.

If you need assistance, staff are always available to help.

Is there a time limit for computer use?

Yes and no! Each session is limited to 30 minutes. However, if there are no patrons waiting for a computer, your time is automatically extended another 30 minutes. This will continue indefinitely until there is, at least, one patron waiting to get on.

The library currently has 13 computers dedicated for adult patron use, so usually there is no one waiting.

I have my own laptop. How can I use the library's Wi-Fi?

To use the library's Wi-Fi you must check in at the circulation desk with your valid library card or visitor's pass. You will be given a password for our secure wireless network. Look for "Mathews Library" among the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your device.

Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the library including the outdoor courtyard. There is ample comfortable seating in our computer and reading room with available electrical supply.

If you need assistance in connecting, library staff are always available to help.

How can I renew items that I have checked out?

Most items are eligible for 2 renewals. New books cannot be renewed. There are several ways to renew items:

We are always happy to renew items at the circulation desk in person.
You may call the library during normal operating hours and request a renewal or leave a message on our voicemail after hours.
You may access your account and renew items online by browsing to http://catalog.mathewslibrary.org and logging in with you PIN and card number. Click "My Account" and you will see a list of items checked out that can be renewed.

Can I request an item the library doesn't own?

Yes. Ask for a materials request form at the circulation desk or browse to http://mathewslibrary.org/e-branch/request-a-title and submit an online request. The library will review your request and reserves the right to purchase the title, borrow the item via Interlibrary Loan or decline your request.

Can I place a hold on an item that is not on the shelf?

Yes. You may ask library staff to place a hold on an item for you at the circulation desk. You can also place a hold online. Browse or search our online catalog (http://catalog.mathewslibrary.org) for the item you wish to reserve. Click "Place Hold" and enter your card number and password. Library staff will contact you when the item is available for pickup. You can also manage your holds by loggining into your library account.

Does the library have tax forms?

Yes. The library has a few popular forms provided by the IRS, but we can print any IRS tax form for you. Also we can make copies of state forms. There is no charge for printing tax foms. The IRS no longer provides copies of tax publications. We can print portions of a publication for you at the normal printing cost of 15¢ per page.

May I donate books to the library?

We would love to have your books! The library accepts any donation of books, audiobooks or videos. You can drop them off at the library during normal operating hours. Library staff will look at the items and decide whether to add those to the library collection based on various criteria. Items not added to the collection will be sold in the Friends of the Library Bookstore, with the proceeds benefitting the library.

If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, you must create your own list of donated items including estimated value. The library director will sign your list but library staff will not value the donated items.

How may I reserve the library's meeting rooms?

The library has meeting room facilities to accomodate various-sized groups and arrangements. Please contact the library well ahead of your meeting date to schedule.

To find out more browse to http://mathewslibrary.org/services/meeting-rooms.

How can I volunteer at the library?

Volunteers fulfill many roles at the library and we would love to have you as part of our team. If you are interested in volunteering at the Mathews Memorial Library, take time to download and fill out our volunteer application. Come by and chat with our library director and see how you might fit in on our team!

Does the library have eBooks to download?

Yes, we do! The library offers eBooks through its OverDrive and Freading services. In addition, the library has thousands of downloadable audiobooks through OverDrive and OneClickdigital. Still bored? Check out Zinio for digital magazines and Freegal for music downloads and streaming.

Go to http://mathewslibrary.org/e-branch/e-books-other-downloadables to learn more and get started.

A download service requires a PIN. Where do I get that?

The PIN required by OverDrive, Freegal and Freading is the same as the password used to access your library account online. If you do not have this yet, go to http://catalog.mathewslibrary.org and click login. Login with your library card number and the word "userpass". You must have a valid library card in good standing. You will then be given an opportunity to create a new password. This is the PIN required for the downloadables.

If you have forgotten your password, call the library to have us reset your password or try the "Forgot My Password" link.

Mission Statement: "To provide the highest quality library services to fulfill the informational, educational, recreational and cultural needs of the citizens in the dynamic and changing community of Mathews County, Virginia."

Upcoming Computer Classes @ The Library

computer-classes

Register today for these classes coming soon at the library:

Tech Tuesday - Learn to be Smarter with Your Smartphone

Tuesday, March 8

1:30 - 4:00 p.m

NEW DATE Basic Computer Skills

Monday, March 14 -- Thursday, March 17

1:30 - 4:30 p.m

Tech Tuesday - Using Gmail

Tuesday, March 22

1:30 - 4:00 p.m

NEW DATE Intro to Microsoft Office Powerpoint

Tuesday. April 5 -- Thursday, April 7

1:30 - 4:00 p.m

See our complete Spring 2016 computer class list.

Step Into Stories

Ready to start helping your child to become a reader?

Step Into Stories

@

Mathews Memorial Library

Share words, rhymes & songs

each Wednesday & Saturday

10-11 a.m.

Step Into Stories is an early literacy program

designed for children birth to five years old.

Additional information can be obtained

by contacting the library at 804.725.5747.

boy girl with book logo

1,000 Books B 4 K

Calling all families of preschoolers from birth to 5 years! The library has a reading program to help you prepare your youngster to enter kindergarten ready to read. Reading 1,000 books to your preschooler may sound daunting at first, but you are probably already doing it and just don't realize it. You can set your own pace; it can be a multi-year project. Come into the library's Youth Wing to register and get started.

bear

COMMUNITY LINKS

Mathews County Government

Mathews County Visitor and Information Center

Mathews County Public Schools

Mathews County Parent Resource Center

Mathews Main Street Committee

Mathews County Historical Society, Inc.

Mathews Maritime Foundation

Mathews County Land Conservancy

Mathews Maritime Heritage Trail

Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad

New Point Comfort Lighthouse

Gwynn's Island Museum

THE WEATHER FOR

Fair

50°F

Mathews

Fair

Humidity: 53%

Wind: WNW at 7 mph

Monday 45°F / 61°F Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Tuesday 48°F / 69°F Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Wednesday 52°F / 68°F Sunny

Sunny

Thursday 51°F / 69°F Partly cloudy

Partly cloudy

Friday 47°F / 59°F Partly cloudy

Partly cloudy

Saturday 49°F / 65°F Partly cloudy

Partly cloudy

Sunday 48°F / 61°F Cloudy

Cloudy

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