FAQ
You have questions? We have answers!
If you are an adult who lives, works, goes to school, or owns property in Lincoln Parish, you are eligible for a library card at LPL! See any staff member with your valid photo ID and one of the following:
- Proof of residency
- Pay stub or employee ID
- School ID
- or Property tax receipt/title.
A parent who has a library card at LPL can get a library card for their child with one of the below identification items and the child present. Parents are responsible for all items checked out to their child.
- Report Card
- Insurance Card in child’s name
- Birth Certificate
- Shot record
You could also be eligible for a library card at LPL if you have a library card at another library in North Louisiana. Please contact the User & Information Services Department for more information.
You are the only person who is allowed to use your card for any library services. You are the only one responsible for all materials checked out with that card, and some materials can be expensive. We encourage everyone to treat their library card like a credit card and be careful to keep it safe.
For the full details, please refer to the Library Card Policy at https://mylpl.org/policies/.
Your Lincoln Parish Library card is free! There is a $3.00 fee to replace a lost or damaged card.
You do not need your library card to attend programs or to visit LPL to enjoy the space, read books in the building, use print or copy services, or access the wireless internet.
However, a library card is like a credit card for the library, and just as no store would sell something without a valid credit card present, neither can we check out books without your library card. You also need your library card to borrow a library computer or study room. The card holder is the only one responsible for activity on that card, and some materials can be expensive. This is why it is important for all library users to let us know if library cards are lost or stolen. If you do not have your library card with you, you can buy a replacement card for $3.
You can borrow 50 items at a time with most library cards. To reach a total of 50 items you can borrow a combination of item types up to the following number of each type:
- 50 books
- 50 books on CD
- 12 DVD’s
- 5 Blu-ray discs
- 2 Talking pictures books
- 1 Children’s learning tablet
- 1 Wifi hotspot
Some types of library card, such as University, Children, and Teens cards have stricter restrictions on borrowing. Please refer to the Library Card Policy at https://mylpl.org/policies/ for full details.
The lending period for most materials is two weeks. The lending period for Wi-Fi hotspots is five days.
Overdue fines are assessed for late materials. The fine for most items is $0.10 per day. The fine for Wi-Fi hotspots is $5.00 per day.
If an item is not returned after an extended period, it is considered lost, and the replacement cost of the item is charged to your library card.
A damage fee is assessed for damage to any item or its case (such as for DVDs). For any item damaged or defaced to the extent that it can no longer be circulated, the cost to replace the item is charged.
You can renew most items twice, as long as no one else has requested them. You can renew items in-person in the library, over the phone, or (as long as your account is in good standing: current and fine-free), online or in the Librista app. Renewing an item extends its due date two weeks from the date of renewal.
Some items, such as those received through Interlibrary Loan and Wi-Fi hotspots, cannot be renewed.
Use your library card to:
- Access library computers.
- Access research tools, at home or at the library.
- Download different library e-resources, like ebooks, audiobooks, and movies.
- Check out a study room in the library.
- Borrow a library hotspot.
If you are not eligible for a library card, you can still use the library computers and study rooms as a guest. Show your valid photo ID to a User & Information Services staff member to get started.
Some others resources, such as programs for all ages; print, copy, fax, and scanning services; and proctoring services, do not require a library card.
If your card is expired or has $1.00 or more in fines, you will not be able to check out items or access other LPL resources. Most cards expire every two years and can be updated with valid photo ID at the library. Fines must also be paid in-person at the library.
If your account is current and has no fines but still isn’t working, make sure you are using the correct password/PIN for your account. This is usually the last four digits of your library card number, but the information can be updated for you by any staff person.
If your question isn’t answered here, in the public policies at https://mylpl.org/policies/, or in the Events Center policies at https://mylpl.org/events-center/, please contact us directly using one of the methods listed at https://mylpl.org/contact/ and we will do our best to assist you!
About Fees and Fines
The library has a lot to offer! We are pleased to offer most of our services at no charge. The only things we charge for include:
- Fines/Replacement fees
- Copies/prints
- Faxes
- Replacement cards ($3)
- Headphones ($1)
- Flash drives ($7)
Everything else is free! The library is paid for and supported by the citizens of Lincoln Parish Library, and we pass on these services (and the savings!) to you.
Fines are $.10 per day per item.
We are not able to do fine forgiveness days often, so when we do, we are loud about it! Any upcoming fine forgiveness days will be publicized on our web page, on our Facebook page, or in our newsletter.
- 8.5”x11” (letter) black and white print – $0.10
- 8.5”x14” (legal) black and white print – $0.20
- 11”x17” (ledger) black and white print – $0.20
- 8.5”x11” (letter) color print – $1.00
- 8.5”x14” (legal) color print – $2.00
- 11”x17” (ledger) color print – $2.00
If you need assistance printing or copying, staff at the Information Kiosk will be happy to help with the equipment.
- Local or toll-free faxes – $1.50 per page (not counting cover sheet)
- Long distance faxes – $2.00 per page (not counting cover sheet)
- Received faxes – $1.50 per page (not counting cover sheet)
About Other Services
There are many different areas in the library with study carrels, tables, or comfortable chairs for people to use for reading or studying. If you need a larger area for a group or an area with a little more privacy, we also have study rooms available. Anyone 18 or older with a library card can check out a study room for two hours, which can be extended if no one is waiting. Anyone under 18 must have an adult with them in the room the entire time they use it.
We have free wireless internet access available inside the library as an open network during normal library business hours. Once you have connected, use your browser to accept our Terms of Use to continue. Not all devices are compatible with our wi-fi. If your device doesn’t connect, check with the Information Desk for assistance.
We offer access to the wireless internet in our parking lot 24/7, but can not guarantee the quality of the connection. The spaces in the parking lot closest to the library are better.
You can call the Information Desk at 318.513.5510, and a staff member will help you find your answer.