Frequently Asked Questions

A: Actually, it is both and neither. The Brownwood Public Library Association is a 501C nonprofit corporation subsidized primarily by the City of Brownwood and the County of Brown. Other communities within the county also contribute.

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Q: How do I contact the library?

A: The library can be reached by phone at 325-646-0155, via email at staff@bwdpublib.org and by mail at Brownwood Public Library, 600 Carnegie Blvd, Brownwood TX 76801.

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Q: How do I get a library card?

A: Library cards are issued free of charge to any American citizen over the age of 18, or lawful resident, regardless of location of residence. Cards are issued to individuals under the age of 18, but old enough to be in the first grade, unless the parent or guardian specifies otherwise. Cards will be issued to children younger than age six at the discretion of the librarian. Proof of current residence will be required, consisting of at least two documents with the applicant's claimed address.

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Q: Can I check library holdings after hours? Is it possible to reserve a book after hours ?

A: Library holdings that are on Athena can be checked after hours (HOTLINK). It is not possible to place a-hold on a book after hours. If a patron finds a desired item on Athena, they can call during normal business hours at 646-0155 and have the item placed on hold. The library will call the patron when the item is ready for checkout.

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Q: How long is the checkout period?

A: The normal checkout period for books is two weeks. Books can normally be renewed for an additional two weeks. However, if others are waiting to check out the item, renewal is normally denied. If nobody is waiting to check out the item, patrons are allotted a reasonable number of renewals necessary to read the book. The same applies for talking books. Videos, however, check out for one week. Renewals will be granted at the discretion of the librarian.

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Q: Are fines assessed for overdue items?

A: Yes. Fines are assessed to ensure that items are returned in a timely fashion to the library. Fine monies are used solely to improve the library.

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Q: How do I use library computers and gain Internet access?

A: The first requirement is a valid library card issued by the Brownwood Public Library. Patrons over the age of 18 are granted computer privileges subject to requirements found in the Computer Acceptable Use Policy (HOTLINK). The Computer Acceptable Use Policy must be read and understood. A Computer Consent form then needs to be signed by the adult patron acknowledging that acceptable use policies are understood and will be complied with. Minors are only allowed computer privileges with the express consent of a parent or guardian. Both parent and minor computer users must read and understand the Computer Acceptable Use Policy, and both parent and child must sign the Computer Consent form acknowledging such. Parents must be physically present to sign the Computer Consent form for all minor children. No forms can be sent home.

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Q: What types of programs does the library offer?

A: The library offers several children's programs. Story Time starts at 10:30 every Thursday morning except during Summer Reading Program. Summer Reading Program is an organized program to encourage children to read. Progress is acknowledged with token prizes and other festivities. Please call the library at 646-0155 for details on this program, as it varies from year to year. Other programs are offered as demand and circumstances permit.

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Q: What types of materials does the library have?

A: All materials, with the exception of reference, newspapers, and genealogical materials may be checked out to qualified patrons. Materials consist of regular and large-type books; talking books on cassette and CD; videos in VHS and DVD formats; magazines, which can also be checked out excluding the current issue; computers may only be used in the library.

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Q: How do I find what I'm looking for?

A: The library does have a paper card catalog with older holdings. Patrons should be aware that the card catalog hasn't been kept up to date since 2000. All holdings acquired after 2000, as well as many earlier holdings, are now cataloged on the library's Athena database. This database can be accessed from the library website at the online catalog , as well as from two computers dedicated specifically to catalog searches. If you don't find what you're looking for, please inquire at the front library desk. The staff is ready and able to assist patrons in finding needed materials. If a patron requests materials that aren't locally available, in many cases they can be borrowed from another library for a nominal fee. This process usually takes between one and three weeks, depending on the item.

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Q: Does the library carry newspapers?

A: Yes, the library carries a number of local and state newspapers. Hard copies of newspapers are kept for at least ninety days. The library keeps older copies of the Brownwood Bulletin and Brownwood Banner on microfilm. Paper copies may be reproduced from the microfilm for ten cents a page. Please ask about microfilms at the front desk.

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Q: What other resources does the library offer?

A: The library offers a wonderful database service called Texshare. Texshare has many thousands of full-text magazine and journal articles, as well as other hard-to-find items. These databases may be accessed from home by any Texas resident with a computer and Internet connection. Please call 646-0155 for details.

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Q: Many of my friends are involved in family research. Can the library be of assistance?

A: Yes. The library has a special genealogy collection that is a joint venture between the Brownwood Public Library and the Pecan Valley Genealogical Society. This project is relatively new, so genealogy services are rapidly expanding and improving. The library also has extensive holdings concerning regional history. Many of these materials are in the locked cases. These materials are available for patron use. Please inquire at the front desk.

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Q: I've tried to research my family in the past and found myself confused and bewildered by the wide array of resources. What can the library do to help me?

A: The library has a genealogy specialist on staff. She is not on duty all of the time, so if you anticipate needing assistance, please call 325-646-0155 and ask when Ann will be available.

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Q: What other services are available at the library?

A: The library offers computer printing at fifteen cents per page. This is a laser printer that offers good quality prints, but color is not available. The library also offers fax services. To send faxes locally is twenty-five cents a page; long distance faxes cost one dollar per page to send. A fee of fifty cents a page will be assessed to receive faxes. Scanning services are also available. A charge of one dollar will be assessed for the first picture scanned in and fifty cents for each additional picture. The library can also take digital photographs in-house. A one dollar fee will be assessed. Please call ahead for this service. The library also sells floppy (3 14 inch) disks for a dollar apiece. Please note that work cannot be saved to library computer hard drives. Patrons will need to either purchase a floppy disk, or bring one with them, to save any work done in the library.

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Q: Can the library help me with my taxes?

A: Unfortunately, taxes are unavoidable. The library can be of some assistance. IRS forms can be provided, although neither the library nor its staff is qualified to provide any type of tax advice. The library can assist certain individuals in finding help preparing their tax forms. Please call regarding assistance.

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Q: Does the library take suggestions or criticisms?

A: As the great Samuel Johnson noted, criticism is infinitely more valuable than praise. The library is always open to constructive criticism and suggestions. This includes materials that patrons would like to see placed on the shelves, or removed, subject to library Collection Development policies.

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Q: Can tours be arranged?

A: Tours can be arranged for qualified groups (e.g., civic organizations and schools). Please call 646-0155 for details.

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Q: Does the library provide space for meetings?

A: Due to space constraints, the answer is generally no. One-time meetings are sometimes permitted under unusual circumstances, at the discretion of the librarian. The Adams Street Community Center, located adjacent to the library is used exclusively to provide space for meetings.

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