Using the Library FAQ

How do I...?

...get a library card?

If you have a current library card from any of the over 50 YLN libraries, you can use it at any Network Library that is open to the public.

Note: fines and policies vary from library to library in the Network.  You are responsible for any materials checked out on your library card.

Library cards are free to Yavapai County residents.  If you don’t already have one and want to get yours from a District branch library, here’s what you need to bring with you:

  • A government or school-issued picture ID that has your current physical address. 
  • If your ID has only a PO Box or an old address, you must also bring proof of current Yavapai County residency. Proof of local address could be:
    • U.S. mail postmarked within the past 30 days
    • current utility bill
    • current rent receipt
    • legal document
    • current ID from an educational institution affiliated with the Yavapai Library Network

Children under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian register for them according to the guidelines above.

Now you can get a library card online! 

Register to access our digital collection and online resources from home!

...create and check My Account?

Once you have your library card, you can create an account online that will allow you to search the catalog, place holds to be sent to your home library, renew items, and more, all from your home computer or even your smart phone. Go to your local library's webpage then click the Go to the Catalog link. Then click Log In at the top of the page. Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number until you log in and change it.

Get the Yavapai Library Network YLN Catalog app for your Apple or Android device and you can place holds, renew items, browse and more, even on the go!

...place a hold?

Didn’t find what you need at your home library? Fear not! Our catalog brings you the combined resources of over 50 libraries. With over 1.3 million items, we probably have what you want, and when you place a hold, your item will be sent to your home library when it becomes available. Simply log in to your account, search for your item, click Place Hold, and make sure your pick-up library is correct.

If the catalog doesn’t have what you’re looking for, check with your library staff to request an Inter-Library Loan from outside the county.

...download eBooks, audiobooks, and eMagazines?

Whatever your device, there are thousands of eMaterials and downloadable audios for you to explore! Click the Online Resources link at the top of this page and scroll down to the Ebook Central, Overdrive, or New York Times buttons to browse.

Overdrive (Popular Fiction & Non-Fiction eBooks, Audiobooks, and magazines) – Log in with your library card number and pin. Browse. Select a title. Save the title to your wish list or check it out if it’s available. From here you can choose to read it in the browser or download it to your device. For extra help, click here and select your device.  Download the Libby app to read and listen on your mobile device.

Ebook Central (Academic Non-Fiction) – Click the Ebook Central button on the Online Resources page. On the Ebook Central Home page, click the View LibGuide button on the lefthand side. Click the appropriate tab for instructions on downloading to desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

The New York Times - All patrons inside public library buildings will be able to read the paper, while remote access is limited to the first 30 YLN patrons to log in each day.  These offsite readers will have access for 24 hours, which means they can sign in as many times as they want during that day.   

Inside YLN public libraries, patrons will be able to access the New York Times by visiting NYTimes.com/register. 

From home, users can also access the YLN subscription.  All users will need to log in with their public library card and pin, and then set up a New York Times account, as prompted, if they don't already have one.   

...return items?

You can return your library materials at any YLN library or YLN library drop box [such as the Prescott Public Library drop boxes at Fry's, etc.]. They will be checked in and returned to their home library.

...suggest an item?

If the Network catalog does not have what you are looking for, and it might be an item lots of other patrons would enjoy, write the title and author down and give it to library staff.

...use a public library computer?

All the District branch libraries have public computers for patrons to use. You can print, copy and fax, as well. Check your email, do your taxes, write a paper for school, make a yard sale sign… Library staff can help get you started.

 
How much are prints, copies, faxes?
  • B&W Copies (one-sided): $.15 per side
  • B&W Copies (double-sided): $.125 per side ($.25 per sheet)
  • Color Prints (one-sided): $.50 per side
  • Color Prints (double-sided): $.375 per side ($.75 per sheet)
  • Fax (incoming): $.15 per page
  • Fax (outgoing): $.25 per transmittal

What if...?

...my books are overdue?
District branch libraries do not charge fines for late items. Just bring them back as soon as possible. However, some libraries in the Network do charge fines, and those fines can be collected at any library you use. Some libraries will not let you check out new materials if you have unpaid fines. If you owe more than $10.00, your account will be frozen until you pay the fines.
...I lose or damage an item I checked out (or my pet/little brother does)?

Damaged: Let library staff know that the item is damaged so it can be repaired or replaced. If it must be replaced, you will have to pay for the item, plus a processing fee.

Lost: As with damaged items, lost items must be replaced, so you will have to pay for the item, plus a processing fee. If it turns up later, contact the owning library regarding their refund policy.

...I lost my library card?

See your library staff to get a new card. Replacement cards cost $1.00.

...I move?
Make sure you keep your contact info current. See your home library staff to update your address.