How Do I

Virtual Library Card:

The library provides virtual cards via Online Borrower Registration for patrons wanting to use digital downloadables, such as eBooks, eAudio, Streaming Music and Video, as well as our test prep and learning databases. This is available at https://ls2pac.blackwaterlib.org/#section=obrsignup  and your virtual card number will be emailed to you! To change a Virtual Card for a full service card, come into any Blackwater Regional Library branch with a photo ID and current proof of address. Once registered check out our downloadables.

Full Use Library Card:

To obtain a library card, patrons must present photo identification, as well as any proof of address if the photo identification does not include it.

Persons (age 18 and older) applying for a library card are required to present valid photo identification. The following items are examples of acceptable photo identification.

· Valid Driver's License

· State Identification Card

· Student or Work Identification Card

· Military Identification Card

· Immigration Card

· Passport

· Store/Organization Membership card with photo

If the photo identification does not include current address, the applicant should also provide any proof of address, examples of which are below.

· Driver's License

· Property Tax Receipt

· Posted Mail with name of applicant

· Proof of eCommerce account

· Bank Statement or Checkbook

· Utility Bill

· Lease Agreement

· Insurance Card

· Voter Registration Card

· College Enrollment Papers

Please alert library staff if your card has been stolen, or you have a new address.

You can easily find new materials using our fast connection catalog by doing the following:

1. Access the catalog at http://ls2pac.blackwaterlib.org
2. Enter the following search without the quotation marks and hit enter: “[a TO z]”
3. This search brings up every record in our database
4. From there, you can select from the drop-down menu: “Sort by Newly Added”
5. This will go backwards by day everything that has been added.
6. If you’re interested in just DVDs or audiobooks, select what you want under the format or collection tabs on the left sidebar before sorting by newly added.

Wi-Fi: Access to wireless internet is available at each Blackwater Regional Library location – 24/7, free of charge, from inside or outside of the building.  Patrons should choose the “BRL Guest” network; no password required.

Mobile Hotspots: Check out the Internet with Blackwater Regional Library’s Mobile Hotspot Lending Program! Call or visit your local branch to place a hold on a hotspot, holds cannot be placed online for hotspots.

Checkout Period: 14 days
Renewals: Renew up to three (3) times if no one else is waiting
Holds: You must place a hold in person at the library or over the phone

Limits:

• One Mobile Hotspot per household at a time
• Coverage depends on the Verizon network so location of the Mobile Hotspot and congestion of the network may affect user experience
• Connect up to fifteen (15) devices to the Mobile Hotspot

General Guidelines

• Mobile Hotspots are available for checkout by those 18 years of age or older with a valid Blackwater Regional Library card in good standing
• Mobile Hotspots must be returned to any Blackwater Regional Library location, including the Outreach Services Vehicle. They may not be returned in any Book Drops.
• Overdue Mobile Hotspots will be disabled after 24 hours if the Mobile Hotspot is not renewed or returned to the library
• Use of the Mobile Hotspot is subject to the Terms of the Blackwater Regional Library Internet Use Policy
• Parents/guardians are responsible for the use of the Mobile Hotspot by minors
• Mobile Hotspots are not filtered, and it is the user’s responsibility to use the device in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purpose for which it is provided, and not for any unauthorized, unethical or illegal purposes
• Any attempt to alter data or the configuration of the Mobile Hotspot is strictly prohibited and may be considered an act of vandalism and subject to full replacement cost value
• The library reserves the right to rescind privileges for the checkout of items if these guidelines are not followed

Disclaimer

• Blackwater Regional Library is not responsible for personal information shared over the Internet or for information and websites accessed using the device, or any misuse, harm or any other result due to the use of the Mobile Hotspot

Fees

• Mobile Hotspots are completely free to borrow!
• The following fees apply to the Mobile Hotspots:

  Replacement Fee for Mobile Hotspot	$30
  Replacement Fee for charger OR packaging	$5
  Processing Fee for Lost Hotspots	$10
  Fee for returning into Book Drop	$10

Mobile Hotspots are considered library materials and are subject to all applicable policies and procedures governing them.

Any patron with a library card may use a computer at any location. If you do not have an active account and are over the age of 18, you may use a valid picture ID. In order to sign up for a computer, please visit the circulation desk.

Mobile printing is available for all BRL locations. Learn more about mobile printing here.

All Blackwater Regional Library branches also offer free wireless internet for all users.  Note that all users are expected to comply fully with our Internet Use Policy.

Copies/Computer Printout:
– $0.15 standard (8.5 x 11 or 8.5x14)
– $0.25 color copies (8.5 x 11 or 8.5x14)
– $0.25 per all larger sheets
– Students receive 5 homework copies FREE

Fax
– Send – $1.00 per page
– Receive – $1.00 per page/maximum of $5.00

If you are interested in a book or any other type of material (DVD, audiobook, eBook, eAudiobook), that we do not have in our system, please fill out the form below. Your request to purchase the item will be forwarded to the Collection Development Manager to consider ordering. We have a Materials Selection Policy that guides our purchase of materials. If the material is purchased, branch staff will notify you and place a request on the item for you and will let you know when the item is received by the library.

If the material is not ordered you may have the option of requesting the item from another library system through the Interlibrary Loan process.. PLEASE NOTE: Interlibrary Loan requests must be submitted to your local branch in person or by phone. Interlibrary loan requests are not processed through the below form.

The library offers meeting room facilities for use by individuals, educational, civic and cultural or government organizations at no charge. Meeting rooms are not available for private social gatherings, commercial use, or fundraising. Groups are responsible for complying with all Americans with Disabilities  Act (ADA) requirements.

If you wish to use a library meeting room, please fill out the form below, and your branch of choice will be in contact with you as soon as possible. This does not guarantee a meeting room reservation, as our meeting rooms are generally very high demand. Please wait to contact other members of your group about the meeting place until the reservation is confirmed with library staff.

The following locations have meeting rooms available: Carrollton (after hours available), Courtland, Franklin (after hours available), Smithfield, Surry (after hours available; not handicap accessible), and Windsor (not handicap accessible).

May I return any materials in the bookdrops?
 All BRL materials may be returned in either our outdoor or indoor bookdrops with the exception of the Mobile Hotspots.

May I return materials that I checked out from one branch to another Blackwater Regional Library branch?
Absolutely. All of the Blackwater Regional Library Branches are connected, so if you return a book to one branch, it’ll make its way back to its home branch. Make sure not to return school library books, or materials from other neighboring public libraries, though!

I forgot my headphones, can I buy some at the library?
Yes. We do offer headphones for purchase at $1.50 per pair. We also offer 2 GB Flash Drives for $5.00 each.

How many books may I check out?
We don’t limit you on materials, with four exceptions:
2 Lucky Day Books per card
2 Lucky Day DVDs per card
1 Mobile Hotspot per card/household

I’m late! What do I owe?

We do not charge for overdue materials!

Items can be renewed, when eligible, via phone or in-person. BRL also offers “automatic renewals” which automatically renews items on their due dates when eligible (no one on waiting list).

Library materials are considered lost and charged to a patron's account once it is six-weeks overdue.

Library privileges will be suspended for a balance that exceeds $29.99

Do you offer Notary Service?
Yes! We offer free Notary Service at all locations. Only specific staff are Notary Publics, so please call your local branch prior to your visit to ensure that a Notary will be available for you!