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FAQs

Locations/Hours

How many branches are in the Lafayette Public Library System?
What hours are you open?
What are your holiday hours?
What is the latest information on your library construction projects?

Library Cards

How do I get a library card?
Do you offer a restricted card for children?
Can I apply for a library card online?
Why do I need a library card?
If I live in another parish, can I get a library card?
Can the same library card be used at all of the branch libraries?
What happens if my library card is lost or stolen?

Checking Out

How long is the check-out period?
How many items can I borrow?
How do I request an item (place a hold on an item) that is currently checked out?

Returning

Can I return my items at any branch library?

Renewing

How do I renew library materials?

Fines

What are the fines for books and DVDs?
Do you accept credit card payments for fines? Can I pay my fines online or over the phone?

cloudLibrary Digital eBooks/Audiobooks

Everything about our cloudLibrary service.

Collection/Card Catalog

Do you have books in foreign languages?
I am having problems using the online catalog.

Computer Usage

Do you have Wireless Internet?
How much does it cost to print from a library’s public computers?
Can I print in color at a library?

Miscellaneous

Does the library accept donations?
Can a patron buy a book on the shelves?
Do you have a public fax machine?
Do you offer tutoring services?
Do you have study rooms and/or meeting space?
How can I apply for a job with the library?
Do you have any information on applying for state civil service jobs?
What is the name of the mural on the second floor of the Main Library?
Library Website Short Links

 

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Locations/Hours

How many branches are in the Lafayette Public Library System?

Currently, we have nine branches throughout Lafayette Parish, including four in the City of Lafayette. View the complete list here. We recently opened the West Regional Library on Old Spanish Trail in Scott. Our Outreach Services department provides library services to individuals and families in community spaces beyond our library branches with such tools as the GoGo Biblio Bookmobile and the BiblioBike.

What hours are you open?

Our regular hours are available on our website by clicking on the “Hours/Locations” menu tab at the top of any page.

What are your holiday hours?

Because we are part of the Lafayette Consolidated Government, we generally observe all LCG-approved holidays. The only exception is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, on which our Butler Memorial Branch is open part of the day. Some of our locations also have abbreviated hours for special occasions like Mardi Gras parades and Festival International de Louisiane. For a complete list of holiday/special occasion closings, click here.

What is the latest information on your library construction projects?

We have set up blogs for updates on all of our library construction projects. You can get photos and the latest updates of our West Regional Library by visiting the West Regional Library Construction Blog. It opened to the public on Monday, May 13, 2019. For Northeast Library information and updates, click here.

Library Cards

How do I get a Library Card?

In order to borrow materials from the Lafayette Public Library System (LPL), you must have a library card. Library cards are issued at all LPL locations. New library cards are issued at no charge. There is a $1.00 charge to replace a card.  To make changes to your contact information, please call the library.

Individuals applying for a LPL card must show proof that they currently live, work or attend school in Lafayette Parish (a valid driver’s license or a work or school I.D.). If your current address is not on your I.D., you may need to show a printed check with your current address, or mail with your address, or a current rent or lease receipt showing your address.

Children: Children from birth to 8th grade may receive their own library cards. A child’s parent, stepparent, grandparent or legal guardian must apply for the card and provide current proof of residency, employment or school attendance in Lafayette Parish. A person other than a parent, stepparent, grandparent or legal guardian cannot fill out the application. Both the child and guardian must be present when applying for the card. Exceptions are made for homebound parents or children, and specific groups with prior library permission.

LPSS Student ID/Library cards   (For public school students PreK-12th grade ) A Lafayette Parish Public School student’s ID number automatically work as a full service library card in Lafayette Parish. To use a public student ID number as a library card number use the formula 239555 (add zeros to make a total of 14 digits) Student ID Number. The pin number will be 1234.     

Example: If the student ID number is 857449, then the library card number would be 23955500857449

No need to apply for this card. Public Student ID’s automatically work with the start of a school year. The uses made on this card are fine free. Parents can opt their child out of the program by calling 261-5781.

Adults: High School students and older may get a library card on their own recognizance. Students who have completed 8th grade and are currently in the summer before entering high school may also apply for a card without a parent present. The individual must provide current proof of residency, employment or school attendance in Lafayette Parish. The patron must apply for the library card in person. Exceptions are made for homebound individuals or specific groups with prior library permission.

This card expires after 5 years.

Do you offer a restricted card for children?

Yes. Parents or guardians may opt for their children to be issued a restricted card that cannot checkout adult materials.

Can I apply for a library card online?

Yes! Right here! Please note that only current residents within Lafayette Parish may apply for a card online. All other qualified applicants must apply in person at one of the LPL branches.

Why do I need a library card?

A patron wishing to borrow library materials, use a library computer workstation, or have online access to the library’s electronic resources must have a valid library card. A patron with a valid library card and in good standing with the library may check out library materials in accordance with material type restrictions and use computer workstations and electronic resources following LPL’s Computer Use Policy.

If I live in another parish can I get a card in Lafayette Parish?

Yes. If you do not currently live, work or go to school in Lafayette Parish but would like to borrow materials from the library, you may purchase a card for a non-refundable $20.00 fee per year. This card expires after one year. You must apply for the card in person and provide photo identification.

All locations can issue limited-use library cards to non-residents needing to use a library computer.

Can the same library card be used at all of the branch libraries?

Yes, the bar-coded library card can be used at any branch in the Lafayette Public Library System.

What happens if my library card is lost or stolen?

Notify the library immediately by calling (337) 261-5784. The cost for a replacement library card is $1.00.

Checking Out

How long is the check-out period?

  • Most books, magazines, audiobooks and music CDs check out for three weeks.
  • eBooks and eAudiobooks can be checked out for one, two or three weeks, depending on the reader’s preference.
  • DVDs and video games check out for one week.

Materials can be returned to any Lafayette Public Library System location.

How many items can I borrow?

Currently you are allowed to have up to 50 items checked out on your record at any one time. Some collections, such as DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks, have specific limits. These limits are based on the size of certain collections and public demand.

Current items with limits:

  • DVDs – 20 at any one time
  • Music CDs - 20 at any one time
  • Audiobooks - 20 at any one time
  • Video Games - 3 at any one time
  • South Louisiana Records and Southwest Louisiana Records (Father Hebert books)—6 at any one time
  • Interlibrary Loans – 20 at any one time

How do I request an item (place a hold on an item) that is currently checked out?

To have an item reserved for you (or to “place a hold” on that item), visit our online catalog and search for the item by title, author or keyword. Once you have found the item you want, click on the “place hold” button. You will be asked to log in with your library card number and PIN (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number), and then you will be placed in the next available spot in the queue for that item.

If several people have requested that item or it is already checked out, you may have to wait several weeks before the item is available to you. Once the item is ready to be picked up, you will be notified by email, text or phone call with the library location where your item is being held.

If you would prefer to request your hold over the phone, you may call the Information Services desk (Adult: 261-5787 or Children’s 261-5779) and ask a librarian to place your hold.

Returning

Can I return my items at a branch library?

Yes, your items can be returned at any library location in the Lafayette Public Library System, regardless of where the item was checked out. All library branches have an after-hours book return.

Renewing

How do I renew library materials?

The Lafayette Public Library has automatic renewals. Here’s how our automatic renewal service works:

  • Non-digital items will automatically renew before they are overdue letting you return them at your convenience.
  • All items have a renewal limit. Video games, puzzles, board games, Kilowatt EZ meters, and air quality monitors can be renewed once. Musical instruments and adventure kits cannot be renewed. If an item reaches its renewal limit or if another patron has placed a hold on the item, then it will not renew. You will receive an overdue notification ahead of the item’s due date along with a 14-day grace period to return the item.
  • Late fees will apply when an item’s renewal limit is reached and the item has not been returned within the grace period.

Most library materials, except for special items, can be renewed up to six times, as long as no one else has requested that item and the patron’s account is clear of charges. Items can be renewed on our website (click on My Account on the top right side of the online catalog page), on our LPL Mobile app, or by calling 261-5784 during regular business hours. Items can be renewed after the due date; however, late fees are charged if renewed after the grace period.

Fines

What are the fines for books and DVDs?

  • 5¢ per day (up to a $2.00 maximum) per item for most books and music CDs
  • 25¢ per day (up to a $2.00 maximum) for interlibrary loan items (items borrowed from another library)
  • 25¢ per day (up to a $5.00 maximum) per item for DVDs and video games
STUDENTS (Public or Private) ATTENDING PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE IN LAFAYETTE PARISH ARE NOT CHARGED FINES FOR ITEMS CHECKED OUT ON THEIR LIBRARY CARD OR LPSS ID NUMBER AS OF November 1, 2018.

Additional Charges

  • $1.00 for a replacement library card
  • $1.00 for each removed or damaged barcode or RFID tag on a returned item
  • $1.00 for each damaged bag or case on a returned item
  • For lost items, you are charged the price of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee.

Do you accept credit card payments for fines? Can I pay my fines online or over the phone?

At this time, LPL cannot take credit/debit cards or electronic check transactions. As such, we cannot take online or phone payments. Cash and checks are welcome in our branches; however, a fee* will be charged for any checks that are returned for insufficient funds.

*Effective 8/15/05: “In accordance with Ordinance O-198-2005 of Lafayette City/Parish Council, if any payment is made to the Lafayette Public Library for any fine, permit, license or other fee or service with a check that is returned as unpaid by reason of insufficient funds, the drawer of the check shall be charged a service charge of $25.00 or 5% of the face amount of the check, whichever is greater.”

Collection/Card Catalog

Do you have books in foreign languages?

Yes! We offer many titles in French and Spanish for children and adults. Ask a librarian to help you find them.

We also offer online language learning tools through our Pronunciator service. This is offered free to anyone with a LPL card.

I am having problems using the online catalog.

Renewal or checking your account is available on our website (click on My Account on the top right side of the online catalog page). Library Staff can also assist you during regular hours with renewals or placing holds. Please contact your local branch or call the Main Library at 261-5784 (renewals), Adult Services Information Desk at 261-5787 (adult titles), Teen Information Desk at 261-5778 (young adult materials) or Children’s staff at 261-5779 (assistance with children’s books and resources).

 

Computer Usage

Do you have wireless Internet?

Yes, there is free wireless Internet access (WiFi) at all branches of the Lafayette Public Library System and on the Bookmobile.
Library WiFi

How much does it cost to print from a library’s public computers?

The first 5 black and white pages are free.
There are NO free color pages.

  • Black and White = 10¢ per page after the first 5 free prints
  • Color = 25¢ per page (Please select “colour” printer when printing in color. Library printers are set to “blackwhite” by default.)
The Lafayette Public Library provides plain 8.5 inch x 11 inch, letter size paper. No other custom paper sizes or types are available to patrons.
Can I print in color at a library?
While all of our branches have black and white printers, only the following libraries have color printers for patron use:
  • Main Library
  • North Regional Library
  • South Regional Library
  • East Regional Library
  • West Regional Library

Miscellaneous

Does the library accept donations?

LPL accepts monetary contributions to purchase books and other library materials. Contributions can be made to the library in memory of or in honor of a particular individual or organization. A designated book or other material will bear a book plate to include the name of the individual, providing a lasting token of their legacy. Monetary Memorial Gift form

Donations of used books and other materials are also appreciated. These donations go to the Friends of the Lafayette Public Library and are resold during the Spring and Fall Friends Book Sales. The profits from the Friends’ sales generate funds for various library programs and materials.

Book donations are accepted at the Library’s warehouse facility at 211 East Pinhook Road on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friends donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at the time of donation. For more information on what can be donated, please visit the Friends on Facebook.

Another way to donate and help LPL is through the Lafayette Public Library Foundation.

Can a patron buy a book on the shelves?

No. Books on our shelves are not for sale. Library books can be borrowed. After an item has outlived its usefulness to the library, the library may remove it from the collection. These items are often given to the Friends of the Library for sale at their Spring and Fall Book Sales, at which time you may purchase any discarded library item that is offered.

Do you have a public fax machine?

Yes. Patrons may send free outgoing faxes at all branch locations.

Do you offer tutoring services?

Our patrons have access to free online tutoring through Homework Louisiana, offered by the State Library of Louisiana. Homework Louisiana provides live tutoring and academic resources from Tutor.com for kindergarten students through adult learners in subjects like math, science, social studies and English. The services can be accessed from any LPL public computer, from your home computer or from your mobile device.

We also offer the LearningExpress Library. This site contains practice tests for common aptitude tests like the ACT, SAT and GED, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You’ll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that’s right for you.

Do you have study rooms and/or meeting space?

Yes! Our Main, East Regional, North Regional, West Regional and South Regional Libraries offer private study and meeting rooms of various sizes that are free to use by the public. However, you must reserve these rooms ahead of time and some restrictions do apply. Visit our Meeting Rooms page for more information on how to reserve a room or call the library.

How can I apply for a job with the library?

Library vacancies are handled through the Lafayette Consolidated Government Civil Service Department. To view a list of positions currently available at the library, please visit the Lafayette Consolidated Government website.

Do you have any information on applying for state civil service jobs?

Sample tests, job openings and other information are available on the State Civil Service website. You may use our public computers to access this site and print from it.

What is the name of the mural on the second floor of the Main Library?

“There comes a time when canvas simply cannot express what you want to say. Murals were the answer.

“I have completed several murals, but the commission to paint for the Lafayette Parish Public Library is the most important and the largest and certainly the most exciting.

“I’ve named the painting ‘ELIPSE.’ Because it is an abstract, contemporary painting, free of a hard and fast message, the viewer is left to think and see for himself. ‘ELIPSE’ suggests familiar shapes, but will allow the viewer to simply enjoy colors and form. I think it’s important to see that tradition and new ideas both have a meaningful place in the culture of Lafayette. When businesses, clubs and private citizens can see the freshness and value of ‘something different,’ there’s hardly a chance Lafayette will be just an ordinary city.”

— Justyna Frederick, Artist

BIOGRAPHY: Justyna Kurylas Frederick

–From El Dorado, Arkansas
–Graduated from Henderson University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
–Listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” for 2 consecutive years.
–Has had 4 one-man shows in Arkansas, Lafayette and New Orleans
–Exhibited in juried state shows

Library Website Short Links

http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/overdrive
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/faq
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/search
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/login
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/calendar
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/contact
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/policy
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/getacard
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/hours
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/foundation
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/friends
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/ydl
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/app
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/reserve
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/makerspace
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/toolkit
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/learningexpress
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/summer
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/booktalk
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/linkedinlearning
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/boardgames
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/mibrary
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/lpss
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/freestuff
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/nyt
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/outreach
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/bookmobile
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/studentid
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/yavirtualbookclub
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/next
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/biz
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/guide
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/adventurekits
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/services
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/spaces
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/lrt
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/homeworkhelp
http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/HomeworkLA