Circulation Policy

Explore Our Diverse Collection

Checking Out

The patron must check out using their own library card. Patrons receiving a first-time library card may check out only 2 items when the card is issued. You must present your library card to check out any items. In order to checkout materials, patron account and linked household accounts must be in good standing, requiring the household to not have outstanding fine balance equal to or exceeding $1.00 or unpaid lost items. Library accounts must be renewed annually at which time a valid photo ID will need to be presented to library staff for adult accounts. Juvenile patrons may renew accounts without photo ID.

Library Materials and Loan Details

Material
# of Items
Loan Period
Fines
Books

20

3 weeks

$0.20/day

Audios

5

3 weeks

$0.20/day

Magazines

5

3 weeks

$0.20/day

DVDs

5

1 week

$1.00/day

Video Games

1

1 week

$1.00/day

Golf Putter & Ball

3

24 hours

$1.00/day

Chromebooks

1/household

1 week

$1.00/day

Hotspots

1/household

1 week

$1.00/day

Kid Tablets

1/household

1 week

$1.00/day

Experience Pass

1/household/year

1 week

$1.00/day

Note: Magazines for circulation must be back-issues.

How to Renew Your Library Items

You can renew borrowed items up to two times, provided there are no holds on them. Renewals can be done conveniently over the phone by providing your library card number, or through your online OPAC account. Please note that new adult fiction and adult non-fiction can be renewed only once. Inter-library loans, Chromebooks, Hotspots, Kid Tablets, and Experience Passes are not eligible for renewal.

Returning Borrowed Items

To ensure a seamless return process, patrons can utilize the book drop located to the left of the library’s front entrance for most borrowed items. For laptops, hotspots, kids tablets, and golf equipment, please return these directly to the circulation desk to ensure proper handling. Additionally, an indoor book drop is available at the front desk for convenience. All returned items undergo a thorough sanitization process to maintain a safe environment for all library users.

Exploring the Online Catalog

Discover and Reserve with Ease

Placing Holds on Library Materials

Convenient Hold and Pickup Options

Patrons can place holds on desired items by contacting the library at 423-745-7782, using their OPAC online account, or visiting the library in person. Each patron is entitled to three complimentary holds, with any additional holds incurring a fee of $1.00 per item per day. For added convenience, holds can be collected via curbside pickup by calling from the library parking lot, or they can be picked up at the circulation desk during regular hours. To ensure availability, please place holds at least one business day before the intended pickup date.

Lost and Damaged Items Policy

Understanding the Costs and Consequences

Our library is committed to maintaining a comprehensive collection for all patrons. If an item is lost or damaged, the patron is responsible for the full replacement cost. Should the lost item be found and returned in good condition within six months, the replacement cost will be refunded minus a $5 processing fee.

Damaged Items

Item damage is determined at the discretion of the Library Director and/or Circulation Manager. $5 fee will be applies to repairable damage to materials. Technology repairs are based on actual repair costs. All library items determined or suspected to be impacted specifically by pest infestations will be treated as damaged items under the library’s Circulation Policy and will either be treated or discarded at the Library Director’s discretion. Any material returned by a patron which shows evidence of live or dead bugs will result in immediate suspension of Library privileges for that patron and any patrons in the same residence. Suspension will be lifted after the patron presents proof that the residence has been successfully treated for and eradicated of the bugs in question by a licensed and accredited pest control company.

Financial Responsibility and Refunds

The parent/guardian signing for the juvenile card accepts financial responsibility for the child’s materials. Ask the front desk about the process for partial payments toward lost/damaged items. Refunds will only be issued to the parent/guardian who signed for the juvenile account. Parents/guardians who did not sign for account may receive refund if they present the receipt for the item payment.

Overdue Alerts and Consequences

Overdue alerts will go out at 7 days overdue, 14 days overdue, and 25 days overdue. First notice will be via email. Second and third notices will be via postal mail. At 30 days the item will be switched to lost.

Technology Devices Borrowing Policy

To borrow technology devices from our library, patrons must have a history of borrowing materials for at least one month. This policy ensures responsible usage and availability for all patrons. Devices include Chromebooks, hotspots, and kid tablets, each with a specific loan period. Overdue returns of technology devices are subject to strict penalties, including potential suspension of borrowing privileges for six months if returned 7 days or more overdue.

Eligibility and Loan Periods

Each household is limited to one device at a time, ensuring equitable access. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the loan periods and return devices on time to avoid penalties. Our staff is available to assist with any questions regarding technology loans.

Penalties for Overdue Returns

Overdue technology devices may be disabled remotely, impacting the patron’s borrowing record. Devices returned 7 days or more overdue contribute to a “three-strike” policy, potentially leading to a temporary ban on borrowing technology. We strive to provide fair access to technology and appreciate the cooperation of all patrons in adhering to these guidelines.

Discover Your Next Adventure

Visit us today or explore our online catalog to dive into a world of knowledge and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for the latest bestsellers, educational resources, or exciting new technology to borrow, our library has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enrich your life with our diverse collection.

Your Library Account

Control Your Library Adventure

Your Library Account

Unlock a world of knowledge with our new catalog/patron system, designed to enhance your library journey.

Introducing Atriuum's OPAC

Our new Atriuum system makes exploring the library easier and more exciting! With a sleek design and handy features, OPAC lets you quickly find, reserve, and enjoy your favorite books, materials, and digital materials—all with just a few clicks.

Atriuum makes it simple and fun to explore a world of stories and information! With easy-to-use tools and personalized recommendations, you can discover new books and authors effortlessly. We’re here to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in our community.

Discover Our Advanced Features

Key Features of Atriuum and OPAC

Mobile Access

Access the library’s catalog and your account from any device, anywhere. Quickly find books, e-books, and other resources

Personalized Recommendations

Receive and create tailored book suggestions and lists based on your reading history and preferences.

Seamless Reservation System

Easily reserve and manage your book checkouts online with just a few clicks.

For Kids

Explore our fun KidzViz graphical interface, designed specifically for younger patrons! With simple, visual navigation, kids can find books by selecting categories like TransportationWater → Boats.

Accessing Your Account

Using the New System

1

Log In to Your Account

Log on to your account. Enter your library card number and password to log in. First time logging on, your password will be USERPASS.

2

Explore Your Dashboard

Once logged in, you will be directed to your personal dashboard where you can view your history, overdues, items due soon, items outs, items ready for pick up, and items reserved.

3

Manage Your Borrowings

From your dashboard, you can renew books, place holds on new titles, view fines, manage lists, set up notifications, and update your personal information as needed.

Common Questions About the New System

How do I reset my password?

If you’ve forgotten your password, click on ‘Forgot Password’ on the login page. Follow the instructions to reset it via your registered email.

Can I access my account from my phone?

Yes, our system is mobile-friendly. Simply visit our website on your phone’s browser and log in as usual. You can also download the Librista app from your app store for easy access.

How can I view my borrowing history?

To view your borrowing history, go to the ‘History’ tab in your account dashboard. Here, you can see a record of your past checkouts and returns.

To manage your history:

  • Click the ‘Account’ tab in the top toolbar.
  • Select ‘Manage History’ from the side menu.

You can choose to disable history tracking, which will stop your history from appearing on your dashboard. If you’d like to remove all past records, select ‘Clear History’ under the ‘History’ tab.

⚠️ Important: Once your history is cleared, it cannot be recovered.

How do I search for books or other items in the catalog?

Use the search bar on the homepage of the catalog to enter a title, author, or keyword. You can refine your results using filters like format, genre, or availability.

What information can I see about an item in the OPAC?

When you click on an item in the OPAC, you’ll find a wealth of helpful information, including:

  • Availability: See if the item is currently available and how many copies are in circulation.
  • Bibliographic Details: Access details like the call number, author, publication year, and publisher.
  • Summary: Read a brief description of the item.
  • Professional Reviews: Explore expert reviews to help you decide if the item is right for you.
  • “Look Inside”: Preview a sample of the item when available.
  • Similar Items: Discover related books or materials.
  • Series Information: Check if the item is part of a series and view similar series.
  • AR Levels: For educators and students, see Accelerated Reader levels if applicable.

This detailed view helps you make informed decisions and discover more materials to enjoy!

How can I place a hold on an item?

Log in to your account, find the item in the catalog, and click the ‘Reserve’ button. You’ll receive a notification when the item is ready for pickup.

How do I renew items I’ve checked out?

Log in to your account and navigate to the ‘Items Out’ or ‘Overdue’ section of your dashboard. Select the items you want to renew and click ‘Renew.’ Note that some items may not be eligible for renewal.

Can I create and save custom reading lists?

Yes! Our system makes it easy to create and organize personalized reading lists. Here’s how:

  1. Saving Items to Your List:
    While searching the catalog, you can click ‘Save for Later’ on any item. This automatically adds the item to a list called ‘Uncategorized.’ Once you’ve saved an item, the button will change to say ‘View List.’ Clicking this will take you directly to your saved list.

  2. Viewing Your Lists:
    To access all your saved items, go to your dashboard and select the ‘My Lists’ tab. Everything you’ve saved will appear in the ‘Uncategorized’ list.

  3. Creating and Managing Multiple Lists:
    To create custom lists (e.g., “To Be Read” or “Cozy Thrillers”), go to the ‘My Lists’ page and click the ‘Add List’ button at the top of the screen. You can give your new list a unique name. Note that the ‘Uncategorized’ list cannot be renamed or deleted.

  4. Organizing Items in Your Lists:
    From the ‘Uncategorized’ list, click the three vertical dots next to any item to open a menu. This allows you to:

    • Remove the item from your list.
    • Move the item to another list.
    • Copy the item to a different list.
  5. Placing Holds from Your Lists:
    You can reserve items directly from your lists! Just click the ‘Reserve’ button beneath the item you want to place on hold.

With these features, you can organize your reading goals, track favorite genres, and easily manage your library materials!

What is the "Watching" tab, and how does it work?

The “Watching” tab allows you to save and track books, authors, subjects, or series you’re interested in, so you’ll be notified when new materials matching your criteria are added to the catalog. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Go to the ‘Watching’ tab in your account.
  2. Choose a category to watch: author, subject, or series title.
  3. Enter the specific term you want to track (e.g., a favorite author or book series).
  4. Select the type of material you’re interested in, such as books, large print, or magazines.

Once a new item that matches your criteria is added to circulation, you’ll receive a notification letting you know it’s available!

Is there a limit to the number of books I can borrow?

Yes, there are borrowing limits for both physical and digital items:

  • Physical Items: Up to 20 at a time.
    • DVDs, Magazines, and CDs: Maximum of 5 each.
    • Special Items: Limit of 1 per type (Chromebook, Hotspot, Video Game, Experience Pass, or Tablet).
  • Digital Items: Up to 15 at a time.

Additional Rules:

  • New Cardholders: Limited to 2 items until those are returned.
  • Student Cards: Do not allow checkout of physical materials.
  • Outreach Cards: Limited to 2 standard items.
What should I do if I lose my library card?

Contact the library immediately to report a lost card. We will assist you in securing your account and issuing a replacement card.

Phone

(423) 745 – 7782

Discover New Features with Your Library Account

Experience Pass

 Experience Pass

 

Explore a variety of locations free with your EGFPL Library card! E.G. Fisher Public Library is proud to offer our Experience Pass Program—a unique way for our patrons to explore local attractions, museums, parks, and more, all for free! These passes allow families to enjoy enriching activities and create lasting memories while saving money. Simply check out a pass at the library, enjoy your visit, and return it when you’re done—just like a library book.

 

What is an Experience Pass?

An Experience Pass is a special pass that allows library patrons to enjoy free admission to local attractions, museums, parks, and more. It works like a library book: patrons check out the pass from the library, use it for their visit, and return it afterward. Each pass is valid for a one-week or three-week checkout depending on the pass. Passes may include specific guidelines, such as the number of people it covers and whether it allows multiple visits during that time.

Who can check out a Pass?

Passes can be checked out by any adult library cardholder who is 18 years or older and in good standing with E.G. Fisher Public Library. Each household is allowed to check out one pass per year to ensure fair access for all patrons. Must have library card with us for a month or more.

How can I check out a Pass?

To check out a pass, visit the library’s front desk and ask a staff member about available Experience Passes. Passes are checked out just like library books and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to present your library card to complete the checkout process.

How many Passes can I check out?

You may check out one Experience Pass  per attraction, perhousehold, per year. For example, you could check out a pass to the zoo one week and then check out a pass to the theater another week. This allows families to enjoy a variety of attractions throughout the year while ensuring fair access for all patrons.

Will I need to pay for parking?

Yes, if parking fees are required by the attraction, you will need to pay for parking. Some attractions may have nearby free parking options or public transportation that can get you close to the venue. We recommend checking the attraction’s website or local resources for details on free parking or bus routes. Please note that some attractions do not charge parking fees at all.

How long can I keep an Experience Pass?

Each Experience Pass can be checked out for one week or three weeks depending on the pass.

Can I renew an Experience Pass?

No, Experience Passes cannot be renewed. This ensures fair access for all patrons.

What happens if I lose or damage the Experience Pass?

If you lose or damage the Experience Pass, you will be charged a replacement fee. The fee varies depending on the specific pass, and the library will notify you of the cost.

Are there late fees for returning the pass after the due date?

Yes, there is a late fee of $1.00 per day if the pass is not returned on time.

Can multiple family members use the Experience Pass during the checkout period?

Yes, the Experience Pass can be used by your household during the checkout period, but it must remain with the primary borrower who checked it out. Different attractions have different limits on household members. Check your specfic pass to see the household limit.

Can I reserve an Experience Pass in advance?

No, Experience Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Our Experience Pass Partners:

Ask Your Question

Call Us

423-745-7782

Check Out a Pass Today !

Our Experience Pass program is always growing! While we currently offer a selection of passes to local attractions, we’re continuously working to expand the options available to you. Be sure to check back regularly for new passes and experiences added to our collection. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore and enjoy the best of what our community has to offer – for free!

Storytimes

Storytimes

Storytime sessions play a key role in fostering early literacy and cognitive development. Through storytelling, songs, and crafts, children enhance listening, comprehension, and motor skills. Our library provides a welcoming space for young minds to explore, learn, and build a foundation for lifelong curiosity and growth.

Our Storytimes

 

Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM

Pre-K Storytime

Get ready for a fun, engaging storytime just for preschoolers! Designed for children ages 3 to 5, our Preschool Storytime brings stories to life with interactive books, songs, and hands-on crafts each week. This lively program helps children develop important school-readiness skills, such as recognizing letters, taking turns, listening, and building fine motor abilities—all while having a great time! Join us and watch your child’s love for reading and learning grow!

baby and me storytime button-01

Thursdays @ 10:30 AM

Baby Storytime

Bring your little ones (ages 0 to 2) to Baby Storytime! This special storytime introduces babies to the joy of books, songs, and rhymes, along with a bit of baby sign language and playtime. Caregivers will pick up helpful early literacy tips while babies explore new ways to engage and interact with other children. Join us for a heartwarming session that nurtures your baby’s early learning and social skills in a welcoming, playful environment!

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Fridays @ 10:30 AM

Toddler Storytime

Let’s get those wiggles out! Toddler Storytime is designed for children ages 1 to 3, with plenty of music, interactive stories, and bubbles to keep little ones engaged. Each week, toddlers can look forward to fun activities like counting practice, parachute play, and more! Through books and songs, your child will start building early language and social skills in an energetic, playful setting. Join us for a lively session that encourages learning and discovery!

baby and me storytime button-01

Online 1x a month

Bilingual Storytime

Join us online each month for Bilingual Storytime! Our stories are shared in both English and Spanish, with an English-speaking and a Spanish-speaking storyteller (sometimes it’s even the same person!). Look out for our monthly posts on Facebook to explore fun stories that celebrate both languages and cultures. Perfect for families looking to enjoy storytime in English and Spanish!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Step 1: Register at http://fisherlibrary.readsquared.com or download the READsquared app through your app store.

  • Register by making a family account on ReadSquared. You can find us under E.G. Fisher Library. (Letter Space Sensitive)
  • Select the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program.
    • Reading tracking may be done digitally using ReadSquared or the ReadSquared app.

    Step 2: Keep track by logging your reading.

    • For every book, your child reads or listens to, log the reading on ReadSquared. Anyone who reads a book to your child counts.
    • You can track duplicated reads. If you read Goodnight, Moon to your child every night, count it each time.

    Step 3: Unlock and Collect Prizes

    • Once your child reaches a benchmark, he or she can collect a prize from the library.
    • Milestone Prizes include Registration Prize, Every 100 Books Prize, 500 Books Prize, and 1000 Books Prize.