Library Information

Library Information

Checkout Limit

Checkouts are limited to 20 items total with a maximum of 5 DVDs, audionbooks, and magazines.

Public Computers

The library is pleased to offer computers for the public. We will be happy to assist you as time permits. You must present your library card or a valid ID.

Curbside Service

Please reserve items no later than one business day prior to pick-up. Once in the parking lot, call 423-745-7782 for curbside service.

Credit/Debit Card Payments

A $0.50 service fee will be added to all card transactions. Minimum credit or debit transaction is $1.00 not counting the service fee.

Item Holds

You may place an item on hold from our collection. Patrons receive three free holds, additional holds cost $1.00 per item per day. Please place all holds at least one business day prior to expected pick-up. You may also now place a hold on an item through our Online Catalog.

Printing & Fax Charges

We have a coin-operated copier for the public to use. Costs of printing and copying are $0.25 for black and white per page and $0.50 for color per page. We offer fax services as well. It is $1.00 per page to send a fax and $1.00 per page to receive a fax. Our fax number is 423-745-1763. 

 

 

 

Board Room Reservations

Our board room is free for groups of 12 and under. Reservations may be made no more than TWO WEEKS in advance. No food or drinks are permitted in the board room. Care must be taken to leave the Board Room clean when the meeting is over. IMPORTANT: A protective cover must be used on the table if any crafts ( cutting, pasting, etc.) take place.

Community Room Reservations

The community room is available to be rented out. The room seats 50 – 75+.
 
$20 deposit required to reserve space (counts toward full payment). All payments, including deposit, are non-refundable.
Rates for general public use :
0 – 2 Hours ———-$40
2 – 4 Hours ———-$ 50
4 – 6 Hours ———-$ 70
6+ Hours ———-$ 90
Use of Zenith flat screen TV and Google Box $25

 

 

–The community room is also available for ongoing non-profit (501-C3) organizations*—
Rates for ongoing groups**:
One free reservation per month with subsequent rentals at 50% discount
0-2 Hours —– $20
2-4 Hours —– $25
4-6 Hours —– $35
6+ Hours —– $45
Use of Zenith flat screen TV and Google Box —– $25
*May require documentation of an organization’s non-profit (501-C3) status at time of scheduling.
** Use of kitchen included in costs

 

General Rules for the Community Room:

1. Meeting rooms may be reserved by individuals, businesses, government agencies, and non-profits for private or public events.
2. Sales may not be conducted on the premises without prior approval from the Library Director.
3. Tobacco products may not be consumed inside the library or within 25 feet of entrances and exits. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed on the Library premises.
4. Flammable materials are prohibited (i.e. candles, incense, light strips, etc.)
5. Reservations are not allowed outside of library operating hours.
6. All reservations must end 30 minutes before the library’s closing time. Groups should complete clean up and exit the room by this time. Groups should notify the front desk when leaving the room.
7. All payments for meeting rooms are non-refundable.
8. Each organization is responsible for setting up and putting away chairs and tables. (There are approximately 50 chairs and 12 tables).
9. Food and beverages are allowed in the community room. Avoid staining drinks i.e. Red Kool-Aid and other red drinks. No food or beverages are allowed in the Board Room.
10. Leave meeting room clean, free of trash in the condition it is found: trash picked up, spills cleaned up.
11. Coffee pot, microwave, refrigerator, and stove are available in the kitchen for Community Room rentals. Dishes and party supplies are not provided. Surfaces and equipment should be left clean.
12. All audio-visual needs should be planned for at least 7 days prior to the event and specified as part of the rental agreement. The primary contact person will be shown how to use the equipment. Any damages will be the responsibility of the lessee.
13. Meetings of large groups which may disturb or interfere with the general use of the library will not be booked.
14. No governmental agencies (local, state, or federal) shall be charged unless they are charging an admittance fee.
15. Individuals renting or attending events in meeting rooms are subject to E.G> Fisher Public Library’s Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in temporary bans from meeting room use.
16. Any usage of library space must be made within the context of local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Access may not be denied on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical or mental disability.
17. Patrons renting meeting spaces are responsible for ensuring the maximum room capacity is observed.
18. Library programs and meetings have first priority for room reservations.

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 AM -5:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed Sundays and first Wednesday of the Month

Address

1289 Ingleside Avenue Athens, TN 37303

Hours

(255) 352-6258

Meet Libby

Did you know EG Fisher Library has thousands of ebooks and audiobooks? You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using your library card and the device in your hand. Click the link below for information on how to get started today! https://help.overdrive.com/en-us/1307.htmlWatch the Libby video

Get started with Libby

Step 1

Install the Libby app from your device’s app store.

Or, visit libbyapp.com in your Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (Chromium) browser.

Step 2

In Libby, follow the prompts to find your library and sign in with a valid library card.

Step 3

Browse your library’s collection and borrow a title.

Step 4

Borrowed titles appear on your Shelf and download to the app automatically when you’re connected to Wi-Fi, so you can read them when you’re offline.

From your Loans, you can:

  • Tap Read With… to choose where you’d like to read a book in Kindle (U.S. libraries only) or in Libby.
  • Tap Open Audiobook or Open Magazine to start reading or listening to that title.
  • Tap Manage Loan to see options like Renew and Return.

If you need more help with Libby, please visit Libby Help. Happy reading!

Dyslexic Font Setting

In a book, tap the center of the screen, then look for the uppercase A and click it. From there, tap OpenDyslexic under “Book Design.”

FAQs

Are you open since Covid-19? 

Yes! Masks are recommended but not required.

When are you open?

We are open Monday through Saturday. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday we are open from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. Wednesday and Friday we are open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Saturday we are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed Sundays and the first Wednesday of the month. Don’t forget to check our website and Facebook page for important updates.


Does the library print and make copies?

Yes, we can print and make copies. We have a public copier that takes quarters, and we have a private printer that can print, fax, and make copies.


How much does it cost to print, make copies, or fax?
It is $0.25 per page for black and white, $0.50 per page for color, and $1.00 per page to send and receive a fax.


Does the library have internet?
Yes, we have free public Wi-Fi that can be used inside the library, outside on the patio, and even the parking lot.


Can anyone use the library and get on a computer?
Everyone is welcome to visit our library, read our books in the library, and use the table spaces. To use a computer, you will need either your library card in good standing or a valid ID. If you cannot provide either, you can have access to a 15-minute computer. If you owe fines, you must pay down $2.00 to get on a computer.

How do I get a card?

Bring in a piece of mail with your current address and a valid ID.

Do I have to live in McMinn County to get a card?

No!

How much does it cost to get a card?

For McMinn County residents, it is free! For out of county, the cost is $10.00 per year.


How many items can I checkout?
You can check out a maximum of 20 items combined at one time. Magazines, audio books, and DVDs have a 5 per card limit and hotspots and Chromebooks have a 1 per household limit.


What is the loan time for materials?
Books, magazines, and audio books are checked out for 3 weeks. DVDs, Hotspots, and Chromebooks are checked out for 1 week.


How much are fines for late materials?
Books, audio books, and magazines are $0.20 per day overdue. DVDs, Hotspots, and Chromebooks are $1.00 per day overdue.
 
How do I request materials that are not located at E. G. Fisher Library?
You can request materials that are not located at our library either by filling out an interlibrary loan request form online or requesting an interlibrary loan through the phone or at the counter with one of our library clerks. You can put 2 requests in at a time. You can also check Tennessee Reads to see if the book is available as an eBook or audio book through Libby/Overdrive.


Who can use the interlibrary loan services?
Patrons of our E.G. Fisher Public Library can use the interlibrary loan services.


Is there a fee for interlibrary loan services?
It does not cost to request material from other libraries using the interlibrary loan program. This is a free service provided by the State of Tennessee.


Will I be notified when my interlibrary loan reserve arrives?
We will call you when we have received the requested material. Once we receive it, we can hold it for one week before we must return it.

Do you have programs?

We do! Check our website under “Programs,” our Facebook page, or give us a call!

What is the cost of your programs?

Free!


How do I renew books?

To renew books or other material you can call us at 423-745-7782 or renew in person.


What can I do if a book I want is already checked out?
If there is a item you are wanting but it is already checked out by another patron, you can put the item on hold. To put the item on hold you can either do it over the phone, in person, or online.

 
How do I put an item on hold online?
To put an item on hold online, log on to our Verso online catalog. If it is your first time logging in, enter USERPASS as the password. Afterwards, you can create a new password. Then you will search for the item you are wanting in the search bar or the advance search bar. Once you locate the item, click “Place Hold”  or find.


Can you see my checkout history?

We can only see what patrons have checked out currently or connected with any fines. If you want to keep track of the materials you have completed, we recommend keeping track online in our Verso catalog. Go to “your account,” then “checkout history,” then click “activate history.”

How do I make an account on VERSO, the library catalog?

Go to our website. Click: library catalog. When Verso is loaded, look in the upper right corner for Login. If it is your first time logging in, enter USERPASS as the password. Afterwards, you can create a new password. From here, you can explore your account.  Keep in mind if you have any fines on your account, you will not be able to renew your materials or place holds.


How do I check out a hotspot?

Hotspots are free to check-out and provided by East Tennessee Foundation and the TOPS grant. To checkout a hotspot, you must be 18 years or older and your household account must be in good standing. New cards are ineligible for the first month. If we do not have any available at the counter, you can be added to the wait list. We will notify you when one is ready for pickup. Once a hotspot becomes available to check out, you will need to bring your library card and ID.


How do I check out a Chromebook laptop?

Chromebooks are free to check-out and provided by the Tennessee Community CARES grant. To checkout a Chromebook, you must be 18 years or older and your household account must be in good standing. New cards are ineligible for the first month. If we do not have any Chromebooks available at the counter, you can be added to the wait list. We will notify you when one is ready for pickup. Once a Chromebook becomes available to check out, you will need to bring your library card and ID card. When you are here we will go through the process of checking you out the Chromebook.


Do you offer audio books and eBooks?

We have digital audio books available to  check out in person in the library. We also are linked with Overdrive/Libby which allows you to use your library card to have access to online audio books and eBooks.

Do you rent golf clubs?

We do! Rentals are for 24 hours with a maximum of 3 clubs per card (balls included). There is a little course over at Prof Powers Park a couple of blocks away. Ask at the front desk for directions.

What are the Wetlands behind the library?

The Oostanala Creek has flooding problems. The Wetlands were created to help alleviate those problems by creating a place for the storm water run off to go and providing a natural habitat that allows wildlife to flourish.

Did the library used to be a barn?

No. It was built as a library in 1997.

How do I support the library?

You can volunteer or donate to our PayPal.

Homeschool Resources

Homeschool Resources

PebbleGo

“Use PebbleGo Science, Social Studies, Ciencia, and Estudio Sociales to help your young students build confidence in their technology, language, research, and reading skills.

Transparent Language

“Learn over 110 different languages with Transparent Language Online. You can learn English from 30 different languages. Lessons for kids too!”

TEL4U.org iconTEL4U.org

The Tennessee Electronic Library’s website for grades Pre-K‐5 provides a safe place for kids to go online for educational and fun websites.”

Ben’s Guide

“Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government is designed to inform students, parents, and educators about the Federal Government

Space Place

Use NASA Science Space Place to explore earth and space.

Core Knowledge

The Core Knowledge Foundation provides open access to content-rich curriculum materials for preschool through grade 8″

News

Knoxville News Sentinel

“The Knoxville News Sentinel is a daily newspaper founded in Knoxville, Tennessee. It covers the news in Knoxville and the surrounding area from the 1880s to today.

Audience: Middle School, High School, College/Research, Public, Genealogy”

Memphis Commercial Appeal

“The Memphis Commercial Appeal is a daily newspaper founded in Memphis,Tennessee. It covers the news in Memphis and the surrounding area from the 1840s to today.

Audience: Middle School, High School, College/Research, Public, Genealogy”

Newspapers.com Southeast Edition

“Newspapers.com Southeast Edition provides access to newspapers from the southeast United States including 2000+ historical and recent newspapers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Audience: Middle School, High School, College/Research, Public, Genealogy”

The Tennessean (1812 - 2009)

“Digitized pages of The Tennessean (1812-2009) provide unique historical insight into the regional issues and concerns, such as local government, industrialization, prohibition, and racial struggles.

Audience: Middle School, High School, College/Research, Public, Genealogy”

The Tennessean (2010-Present)

“Full color issues of The Tennessean newspaper with a seven day delay from publication.  Provides Nashville and Middle Tennessee regional coverage.

Audience: Middle School, High School, College/Research, Public”

Gale OneFile: News

“Provides access to more than 2,300 major U.S. regional, national, and local newspapers, as well as leading titles from around the world. It also includes thousands of images, radio and TV broadcasts, and transcripts.

Audience: College/Research, Public”

Gale OneFile: Popular Magazines

“Provides access to more than 1,000 full-text magazines covering subjects such as current events, sports, science, health, and more.

Audience: College/Research, Public”

Tennessee Resources

Tennessee Blue Book: A History of Tennessee- Student Edition

“The Tennessee Blue Book: A History of Tennessee- Student Edition is written for students in upper elementary and middle school who are studying the history of Tennessee.

Audience: Elementary School, Middle School”

Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture

“Free, comprehensive reference work featuring over 1,500 entries on the Volunteer State. Cosponsored by the University of Tennessee Press and the Tennessee Historical Society.

Audience: High School”

 Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media

“A free library program of over 150,000 recorded, large print and braille materials available to residents of Tennessee who are not able to use standard materials due to visual or physical disability.

Audience: High School, College/Research, Educators, Public”

Tennessee Records on Ancestry.com

“Tennessee records, including birth, death, and tax lists are available online thru a partnership with Ancestry.com. While other Ancestry.com resources require a subscription; these records are free for Tennesseans.

Audience: High School, College/Research, Public, Genealogy”

 

Tennessee State Library & Archives Education Outreach

“Explore primary sources, lesson plans, and other educational tools designed for social studies teachers and students. Content is organized by both historical eras and Tennessee social studies content standards.

Audience: Middle School, Educators”

 

 Tennessee State Symbols

“List of Tennessee State Symbols, State Holidays, State Songs and Flag Status.

Audience: Children, Elementary School”

 

World Book Databases

 

World Book

“World Book Online will allow you to navigate easily to all the World Book encyclopedias included in TEL.

Audience: Children, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College/Research, Educators, Public, Genealogy”

World Book Advanced

“Online encyclopedia that features thousands of reference articles, primary sources, and online books. Also includes access to worldwide news publications, government links from numerous countries, and multimedia materials.

Audience: High School, College/Research, Public”

World Book Discover

“Provides reference resources for students reading below grade level with content and tools specifically developed for these students.”

World Book Early Learning

“An immersive, educational experience for young learners eager to learn more about the world around them while learning to read.

Audience: Children, Elementary School”

World Book eBooks

“Includes highly illustrated, engaging titles that support a span of curriculum areas and reading levels.

Audience: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Public”

World Book Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos

“Spanish language interface for World Book Encyclopedia featuring thousands of easy-to read articles packed with stunning illustrations, videos, interactive maps, and engaging games and activities.

Audience: Spanish, Elementary School, Public”

World Book Kids

“A general reference website developed especially for young students. The site offers image-based navigation, easy‐to‐read articles, thousands of illustrations, and a wealth of engaging games, science projects, and activities.

Audience: Children, Elementary School”

World Book Student

“Features more than 40,000 encyclopedia and reference articles, biographies, videos, images, and activities that support middle school research needs.

Audience: Elementary School, Middle School”

World Book Timeline

“Allows students to discover and map important events in society and culture. Users can browse more than 400 ready-made, interactive timelines covering various periods in history or create their own timeline on any subject.

Audience: Middle School, High School”

Gale Databases

Gale Common Menu

Gale Common Menu

Gale Books and Authors

“Looking for a good book, but not sure where to start? Books & Authors explores today’s popular fiction and non-fiction titles as well as the classics of yesterday. This is a great resource for readers’ advisory.

Audience: High School, College/Research, Public”

Gale Health and Wellness

Gale Health and Wellness

Gale In Context: Elementary

“Covers a broad range of elementary school topics in one accessible resource. It features a modern, graphical interface that improves navigation understanding to offer students an introduction to database searching. 

Audience: Children, Elementary School”

Gale In Context: Middle School

“Designed for middle school students, provides access to reference works, biographies, magazine and journal articles, primary source documents, and multimedia.

Audience: Middle School”

Gale In Context: High School

“Covers a broad range of topics, people, places, and events in an engaging online experience to help high school students with papers, projects, and presentations.

Audience: High School”

Gale OneFile: High School Edition

“Gale OneFile: High School Edition provides access to cross-curricular content aligned to national and state curriculum standards. Students can access news content including full-text newspapers and periodicals.

Audience: Middle School, High School”

Gale In Context: Environmental Studies

“Gale In Context: Environmental Studies provides detailed information on current environmental issues and processes from both a scientific and a social standpoint suitable for high school, undergrad, and graduate students. Reference works, case studies, multimedia materials, newspapers, and magazines provide a wide range of content to support all learners. 

Audience: High School, College/Research”

Gale OneFile: World History

Scholarly journals and magazines useful to both novice historians as well as advanced academic researchers offering balanced coverage of events in world history.
Audience: High School, College/Research, Public

Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints

“Covers today’s social issues, from capital punishment to marijuana. Includes pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, and infographics that help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.

Audience: High School, College/Research”

Gale K12 eBooks

Gale K12 Ebooks is a collection of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research for elementary, middle and high school. These eBooks are available 24/7 with no checkout.

Audience: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Gale Presents: Peterson's Test and Career Prep

“Take online practice tests and use test prep ebooks. Search thousands of college and graduate school entries. Identify scholarships that meet financial needs.

Audience: High School, Public, Business”