Getting a library card
Adams County residents and property owners–Any resident, student, or person paying property taxes in Adams County may obtain a library card at no charge. Non-residents may purchase a card for $30.00 a year. Library Card replacement - $1.00. To qualify for a card you must complete the application in full and submit in person with photo ID and proof of current address (examples: mail received or check blanks). View/print a library card application [PDF].
Nebraska residents–Nebraska residents living outside of Adams County may still be eligible for a free library card through the NebrasKard program. To qualify you must have a current card through a participating NebrasKard library. See the list of participating libraries. For more information about the NebrasKard program see the Nebraska Library Commission's page or call the library at (402) 461-2346. If you qualify you must complete a card application, and present photo ID and a library card from a participating NebrasKard library. View/print a library card application [PDF].
Check-out periods
3 Weeks – Most books, audiocassettes, CDs, records, books on tape/CD, and puppets
1 Week – New fiction, videocassettes/DVDs, magazines, vertical file items, seasonal books
Renewals
Most items may be renewed in person, by phone, or online, for the same time period as originally checked out. For example: 3-week items for 3 weeks, 1-week items for 1 week. No renewals on videos or seasonal books. Access your account and renew items online.
Check-out limits
5 books on cassette/CD, 5 videocassettes or DVDs, 5 magazines, 10 audiocassettes, 5 vertical file items, 5 book/tape kits, 2 puppets, 10 CDs; there is no limit on the total number of items.
E-mail notification
The Library offers notification via e-mail. To receive notices (overdue, hold request and billing) via e-mail a patron must fill out a request and bring the completed form to the library. View/print a form [PDF] to sign up for e-mail notification.
When you sign up for e-mail notification you will also receive a pre-overdue e-mail notice before your items are due.
Fines for late returns
$0.10 per day per item will be charged for most materials kept past the due date. $1.00 per day per item will be charged for videocassettes, DVDs and items borrowed from other libraries.
Lost or damaged items
Items lost or damaged while checked out will be charged at the full cost of an item, plus a $5.00 processing fee.
Suspension of privileges
Any person with fines or charges of $10 or more will have borrowing and computer privileges suspended.
Library computer use
The Library has 12 computers available for public use with both black & white and color laser printers installed for printing. Software installed on the computers for use include Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Some of the computers also have Magic School Bus software installed. Adams County residents must have their library card and PIN to use the computers. Out of county residents must present photo ID to use the computers and will be issued a guest user number for each day. View the Internet and Safety Use Policy and printing costs.
Wireless Internet access is available throughout the public areas of the library. Any person with a wireless card in their laptop or other wireless device may use the Internet free of charge by connecting through the "hpl_wireless" network.
