Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that needs answering? Ask with the Online Contact Form!
Where is the library?
Actually, the Lake County Library System is a library cooperative consisting of 9 member libraries and 6 branch libraries. Click on any of the library names to find out where they are located or click here to go to the LCLS Districts and Library Locations Map to see the libraries plotted on a map of Lake County.
| Member Libraries |
Branch Libraries |
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How do I access My Account within the library catalog?
Once inside the online catalog, click on the My Account tab. Enter all digits of your library bar code without spaces. Then enter your pin number assigned to you by the Library. If you do not have a pin or have forgotten your pin. Contact your Library and they can help you. Once you are inside the catalog you have access to all your holds and requests and can check the status of your account.
What is my PIN?
A PIN is required to access Your Account and to place requests in the online catalog. Pin numbers are assigned when you received your library card. Please contact your library to find out what your PIN is, proof of identification may be required.
Do I need a separate library card for each library?
Your Lake County Library System card is honored at each of our thirteen library locations. You may also use your card to reserve materials online using our online catalog.
How do I get a library card?
Library cards are available at all thirteen of our library locations. If you live in, or own property in, Lake County, you may get a Lake County Library System library card at no charge. Just take identification showing your name and residence address, such as a driver's license or utility bill, to any of the Lake County Library System member or branch libraries. Fill out a patron registration card, and pick up your library card.
You can also apply online for your card then pick up when it is ready.
Restrictions on how many items you may check out on your first visit may vary.
Students attending school on Lake County may get a library card at no charge regardless of their residence. However, they must bring proof of school enrollment to the library.
Residents of Orange, Osceola, Polk or Volusia Counties who have a card in good standing with their library may get a Lake County Library System card as a reciprocal borrower. See Can I get a Lake County Library System card if I don't live in Lake County? for details.
Online Library Card Application
You may use our Online Library Card Application and your
information will be forwarded to the appropriate library. The library
will contact you when your card is ready.
At that time, you will need to bring proof of residency to the library for verification. (accepted forms of residency proof are listed below)
Applications for people under 16 also require the signature of a parent
or guardian. If you have any questions about library cards or the Lake
County Library System in general, please see other Frequently Asked Questions on this page or contact us via e-mail or phone.
Library Card Renewal
You may use our Online Library Card Renewal Form to renew your library card with the Lake County Library System and your information will be forwarded to the appropriate library. The library will contact you when your card is ready. At that time, you will need to bring proof of residency to the library for verification. You may also renew your card by telephoning your library directly or by stopping by your library. (accepted forms of residency proof are listed below)
*** If you have purchased a non-resident card, you must visit the library to renew your card and pay the renewal fee.
Proof of Residency
Individuals applying for Lake County Library System Library Card can verify current residence or ownership of property by presenting one (1) or more of the following showing a Lake County street address:
(a) Current Florida Driver's License or Florida Identification Card showing a street address;
(b) Current Florida motor vehicle registration showing a street address;
(c) Current property tax receipt showing a street address;
(d) Current Voter identification card;
(e) Current utility bill showing a street address;
(f) Checkbook with name and address imprint;
(g) Current lease agreement or rental agreement showing a street address;
(h) Federal income tax return showing a street address;
(i) Recent Florida intangible tax return showing a street address ; or
(j) Valid school ID from an educational institution within Lake County.
Can I get a Lake County Library System card if I don't live in Lake County?
Residents of Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties are eligible for free Lake County Library System cards. If you have a card in good standing with the Marion County Public Library System, Orange County Library System, Osceola County Library System, Polk County Library Cooperative, Seminole County Public Library or the Volusia County Public Library, you may get a Lake County Library System card as a reciprocal borrower.
Present your valid Orange, Osceola, Polk or Volusia county library card and proof of residence as listed above when you visit a Lake County Library System branch or member library. Fill out a patron registration card and get your Lake County Library System library card. A fee will apply as outlined below.
Non-Resident Library Membership:
(Individual or Family) |
| Annual Membership |
$40.00 |
| 6 Month Membership |
$20.00 |
Please note that the Books by Mail service is not available for Reciprocal Borrowers.
How do I use the online Catalog?
For assistance in using the online Catalog, please check out the Online Catalog Tips Page
How do I increase the size of the print on the website?
In Firefox, hold down the control key (Cmd key on Mac) and tap the plus, "+" key to enlarge the print. To reduce the print hold down the control key (Cmd key on Mac) and tap the minus,"-" key.
In Internet Explorer, go to the View Menu, select the Text Size, and then select the size of text you want.
Other browsers may have different techniques to enlarge the print.
How do I find what I'm looking for in the catalog?
You may search our catalog in a number of ways:
- If you know the author, choose "Author" from the drop down list and enter the author's last name followed by a space and the author's first name.
- If you know the title, choose "Title" and enter the first few words of the title.
- If you know some of the words in the title, choose "Keywords from Title" and enter the words you know.
- If you want several items on one subject, you can use the "Subject " or "keywords from subject" to get a list of titles.
- If you are interested in works that are part of a series, you can choose "Series" from the pull down list and enter words to identify the series.
If you need further assistance with your search and you are in the library, ask a library staff person for help. If you are searching the catalog from home and need assistance, you may call your library or e-mail our Webspinner for help. You should get a response to your e-mail within one or two business days.
Can I search the library catalog from outside the library?
You may search the library catalog from outside the library using our online catalog. The online catalog allows users to search the catalog and place holds on items found.
The online catalog offers enriched content for some of the items in the library catalog. A computer with Internet access and a Java-enabled browser is required.
Can I reserve items from the library using my computer?
You may reserve items from your computer via the online catalog. Once you have located the item you want, follow the directions on the screen to reserve the item.The online catalog requires a patron barcode to reserve items. Be sure to choose the appropriate pick-up location so we will know where to send the item.
What are Online Reference Databases and how do I use them?
Online Reference Databases carefully researched computerized collections of information on a specific subject or area. Library staff selects databases that are high quality and authoritative and pays the subscription fees for library patrons to access them. They are free to all Lake County Library System card holders and are valuable resources for research and education.
Library users can connect to the online databases via the library computers at any member or branch library or remotely from any home, school, or work computer. You will need a library card number in order to access the databases from any computer, whether it is at the Library or a remote computer.
For your convenience, this website offers a links to the databases that are available to you. They are sorted by subject if you are unsure of the database you need to search or they are listed alphabetically if you know the database you want to access.
If you have difficulty accessing one of these databases, the problem may be in the configuration of your browser or the setup of your internet service provider.
How to Find What You Are Looking For In Spanish
Click here to download an informational brochure of how to search the online reference databases in Spanish.
Como Encontrar Información en el Español
Do you have a book service for the homebound?
Books by Mail service is available for the Lake County Library System. You are eligible to receive Books by Mail if you have a library card in good standing from any of our libraries. Books by Mail service is available for all books or audiobooks except 7-day loan books. Books by Mail is not available to Reciprocal Borrowers.
More information about Books by Mail
What if my library doesn't have the item I want?
If you're looking for a book or magazine article and can’t find it in one of our libraries, we can check for the item at the other libraries in the Lake County Library System. If the item is available, it can be sent to any one of our locations for you to pick up. If none of our libraries has the item, we can request it from libraries outside the Lake County Library System through interlibrary loan. This is a free service provided to Lake County Library System patrons. Just ask your library staff for help.
I lost my library card! What do I do?
If you've lost your library card, contact your library immediately, so that no one else can use your card. The next time you are at your library, you can request a new card. Some libraries may charge to replace lost cards, so contact your library for details.
What are the fees for overdue, lost, or damaged materials?
| Description |
Fees |
Overdue books, videos,
DVDs, art prints, audio books, CDs,
and vertical file materials
|
$0.10 /day
$5.00 maximum
|
| Overdue Interlibrary Loan
Materials |
$1.00/day
$1,000.00 maximum |
| Overdue computer software
and electronic games, in any format |
$1.00/day
$10.00 maximum |
| Replacement charges for lost or
damaged materials |
Cost of item plus
$5.00 processing fee |
Replacement fee for additional library
cards
|
$2.00 each
First replacement free |
Do you have any programs for children?
Our member and branch libraries offer programs for children throughout the year. Check our Children's Services Activities page or contact your library to find out what's available.
Is there a schedule of library activities on the Web?
You can find information about activities and programs offered at our branch and member libraries at the Lake County Library System Events page or the Children's Services Activities page.
Do you have any job openings?
Job postings for branch libraries,
Astor County, Citrus Ridge, Cooper Memorial, East Lake, Marion Baysinger, and Paisley County, can be found on the Web at the Lake County Government Employment Opportunities page. For job openings at our member libraries, please contact the library directly to find out what positions are available.
I want to volunteer to help at my library. Who do I contact?
You want to volunteer? Great! Just contact the library where you would like to volunteer for details. If you would like to volunteer at the administrative offices of the Lake County Library System or with the LCLS literacy program, contact the Lake County Volunteer Coordinator at (352)343-9771.
Lake County Government Volunteer Program