MidPointe Library System

I have questions about library cards and borrowing materials

How do I get a library card?

Anyone who lives, works, attends school or owns property in Ohio may apply for a library card. Children are eligible for a card at birth, but anyone under 18 must have parent or guardian permission to obtain full borrowing privileges. The Library requires photo I.D., proof of current address and date of birth, as well as a completed application.

How many books/movies/games/etc can I have at once?

This information can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines. All new card holders have a 10 item limit for a 2 month provisional period. Also, Young Adult and Juvenile cards have additional limitations.

How long can I keep the items I checked out?

Most print items circulate for 21 days, and most media items circulate for 7 days, but there are exceptions. Detailed information can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines.

How do I renew my books?

MidPointe Library has Automatic Renewals on most physical items. Several exceptions do apply. Full details are here.

How many times can I renew the books or movies I have checked out?

This information can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines. The number of renewals depends on what type of item you have (book, DVD, etc.)

What can I borrow besides books?

Our collections include books, magazines, audiobooks, read-alongs, wonderbooks, music CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, Playaway Launch Pads, Fast Reads, video games, education tools, board games, laptops, mobile hotspots, and SearchOhio and OhioLINK materials.

We also offer access to nearly 70 research databases and about two dozen additional collections in the Digital Archives.

How do I request a book from another MidPointe location?

Find the item in the library catalog, select “Request It,” and enter your MidPointe card number and PIN.

What is SearchOhio? What is OhioLINK? How do they work?

SearchOhio is a consortium of public libraries, and OhioLINK is a consortium of university and college libraries from all over the state of Ohio. If MidPointe does not have the item you are looking for, just click the SearchOhio or OhioLINK button to request it. Please note that renewals, overdue fines, and replacement costs are different. Detailed information can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines.

How do I know when my books have arrived from another location or SearchOhio?

You should receive notifications via email, text message, or phone call, depending on your notification preference. If you need to change your preference or update your information, call the library.

Can I check out a book at one location and return it at another location?

Yes! Items borrowed from one of our 5 locations can be returned at any other location. Returned items are quarantined for 7 days before they are checked in. *Please note items will remain on your account until they are checked in.* Returned items are back-dated, and no overdue fines are charged.

How do I update my address or email or phone number?

Contact the library to update your information.

I lost my library card; what do I do now?

Contact the library to report the card lost. You can get a replacement card by visiting the library and presenting identification.

I lost the book/movie. What do I do? Can I buy a replacement for the library?

Replacement items will be billed at the retail price. The replacement charge will be waived if a new, exact match replacement is provided, however a $5.00 processing fee will be assessed. No refunds will be given once processing is complete. Detailed information can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines.

I checked these books out before the shutdown in March; how much do I owe in fines?

Currently MidPointe is not charging overdue fees. However, fines charged before March 16, 2020 remain on your account until they are paid.

I returned that book a few days ago. Why is it still on my account?

Returned items are quarantined for 7 days before they are checked in. *Please note items will remain on your account until they are checked in.* Returned items are back-dated, and no overdue fines are charged.

Why does it take so long for books I returned to come off my account?

As part of MidPointe Library’s Covid Safety Measures to protect patrons and library staff, returned items are quarantined for 7 days before they are checked in. *Please note items will remain on your account until they are checked in.* Returned items are back-dated, and no overdue fines are charged.

How much are late fees?

Currently MidPointe is not charging overdue fees. Information about fees can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines.

How can I pay my overdue fees? Can I pay online?

You can pay fees in the library with Visa or MasterCard. MidPointe currently does not accept cash or checks for payments. You can also pay fees with a credit card online by logging in to your account via the catalog.

Can I get a list of everything I've ever checked out from the library?

You can log in to MidPointe Library’s catalog, select “Login,” and select “Reading History.” Click on Save Reading History. All items you check out in the future will appear in your Reading History. You can opt out at any time. Your record will not show things you checked out before setting up your Reading History. Library staff cannot access your Reading History.

I'm going on vacation; can I freeze my holds until I return?

Log in to your account in MidPointe Library’s catalog, select “Holds,” and select which titles you wish to freeze and select “Update List.” Be sure to un-freeze them when you’re ready.

I have questions about computers/copiers/online materials

What do I need to have to use a computer?

You need to have your library card and PIN to log in to a computer at the library.

Please note that computer access is limited to one 45-minute session each day.

How much does it cost to print or copy or fax or scan a document?

Printing and copying cost $.15 per page for black and white, and $.30 per page for color.

Fax and scanning are free.

Can I print from my phone?

You can print from your own device at home, or inside the Library. Click here or download the PrinterOn app (available on the Google Play Store or Apple Store) and follow the prompts to begin the printing process. Once you send your print job, you have 48 hours to type in your user information, pay, and print at the print release station at any MidPointe Library location. Black and white prints are $.15 a page and color prints are $.30 a page.

How do I get a book on my tablet or phone?

With your MidPointe library card, you can borrow e-books and e-audiobooks using Hoopla or Libby. Links and information are here.

Can I use the library's databases from home?

Our research databases provide information on a broad range of subjects. Most of these premium materials are available from home, work, or school (unless otherwise noted) in addition to the library. When connecting to the research databases remotely, you will need your library card number and PIN.

Does the library have a mobile app?

Yes! Download the MyLibrary! App.

Does MidPointe have a Facebook page?

Yes! Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/MidPointeLibrarySystem/.

MidPointe is also on Twitter and Instagram. Check out ourblog and ourYouTube page.

I have questions about special services and programs at the library

What is curbside service? How does it work?

Curbside Service allows you to pick up items which you have requested, without leaving your car. This service is available at all locations, and days and times may differ based on location. Full details on Curbside Service can be found here.

Does MidPointe have a Bookmobile?

Yes! Our Library On Wheels (LOW) plays an important role in providing library programming, materials and services to portions of the service area that does not have a physical branch. Additionally, this department serves library customers who have special needs or may have difficulty using the library through traditional means, in addition to providing supplementary learning tools to educators.

Does MidPointe offer any services for homebound patrons?

MidPointe Library’s Library on Wheels staff serves patrons who are unable to visit our library buildings. Information about LOW’s services can be found here.

Does MidPointe have a maker space? When is it open?

Yes! Innovation Pointeis a “Do-it-Yourself" learning center where patrons of any experience level gain practical skills through hands-on learning.

Innovation Pointe is currently closed due to Covid restrictions.

How do the SmartLockers work at Liberty and Wayne Township?

These self-service lockers allow patrons to place items on hold via the library’s online catalog and pick up materials at a time convenient to their schedule. Find complete information on SmartLockershere.

Does MidPointe offer any services for teachers?

MidPointe offers several services for teachers. Information about Teacher Cards, Teacher Collections, and other services can be found here.

Can I get a passport at the library?

Select MidPointe staff can accept your Passport application. You must have an appointment, and you can schedule appointments 2 weeks in advance.

Can I register to vote at the library?

Yes! Stop by the Welcome desk at any MidPointe location.

Does MidPointe have notary service?

MidPointe does not currently offer a notary service.

Can you help me with my taxes?

MidPointe staff cannot assist with filling out forms and staff cannot give tax advice.

MidPointe Library System serves as a distribution point for federal, state, and local tax forms. Paper copies of high demand tax forms are provided while supplies last. Additional tax forms may be available and printed on demand (printing costs may apply).

Can you tell me about the laws onlease agreements or other topics?

Library staff are prohibited by law from giving any legal advice or interpretations.

Many books about legal topics are available in the library's print collection and research databases.

When is Storytime or Book Club or Crafternoon?

Our Event Calendar is available on the MidPointe website. Due to Covid restrictions, all in person MidPointe programs are postponed indefinitely. However, MidPointe continues to deliver many all-new virtual programs every week. Visit our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/MidPointeLibrarySystem

I have questions about the library and facilities and collections

When is the library open?

Hours for all MidPointe locations can be found here.

Is the library hiring?

Employment opportunities can be foundhere.

Can I volunteer at the library?

Information about volunteering at the library can be found in MidPointe’sPublic Policy Manual

I have a poster to advertise my craft show or other event. Can I hang it up at the library?

This information can be found in MidPointe’sPublic Policy Manual.

How do the SmartLockers work at Liberty and Wayne Township?

These self-service lockers allow patrons to place items on hold via the library’s online catalog and pick up materials at a time convenient to their schedule. Find complete information on SmartLockershere.

Does MidPointe have meeting rooms or study rooms?

Due to Covid restrictions, all Meeting Rooms and Study Rooms are unavailable.

Most MidPointe locations have Meeting Rooms which can be reserved for use by non-profit community groups, with certain restrictions. The full Meeting Room policy can be found in the Public Policy Manual.

Most MidPointe locations also have Study Rooms where individuals or small groups may work together. Study Rooms are available on a first come-first served basis.

I want a book that MidPointe doesn't own. How can I get it? Will MidPointe buy it?

If MidPointe does not have the item you are looking for, just click the SearchOhio or OhioLINK button in the catalog to request it. Please note that renewals, overdue fines, and replacement costs are different. Detailed information can be found in MidPointe Library’s Borrowing Guidelines.

If you want MidPointe to consider adding the item to our collection, you can Suggest a Purchase.

What are Fast Reads?

These are newly published books, which you can check out for 7 days. Fast Reads cannot be renewed.

What research databases does the library have?

Our Research Databases provide information on a broad range of subjects. Most of these premium materials are available from home, work, or school (unless otherwise noted) in addition to the library. When connecting to the research databases remotely, you will need your library card number and PIN.

Do you really have my high school yearbook?

Yes, if you attended Middletown High School between 1913 and 2013.

Or, if you attended Madison High School between 1961 and 2018, we have those, too.

We also have Yearbooks for the Lemon Township High School (1922, 1924), The Monroe High School (1938-1955), The Lemon-Monroe High School (1956-2004) and The Monroe High School (2005-2019). The collection does not contain yearbooks for the following years: 1925-1937, 1992, 1995, and 2016.

If you attended a different school than those, your awkward photos are safe.

Does the library take financial contributions? What about donations of books or movies?

Monetary gifts may be donated to the MidPointe Library System. Please find donation information here.

MidPointe Library System may accept donations of materials or equipment. As many items may not be appropriate for inclusion in the library’s collection because of age, condition, or duplication, library staff will determine the acceptability of any donations for the MidPointe Library System.

Detailed information about donations may be found in the Public Policy Manual.

I think that a certain book is offensive and MidPointe should not have it. What can I do?

The MidPointe Library System has a procedure in place to assure that objections to or complaints about Library resources are handled in an attentive and consistent manner. The patron should request and submit a completed Request for Review of Library Materials form. The Review Committee will notify the patron of the decision in writing.

I have questions about the library during Covid restrictions

Do I have to wear a mask at the library?

Yes, masks are required for both patrons and staff. If you cannot wear a mask, we are happy to offer our curbside service.

How are you keeping the library clean?

Here are ourSafety measures for your health and wellness.

When will Storytime or Book Club or other programs resume?

Due to Covid restrictions, all in person MidPointe programs are postponed indefinitely. However, MidPointe continues to deliver many all-new virtual programs every week. Visit our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/MidPointeLibrarySystem