Membership Policies
Library Cards
If you live in Jefferson County you qualify for a library card, free of charge. Patrons over the age of fifteen must apply in person and show a driver's license with current address or a form of government issued photo ID as well as verification of current address (such as a piece of mail, lease agreement, checkbook, bill statement, etc.). Children under fifteen must have a parent or legal guardian sign a responsibility statement. Both parent and child must sign the application.
- Programs and events for children, teens and adults
- Friend’s Bookstore
- Use of Library computers
- Free Classes
- Online Databases and Research Resources
- Downloadable Audio Books
Live Out-of-County?
Patrons may purchase cards for an annual fee of fifty dollars. These cards are issued in the applicant's name, but may be used by that person's entire family.
Checkout Information
Books, audio books, and music CDs may be checked out for three weeks. Movies/DVDs check out for seven days. You may have up to 100 items checked out at a time.
Late Charges
Movie/DVD late charges are $1.00 per day. All other late charges are fifteen cents per day. You will be sent an overdue notice for any library materials not returned on time. If the late charges are not paid when overdue materials are returned those charges will be billed to your card for payment later. Late charges may be paid at any library or online.
Renewals
As part of a county-wide policy, we renew items only once, and only if there are no reserves on the item. Library materials may be renewed in person, online, or by calling 226-3790. You may also call 978-0155 during normal library hours.
Returning Items
Books, audiobooks, music CDs and DVDs/movies may be checked out and returned to any public library branch in Jefferson County with some exceptions, most notably Mountain Brook and Hoover libraries. View all restrictions here.
The Online Catalog
The library’s online catalog is more than just a way to find books. It serves many functions, including a way to access your account, reserve items, and keep up with your currently checked out items. The Jefferson County Library Cooperative provides a guide to help you learn how to use the shopping cart feature. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions page that might help you if you have a question as well as a feature that allows you to write reviews on books.
Lost/Stolen Library Cards
Please report lost or stolen cards to the library at once, you are responsible for every item checked out on your card. There is a $3.00 fee for a replacement card.
Alabama Virtual Library Memberships
AVL Cards are sponsored by the State of Alabama. Free Alabama Virtual Library cards are available for any Jefferson County Library card holder. With your Jefferson County Library Cooperative library card or an Alabama Virtual Library Card you can access all of the online databases at any time from your PC.
Library Patron Confidentiality Act
All library patron information is confidential. Employees must, therefore, treat all patron matters accordingly as stated by the Privacy Act (Code of Alabama 41-8-10). No patron information, including home address, phone number, and materials checked out, may be revealed to anyone, except by the patron him or herself, with proper identification.
The content of patron records may not be disclosed to anyone except under subpoena. Employees will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, for improperly revealing information of a confidential nature. (Code of Alabama 41-8-10)
