Library FAQs - Prescott Public Library

What do I need to get a library card?

To get a Resident Library Card, you can bring a non-expired photo ID and proof of Yavapai County residency to the 2^nd floor Check Out Desk. If you do not have proof of Yavapai County residency, we can issue you a Temporary Library Card. Explore what your library cards have to offer at Library Cards and Accounts.

My child/grandchild/niece/nephew, etc. is 4 years old. Can they get a library card?

There is no minimum age requirement to get a library card at Prescott Public Library. However, applicants under 16 years of age need a parent or guardian signature to get a library card. The parent or guardian will be responsible for items checked out on the minor’s card.

Where do I pick up the library cards that I applied for online?

If you applied for a library card online and were issued a library card number, please come to the 2^nd floor Check Out desk within 90 days to pick up your physical card. If the physical card is not picked up within 90 days, the library card number will be withdrawn.

My library card expired. How do I get a new one?

Library cards will expire after two years if you do not check out an item, log onto your library account through the online catalog, or logon to an online resource. To get another library card, follow the same instructions as applying for a new card.

I don’t have my library card with me. Can I still check out items?

If you forget to bring your library card, we can still check items out to you using your photo ID. Alternatively, you can use our self-checkout stations if you remember your library card number and PIN. We also encourage you to download and install the YLN app for mobile devices, which gives you to access your library barcode for faster checkouts.

How many items can I check out and for how long?

You can check out up to 50 items at a time with your Resident Library Card. A Temporary Library Card can only check out up to 2 physical items from Prescott Public Library. These limits do not include the 8 electronic items that you can check out with either type of card.

Most Prescott Public Library items are checked out for 3 weeks, which do not include library closure days. Exception: “Lucky Day” items can only be checked out for 7 days (limit to 2 concurrent checkouts per account). Please note that items transited from another library in the Yavapai Library Network (YLN) might also have a different checkout period.

How do I renew my items?

Library checkouts are automatically renewed if there are no other patrons waiting for the items. A library item might be renewed up to 3 times, with the exception of “Lucky Day” items which are non-renewable. If automatic renewals fail to occur, you may be able to renew your checkouts by calling the library at 928.777.1500, or visiting a Check Out desk.

Where do I pick up my holds?

Available holds can be picked up from the 1^st floor of the library. Interlibrary Loan items from outside Yavapai County can be picked up from the 1^st floor Check Out Desk.

I received notifications that my holds are in. Why aren’t they on the hold shelves?

You may receive a notification shortly after an item you have on hold arrives at the library. However, it can take several hours for staff to process and shelve holds. If you are unable to find holds on the shelves, ask a staff member at the 1^st floor Check Out Desk for more information.

Why is my account blocked?

A library account may be blocked for several reasons; overdue items, damaged items, missing items, or we may simply need to communicate with you. Call the library at 928.777.1500 or visit a Check Out desk for more information.

I lost/damaged a book/CD book/DVD, etc. How much are the fees?

The fee for most lost and non-repairable damaged items is the replacement cost of the item. The fee for a repairable damaged item depends on the extent of the damage. If the item belongs to another library, there may be a processing fee of $5 to accompany the replacement cost of the item. Call the library at 928.777.1500 or visit a Check Out desk for more information.

I lost/damaged a book/CD book/DVD. Can I bring another copy to replace it?

As of April 1, 2022, Prescott Public Library no longer accept trades for lost or non-repairable damaged items. If the item is from another library, replacement circumstances may vary. Please do not purchase or bring a replacement copy without verifying with a staff member. Call the library at 928.777.1500 or visit a Check Out desk for more information.

How do I update my address/email/phone number on my library account?

Call the library at 928.777.1500 or visit a service desk at the library to update your information.

I’m trying to put holds on some items online and the system tells me to see a librarian. Is something wrong with my account?

There are several reasons that may prevent you from placing a hold; overdue items, damaged items, missing items, or we may simply need to communicate with you. Call the library at 928.777.1500 or visit a Check Out desk for more information.

I forgot my PIN. Can you give it to me?

For maintaining the confidentiality of your record, you must visit a service desk at the library in person with your photo ID to get or change your PIN. You can also reset your PIN if you have access to the email address associated with your library account.

I forgot to bring my library card. Can you give me my library card number?

For maintaining the confidentiality of your record, you must visit a service desk at the library in person with your photo ID to get your library card number.

Can you give me the list of current/past checkouts?

Current checkouts may be seen by logging into your account. We can also email the list to you or print out a receipt for you from a Check Out desk.

You can see past checkouts if you have the “Reading History” feature turned on in your online account. Visit the Ask a Librarian Desk on the 2^nd floor of the library or call 928.777.1526 for assistance enabling this feature. Alternatively, follow the instructions here. Unfortunately, this function does not work retroactively.

Why did I not get any notifications about my holds/overdue items?

If the notification method we have on file is incorrect, such as a disconnected phone number or an incorrect email address, you may not receive your notifications. If you have not received library notifications, call us at 928.777.1500 or visit a service desk at the library to update your contact information and notification method.

My library DVD/CD is skipping/dirty/not playing properly. What do I do?

I don’t want my full name to appear on the hold slips. Is there a way to protect my privacy?

Your privacy is important to us, so one option we offer is the ability to create a preferred name for hold pickups. By using this feature, your hold pickups will be listed under an alias of your choosing. Call us at 928.777.1500 or visit a service desk at the library to create your own hold alias.