Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get a library card?
A: Library cards are issued free of charge to any American citizen over the age of 17, or lawful resident. Parents or legal guardians may apply for cards for their minor children. Current state- or federal-issued photo ID is required. Physical library cards may be applied for in-person, regardless of residence. Digital cards are available to residents of Brown County. Apply for digital cards at the catalog page. Click Sign Up in the upper right corner.
Q: How do I contact the library?
A: Visit the Contact Us page
Q: Is the Brownwood Library a city library or a county library?
A: Actually, it is both and neither. The Brownwood Community Library Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation subsidized primarily by the Cities of Brownwood and Early and the County of Brown.
Q: Can I check library holdings after hours? Is it possible to reserve a book after hours ?
A: Patrons may log in to their account from the library catalog. From there, they may check their items out, renew items and place holds.
Q: How long is the checkout period?
A: The normal checkout period for books is two weeks. Books can normally be renewed for an additional two weeks. However, if others are waiting to check out the item, renewal is normally denied. If nobody is waiting to check out the item, patrons are allotted a reasonable number of renewals necessary to read the book. The same applies for books on CD. DVDs, however, check out for one week but may be renewed if there are no holds.
Q: Are fines assessed for overdue items?
A: No. The library no longer has fines. Patrons will be charged for books and other items that are not returned.
Q: How do I use library computers and gain Internet access?
A: The first requirement is a valid library card issued by the Brownwood Community Library. Patrons over the age of 17 are granted computer privileges subject to requirements found in the Computer Acceptable Use Policy on the Policies page. The Computer Acceptable Use Policy must be read and understood. Minors are only allowed computer privileges with the express consent of a parent or guardian. Both parent and minor computer users must read and understand the Computer Acceptable Use Policy.
Q: What types of programs does the library offer?
A: The library offers several children's programs. Story Time starts at 10:00 and 11:00 every Wednesday. The earlier storytimes (10 am) storytimes are geared towards toddlers (18-36 months) and the 11 am storytimes are geared towards preschoolers (3-5 years old). Summer Reading Program is an organized program to encourage children to read. Progress is acknowledged with token prizes and other festivities. Please see our Facebook page for some of the adult and children's programs currently offered. If you would like to share an interest or a hobby and are interested in doing a program or series of programs with the library, we would love to chat with you about it!
Q: What types of materials does the library have?
A: All materials, with the exception of reference, newspapers, and genealogical materials, may be checked out. Materials consist of regular and large-type books; downloadable ebooks and audiobooks; audiobooks on CD; DVDs; and magazines (which can also be checked out excluding the current issue).
Q: How do I find what I'm looking for?
A: The library catalog can be accessed via the online catalog, as well as from the catalog computer in the library If you don't find what you're looking for, please inquire at the front library desk. The staff is ready and able to assist patrons in finding needed materials. If a patron requests materials that aren't locally available, in many cases they can be borrowed from another library for a nominal fee. This process usually takes between one and three weeks, depending on the item.
Q: Does the library carry newspapers?
A: Yes, the library carries a number of local and state newspapers. Hard copies of newspapers are kept for at least ninety days. The library keeps older copies of local papers on microfilm at the Genealogy Library. Patrons may also access our password-protected databases for searchable current and back issues of more than 400 newspapers and hundreds of popular and scholarly magazines.
Q: What other resources does the library offer?
A: The library offers a wonderful database service called Texshare. Besides the newspapers and magazines mentioned above, other password-protected databases available online include language courses (for more than 80 languages), test preparation classes and practice tests (for everything from elementary school to SAT to job-specific exams), citizenship courses, computer skills classes (for everything from mouse skills, to beginning and advanced Microsoft training, to Adobe Photoshop), legal forms, and much, much more. Contact the library for a password and log-in for these resources.
Q: Many of my friends are involved in family research. Can the library be of assistance?
A: Yes. The library has a special genealogy location that is a joint venture between the Brownwood Community Library and the Pecan Valley Genealogical Society. The library also has extensive holdings concerning regional history. Many of these materials are in the Local History & Genealogy Branch at 213 S. Broadway, across from the county courthouse. These materials are available for patron use.
Q: I've tried to research my family in the past and found myself confused and bewildered by the wide array of resources. What can the library do to help me?
A: The library has genealogy specialists on staff along with volunteers from the Pecan Valley Genealogy Society. If you have questions, you can contact the library at (325) 646-6006. You can also contact us by email on the Genealogy page.
Q: What other services are available at the library?
A: The library offers black and white copying and printing at 15 cents per page and color printing at 25 cents per page. The library also offers fax services. To send faxes locally is 25 cents a page; long distance faxes cost one dollar per page to send. A fee of 50 cents a page will be assessed to receive faxes. There is no charge to scan to a flash drive. However, you will have to bring your own flash drive or purchase one at the library. Ear buds can be purchased for $3.
Q: Can the library help me with my taxes?
A: Unfortunately, taxes are unavoidable. The library can be of some assistance. IRS forms can be provided, although neither the library nor its staff is qualified to provide any type of tax advice. The library can assist certain individuals in finding help preparing their tax forms.
Q: Does the library take suggestions or criticisms?
A: As the great Samuel Johnson noted, criticism is infinitely more valuable than praise. The library is always open to constructive criticism and suggestions. This includes materials that patrons would like to see placed on the shelves.
Q: Can tours be arranged?
A: Tours can be arranged. Please call 646-0155 for details.
Q: Does the library provide space for meetings?
A: The library has two meeting rooms. The larger of the two, the Carnegie Room, will hold a maximum of 30 individuals and the Study Room, will comfortably seat eight. See more at the Meeting Rooms page.
A: Library cards are issued free of charge to any American citizen over the age of 17, or lawful resident. Parents or legal guardians may apply for cards for their minor children. Current state- or federal-issued photo ID is required. Physical library cards may be applied for in-person, regardless of residence. Digital cards are available to residents of Brown County. Apply for digital cards at the catalog page. Click Sign Up in the upper right corner.
Q: How do I contact the library?
A: Visit the Contact Us page
Q: Is the Brownwood Library a city library or a county library?
A: Actually, it is both and neither. The Brownwood Community Library Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation subsidized primarily by the Cities of Brownwood and Early and the County of Brown.
Q: Can I check library holdings after hours? Is it possible to reserve a book after hours ?
A: Patrons may log in to their account from the library catalog. From there, they may check their items out, renew items and place holds.
Q: How long is the checkout period?
A: The normal checkout period for books is two weeks. Books can normally be renewed for an additional two weeks. However, if others are waiting to check out the item, renewal is normally denied. If nobody is waiting to check out the item, patrons are allotted a reasonable number of renewals necessary to read the book. The same applies for books on CD. DVDs, however, check out for one week but may be renewed if there are no holds.
Q: Are fines assessed for overdue items?
A: No. The library no longer has fines. Patrons will be charged for books and other items that are not returned.
Q: How do I use library computers and gain Internet access?
A: The first requirement is a valid library card issued by the Brownwood Community Library. Patrons over the age of 17 are granted computer privileges subject to requirements found in the Computer Acceptable Use Policy on the Policies page. The Computer Acceptable Use Policy must be read and understood. Minors are only allowed computer privileges with the express consent of a parent or guardian. Both parent and minor computer users must read and understand the Computer Acceptable Use Policy.
Q: What types of programs does the library offer?
A: The library offers several children's programs. Story Time starts at 10:00 and 11:00 every Wednesday. The earlier storytimes (10 am) storytimes are geared towards toddlers (18-36 months) and the 11 am storytimes are geared towards preschoolers (3-5 years old). Summer Reading Program is an organized program to encourage children to read. Progress is acknowledged with token prizes and other festivities. Please see our Facebook page for some of the adult and children's programs currently offered. If you would like to share an interest or a hobby and are interested in doing a program or series of programs with the library, we would love to chat with you about it!
Q: What types of materials does the library have?
A: All materials, with the exception of reference, newspapers, and genealogical materials, may be checked out. Materials consist of regular and large-type books; downloadable ebooks and audiobooks; audiobooks on CD; DVDs; and magazines (which can also be checked out excluding the current issue).
Q: How do I find what I'm looking for?
A: The library catalog can be accessed via the online catalog, as well as from the catalog computer in the library If you don't find what you're looking for, please inquire at the front library desk. The staff is ready and able to assist patrons in finding needed materials. If a patron requests materials that aren't locally available, in many cases they can be borrowed from another library for a nominal fee. This process usually takes between one and three weeks, depending on the item.
Q: Does the library carry newspapers?
A: Yes, the library carries a number of local and state newspapers. Hard copies of newspapers are kept for at least ninety days. The library keeps older copies of local papers on microfilm at the Genealogy Library. Patrons may also access our password-protected databases for searchable current and back issues of more than 400 newspapers and hundreds of popular and scholarly magazines.
Q: What other resources does the library offer?
A: The library offers a wonderful database service called Texshare. Besides the newspapers and magazines mentioned above, other password-protected databases available online include language courses (for more than 80 languages), test preparation classes and practice tests (for everything from elementary school to SAT to job-specific exams), citizenship courses, computer skills classes (for everything from mouse skills, to beginning and advanced Microsoft training, to Adobe Photoshop), legal forms, and much, much more. Contact the library for a password and log-in for these resources.
Q: Many of my friends are involved in family research. Can the library be of assistance?
A: Yes. The library has a special genealogy location that is a joint venture between the Brownwood Community Library and the Pecan Valley Genealogical Society. The library also has extensive holdings concerning regional history. Many of these materials are in the Local History & Genealogy Branch at 213 S. Broadway, across from the county courthouse. These materials are available for patron use.
Q: I've tried to research my family in the past and found myself confused and bewildered by the wide array of resources. What can the library do to help me?
A: The library has genealogy specialists on staff along with volunteers from the Pecan Valley Genealogy Society. If you have questions, you can contact the library at (325) 646-6006. You can also contact us by email on the Genealogy page.
Q: What other services are available at the library?
A: The library offers black and white copying and printing at 15 cents per page and color printing at 25 cents per page. The library also offers fax services. To send faxes locally is 25 cents a page; long distance faxes cost one dollar per page to send. A fee of 50 cents a page will be assessed to receive faxes. There is no charge to scan to a flash drive. However, you will have to bring your own flash drive or purchase one at the library. Ear buds can be purchased for $3.
Q: Can the library help me with my taxes?
A: Unfortunately, taxes are unavoidable. The library can be of some assistance. IRS forms can be provided, although neither the library nor its staff is qualified to provide any type of tax advice. The library can assist certain individuals in finding help preparing their tax forms.
Q: Does the library take suggestions or criticisms?
A: As the great Samuel Johnson noted, criticism is infinitely more valuable than praise. The library is always open to constructive criticism and suggestions. This includes materials that patrons would like to see placed on the shelves.
Q: Can tours be arranged?
A: Tours can be arranged. Please call 646-0155 for details.
Q: Does the library provide space for meetings?
A: The library has two meeting rooms. The larger of the two, the Carnegie Room, will hold a maximum of 30 individuals and the Study Room, will comfortably seat eight. See more at the Meeting Rooms page.
