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  • How many items can I check out?
    We allow up to a maximum of 45 items to be borrowed on your library card. Four (4) of those items may be audiobooks and five (5) items may be DVDs. New card holders may check out a maximum of five (5) items, two (2) of those items may be audiobooks or DVDs, on their first check-out. The number of items borrowed will be increased after the items from your first check-out are returned.
  • How long can I check out items?
    Out materials are broken down into four categories, each of which has its own rules on maximum checkout. BOOKS & AUDIOBOOKS These items have a two (2) week borrowing time. MAGAZINES Magazines have a two (2) week borrowing time. The most current issue of a magazine title cannot be borrowed. DVDs DVDs have a (1) week borrowing time. HOTSPOTS Borrowing time for our hotspots can be any number of days up to 14 days with no option to renew. Hotspots are rented by prepaying $2.00 per day for your chosen checkout period.
  • How do I place Holds?
    You can call or visit either of our library locations to place Holds on items. When you find an item in the catalog that you want to place on Hold, click on the “Place Hold” button to the right of the item. You will need to log into your account to place a Hold. You can cancel Holds in your account under “Account Activity.”
  • How do I renew Items?
    You can renew items online, by phone or in person. If you require the phone number or address of your local library branch, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
  • Where can I return my items?
    We have book and media drops located outside both of our library locations that are accessible 24/7. You may also return your items inside at the Circulation Desk. Please utilize the drop-slot built into the Desk at the Jonesborough Library, and place your items on the open counter space on the Desk at the Gray Branch Library when you first walk through the front doors.
  • How do I get a library card?
    Washington County Tennessee Library System cards can be made at either of our library locations. We strongly advise that you pre-register to significantly cut down on time spent waiting and reduce paper waste. This can be done by clicking the "Get a Card" button at the top right of your screen. Alternatively, you can come into either branch and register by filling out a paper application. Note you will need to expressly state your intention to file a paper application to be given one.
  • I received a message that my library card privilege has expired. How do I renew it?
    If you receive a message (typically from your OWL Catalog account) that your “privilege has expired”, don’t worry! Library cards are set to “expire” every year and must be renewed. This helps us ensure that your account is always up to date with any address, phone, email or notification preference changes. You may visit or call either of our library locations during open hours and our staff will renew your card. You will be able to resume using your library card immediately.
  • What if I have fines?
    In accordance to years of research showing their ineffectiveness, as of Spring 2023 our library system has opted to go fine free. We do ask that you return materials on time as others may be waiting for them. If materials are not returned within 30 days of their overdue status they will be presumed lost by the catalog system and a bill for their replacement plus processing costs will be issued.
  • Do you offer programming and other events?
    Yes! We offer a variety of programming opportunities for all ages. We are currently running a hybrid of online and in-person programming. Please visit our Library Events calendar to find upcoming events.
  • Do you offer public access computers?
    Each library location has computers that are available for public use. To log onto a computer, you will need your Washington County Public Library card barcode number, which can be found on the back of your card. If you do not have a WCPL card and live in the area, we highly recommend you get a library card with us. However, you can get a visitor’s pass from the Circulation Desk to access the computers only. Visitor’s passes do not allow you to borrow materials. Please silence your cell phone and take any calls either in the foyer or outside completely. If you need to listen to something on the computer, please bring a pair of headphones with you or you can borrow a set from the Circulation desk. Our headphones are sanitized between each patron. Food and drinks are not allowed at the computer stations. Anyone using our computers must abide by all library policies. Our computers feature a variety of software, including the Microsoft Office suite, and have printing capabilities. Please note that for your privacy and security, when you log off of a library computer any and all documents, files and browsing history saved on the computer will be lost. For this reason, if you are printing anything we ask that you first collect and check your printed items before logging off. If you want to save your files for later use, email the files to yourself or bring a USB flash drive to store them.
  • How do I print, copy, scan, or send a fax?
    We offer all of these services at both of our library locations: PRINTING All of our public access computers have printing capabilities. Printing on letter size paper (8-1/2 x 11) costs $0.15 for black and white, and $0.35 for color per page. If you need something printed on larger paper, please ask our staff for assistance before you print. All of your printed documents can be paid for and picked up at the Circulation Desk. Please check on the printing status of your documents before logging off of your computer. For your privacy and security, our computers will delete any files and browsing history you may have saved at log-off and cannot be restored. COPYING We offer a self-service copy machine at both of our library locations for public use. Copies are $0.15 per page in black and white and $0.35 per page in color. If you need assistance with copying a larger format item or to print on both sides of the paper, please ask our staff for help. SCANNING Our self-service copy machines are capable of printing from and scanning to a USB drive. Printing is $0.15 per page in black and white and $0.35 per page in color. Scanning documents onto a USB drive is free. FAXING Both library locations offer faxing services. We can provide a free cover sheet if needed. Upon successful completion of your fax, we will provide you a confirmation page for your records. This only states that the fax was sent on our end. We recommend that you follow up with the receiving location of your fax to verify that they have received it. Documents need to be on standard letter size paper (8-1/2 x 11). Outgoing: First 10 Pages The first 10 pages of any fax are $0.50 per page. Outgoing: Pages 11+ Faxes that have more than 10 pages will reduce to $0.25 per page after the first 10. Example: Your fax is 15 pages. Pages 1-10 are $0.50 each and pages 11-15 are $0.25 each. The total cost for your fax will be $6.25. Incoming Incoming faxes at $0.25 per page. Please note that we will only hold onto your fax for one (1) week. If you do not pick up your fax in that time, the document will be shredded.
  • Can I request items are added to your collection?
    Yes, we always take patron input into consideration and will do our best to purchase all requested items. Please know that sometimes, certain items may not be available for purchase for one reason or another. You can call or visit the Circulation Desk of either of our library locations to place your request. The item(s) you request will be placed on Hold for you first when we have finished processing them for our collection.
  • Do you offer notary services?
    Yes, our Library Director is currently a certified notary. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. We provide this service for free.
  • Do you offer Curbside Services? How do I use it?
    Yes, we are offering Curbside Service at both library locations. To use our curbside service, please: Place a Hold on the items you want to check out. You can do this by searching the Online Catalog or by calling either of our library locations. We will notify you by your notification preference (call, text or email) when your items are ready for pickup. When you arrive at either library location’s designated Curbside Service spot, you will call that library when you have parked. You will need to have your library card number ready so that we can assist you in a timely manner. Please stay in your car and unlock your back door or pop your trunk. A staff member will come out to your car with your items. A receipt is included with your item’s due dates Curbside pickup at both branches is located: JONESBOROUGH MAIN BRANCH LIBRARY Curbside Service is located at our back door past the book drops. Call for pickup (423) 477-1550 GRAY BRANCH LIBRARY Curbside Service is located in the parking spots by our front doors. Call for pickup (423) 477-1550
  • Do you offer public Wi-Fi?
    Public Wireless Internet is available throughout the building and extended into our parking lots that is available 24/7. To connect to our wi-fi, choose “WCLibrary Free Wifi” on your phone, tablet or laptop to connect. You will be prompted to agree to our terms of usage, after which you may begin your internet activities.
  • Do you offer meeting room space?
    Yes, we offer space at both of our locations with some caveats: The Washington County Public Library grants the use of the conference rooms at Jonesborough and Gray Branch Library to community groups and organizations whose aims are educational, cultural, or for the civic betterment. Conference rooms are not available for social occasions; for partisan political meetings; for religious services; for sales or commercial purposes; for any purpose that is prohibited by law; when an admission fee is charged; or when, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees normal library usage would be compromised political or religious groups made me in the library for planning organizational meetings or book discussion only. A deposit of $25 is required with each approved application. If no cleaning beyond what is typical is required, this deposit will be returned. Reservation and payment should be made in advance. Fees are subject to change without notice. In addition all usage of the meeting room must abide by our usage policy: Library meeting facilities cannot be used for any purpose contrary to local, state, or federal law. The room may not be used for political campaign events or religious services. For-profit groups and individuals, political campaigns and religious groups may use the library for purposes of holding internal business meetings or educational events for their employees, members or clients, but may not make sales or promotions of products or services, proselytize or charge for the event. Groups wishing to use library facilities must complete an application form indicating the purpose of the organization; the name, address, and telephone number of an authorized representative; the organizations acceptance of the rules and guidelines for use of library facilities and other such information the library may require. The application will be approved or disapproved by the library director, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors of the Washington County Library. Permission can be revoked at any time for any reason. In the event a meeting room at either location is needed for a library event, the group may be asked to reschedule their event. Failure to comply with the Washington County Library meeting room policy and guidelines will result in withdrawal of meeting room privileges. Permission to use library facilities does not constitute endorsement or agreement with a group's purpose, activities or views. Advertisements, announcements. Press releases, flyers, etc. relating to non-library sponsored meeting should not imply that the meeting is sponsored by the Washington County Library. An organization using library facilities, furniture and equipment is liable for any damages to the facility and /or equipment. Groups will be held liable for the actual cost of cleaning or repair caused by their use of the library. The library assumes no responsibility for personal injury, and /or damages to or loss of property of organizations or individuals incurred while using the meeting facilities. This includes personal property or attendees. Neither does it guarantee parking facilities for those attending the meeting. Serving alcoholic beverages is not allowed on library property. The use of tobacco products are not allowed on library property. The library will make reasonable attempts to accommodate groups needs but makes no guarantees that staff will be able to be available to set up the room. The Board of Directors of the Washington County Library reserve the right to make changes to the policy, guidelines, and fees for use of library facilities, as it deems necessary and proper. To apply for usage, please fill the following form out, based upon your intended location:
  • Where are your libraries located?
    We have two branches to serve our patrons. We can be found at: Jonesborough Library 200 Sabin Drive, Jonesborough, TN 37659 Our main library is located in Jonesborough just off from Main Street and Boone Street. You can reach us by turning onto Sabin Drive, where the Boone Street market is, and follow that road around to our parking lot. Gray Branch Library 5026 Bobby Hicks HWY, Gray, TN 37615 Our branch library is located in Gray just off of Interstate 26 (James H. Quillen PKWY) at Exit 13. You can reach us by turning into our parking lot just past the BP Gas Station.
  • Where are the restrooms?
    At the Jonesborough Library, the restrooms are located in the foyer near the front doors. At the Gray Branch Library, the women’s restroom is the first door on the right of the short hallway located directly across from the front doors. The men’s restroom is the last door on the right of the hallway located next to the magazine area on the other side of the Circulation Desk.
  • Do you have designated quiet spaces?
    Unfortunately, our buildings are too small to facilitate true designated quiet areas and we do not have separate study rooms. We do have several areas with seating and tables that you are welcome to use at any time, but we suggest that you bring headphones or you may borrow a set from the Circulation Desk.
  • Do you accept donations?
    We are presently only accepting up to one small box of materials per patron visit at this time. If you would like to donate financially, we ask that you make out any checks or cash envelopes to our Friends of the Library group. You may drop off your monetary donations at either of our library locations.
  • Do you have paper tax forms and instructions?
    As of 2023, the IRS launched an initiative to be entirely paperless by 2025. In accordance with this, they no longer provide us with paper forms. We still will gladly print out any tax forms that you request, for as long as the IRS continues to provide this as an option. Instruction books are likewise digital only.You can also find instructions at irs.gov/forms-instructions.
  • Can I take the TWRA boating exam at the Library?
    Yes, please visit the Circulation Desk at either library location and we will help you get started. Please be sure to bring your exam permit with you. You can find more details by visiting the TN Boating Education page. You can check out this online Boating Study Guide to help you prepare for your exam.

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