What are your loan periods?

All materials may be checked out for three weeks, with one three-week renewal allowed. Renewals cannot be made if another patron has requested that item.

What if my materials are overdue?

The library does not charge late fees except for equipment loans. Please contact us if you are unable to locate an item checked out to you. Lost items are assessed a processing fee as well as the replacement cost of the item. Cash, check, and credit card () are accepted for payment of fines/fees. Up to three notices requesting the return of overdue material are mailed before the case is turned over to the office of the District Attorney for legal proceedings.

What services are available?
Children's Programs:
Preschool story time and summer reading programs are offered at both libraries. Special storytimes are offered at different times during the year.
Information Service:
When you have a question or need information, ask the staff for help. You can call in your questions to 782-9841 (Minden) or 588-6411 (Lake Tahoe).
Internet Access:
Both libraries provide public workstations for Internet access.
Word Processors:
Both libraries provide public workstations with MS Word, Excel, Publisher, etc.
Interlibrary Loan:
If the library does not own the material you need, it may be ordered from another library.
Homebound Delivery:
For patrons who cannot leave home, materials can be delivered. Call 782-9841 for details.
Photocopiers:
Coin operated copiers are located in each library.
Public Typewriters:
Both libraries have typewriters available for public use.
Meeting Rooms:
Free meeting rooms are available at both libraries for community groups. They must be reserved ahead of time. Call either library to make arrangements.
What materials are available?
Books:
Over 118,000 items are available for adults and children. Nearly 5,000 new items are added each year.
Reference Materials:
Reference Books on everything from car repair to literary criticism provide information on nearly every topic.
Magazines and Newspapers:
The library subscribes to over 100 major magazines and newspapers, including the Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle, and the Wall Street Journal. Previous years of The Record Courier are available on microfilm. Magazines, except for the current issue, may be checked out from the library.
DVDs and Videocassettes:
The library provides a wide range of educational DVDs and videocassettes for adults and children.
Audiobooks:
A wide assortment of audiobooks (On CD, tape, MP3 player, and via Internet download) is available for all ages.
CDs:
The library provides an assortment of music and language CDs as well as instructional CD-ROMs.
Foreign Language Materials:
The Lake Tahoe branch has Spanish language materials available for checkout, which include adult fiction materials as well as non-fiction works for children and young adults.
Local And State Information:
The library makes available Nevada and Douglas County materials such as the Nevada Revised Statutes, the Douglas County Code, and information about county government meetings. The Reference Room houses the Nevada Collection, which includes books, periodicals, and maps about the state.
Tax Information:
From January through April 15, the library makes available many IRS and California Franchise Tax forms for personal income tax filing. Forms from previous years may be photocopied.
Other Computer Resources:
The library subscribes to many high quality research databases for your use; most of these resources can be accessed from home using the links on our Research Tools page. In addition to these resources, AllData auto repair information is available at the Minden Library.
Free and Sale Items:
There are ongoing booksales of donated and discarded items, including almost-new bestsellers and classics. Donated and discarded magazines are free; a selection of paperback books is available for trade.
How can I help the Library?
There are many ways to support the services provided by the Library, including:
Donating materials, donating magazine subscriptions, donating money, volunteering, and/or joining the Friends of the Library. Please contact either library to find out more.