FAQ

Got questions?? Take a look below at our frequently asked questions, if you don’t find what you are looking for send us an email and we will get back to you.

My Library Account

Who can get a Library card?

Library cards are free to anyone who meets any of the following criteria:

A resident or property owner of the Aurora Public Library District, APLD, which includes Caesar Creek, Center, Clay, Hogan, Manchester, Sparta or Washington Townships in Dearborn County, Indiana.

A member of the Lawrenceburg Public Library District can become a reciprocal borrower with the Aurora Public Library District.

A member of a home Library that participates with the Indiana State Reciprocal Program.

An Ivy Tech student presenting their current student ID.

Indiana residents with a current PLAC, Public Library Access Card. PLAC cards can be purchased by patrons having a home Library card for a fee. Present the PLAC card and obtain a APLD card for the same time period.

All staff members.

Don’t meet this criteria? Don’t worry. You can purchase a paid membership with the Library for an annual fee. APLD membership cards in 2020 cost $55.00 and are good for a calendar year.

How do I get a library card?

To get a Library card, you must meet one of the criteria for membership, provide a photo ID and proof of your current address, which can be any piece of mail, utility bill, lease agreement or other official document which states your address and postmarked date.

You will need to come into either the Aurora or Dillsboro Public Libraries with this information and fill out a membership form.

Patrons under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian with them to sign their Library agreement for a full juvenile membership. The patron must be able to print their name. Ultimately, the parent or guardian is responsible for materials checked out on this juvenile card.

What is a PIN?

A personal identification number (PIN) is a numeric password used to access your Library account. You will be asked to set a PIN when you get your Library card. A PIN can be added to your membership in the Library at any time. Your PIN can be used to access your account, reserve or renew materials online. A PIN is also used to check out eBooks and streaming videos online.

How do I reset my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you can come into the Library to reset it or call on the phone.

Does my Library card expire?

Expire is not exactly the right term, once a year we ask you to update your Library card by providing us with information regarding any changes to your account. If you have moved or changed a phone number, it gives us an opportunity to keep your information current so that we can reach you to provide the best customer service to you.

Paid memberships do expire one year from the date that you received one. We are able to renew your non-resident membership with payment of the fee one to continue your Library services.

I’m not an APLD resident. What are my options?

A Non-Resident card is available for $55.00. This fee is based upon the Indiana State Library Law formula. It is valid for a year and allows full Library use for patrons 18 years or older, or with parental/legal guardian signature for patrons 17 years and younger.

I lost my Library card. What should I do?

If you have lost your Library card, contact the Library immediately to report it as lost or stolen.

You are responsible for all items checked out on your Library card, so make your report as soon as possible. Library staff will block access to your account.

Stop by the Library at your earliest convenience to request a replacement card at the Circulation desk. The first replacement card is free. A fee of $1.00 is applied for subsequent replacement cards. Please bring an ID with you when requesting your replacement card.

Your Library card number will change when it is replaced. This may affect your access to existing holds or items through the Library’s eBook services.

Borrowing, returning, renewing…

How long can I check items out?

Check out periods for most items in the Library are (2) two weeks with the option to renew up to (4) four more weeks as long as another patron is not waiting on the material. The exceptions are DVD’s and Reference materials. DVD’s are check out for (7) seven days and do not renew. Reference items do not check out but may be used in the Library.

How many items can I check out?

The system will allow you to check out (10) ten items per section of the Library. An example would be you can check out 10 picture books, 10 adult fiction and 10 so on. The exception to that rule is only (2) two DVD’s are allowed to be checked out at a time.

How do I place a hold?

Search for your title from our online catalog using either The Online Catalog or the Classic Catalog. Once you locate the title …

Using The Online Catalog click “Place Hold” in the brown icon. Sign in with your Library card number and PIN. Use the drop-down arrow to select your desired Library pickup location to pick up your hold. Then click submit request. A Librarian will call you to let you know as soon as your item is available for pick-up.

Using the Classic Catalog click “Hold Request” in the green toolbar above your title. Sign in with your Library card number and PIN. Use the drop-down arrow to select your desired Library pickup location to pick up your hold. Then click submit request. A Librarian will call you to let you know as soon as your item is available for pick-up.

If you don’t have access to the online catalog give us a call, a staff member will be happy to place your hold for you.

What do I do to request a book or movie to be added to the library’s collection?

If the Library does not have an item you would like you can either ask a staff member to request the item for you or you can go to our online Classic Catalog and click on Request an Item. There you would fill out the form for the collection request. The request would then be sent for review and consideration to see that it meets our Collection Development Policy.

Must I return items to the same place I borrowed them?

Items checked out from the Aurora Public Library District can be returned at either Aurora or Dillsboro Library. Book Drops are provided for after-hours returns for your convenience. At Aurora, the Book Drop is at the edge of the sidewalk at the street level entrance. At Dillsboro, the Book Drop is in the wall of the Library building on the parking lot side.

How do I renew my items?

Items other than DVDs may be renewed in person, by phone or online.

LIMIT: 2 renewals per item. Items cannot be renewed if they are on hold for someone else.

To renew an item in person, present item and/or Library card at a Circulation Desk.

To renew an item by phone, you will need to call Aurora Public Library at 812-926-0646 or Dillsboro Public Library at 812-954-4151 and provide your name and the Library items to renew.

To renew an item online, go to the online catalog and click Account. Enter your Library card ID number and PIN. Select the items you want to renew and click Renew.

Can I renew DVDs?

We do not renew DVDs. DVDs check out for 7 days at no charge. After 7 days the overdue charge is $1.00 per day per video.

What am I charged for overdue items?

Overdue rates are charged at $.10 per day for each book, magazine or audio book. DVD’s are charged $1.00 a day for each DVD overdue.

I returned an item, but it’s still checked out to me.

You can request that the Library staff do a search of the shelves for the item in question. If the item is found on the shelf, staff will immediately check it in and waive all associated fines. If staff do not find the item on the shelf, you will be held responsible for all of the associated fines and fees.

I’m having trouble logging in to my Library account. What can I do?

There are numerous reasons why you might not be able to log into your online account.

First, verify your Library card number. This is the number that appears under the barcode on the back of your Aurora Public Library District card. Type the number with no spaces.

You will also need to know your PIN to log into your account. Try double checking what you typed in as your PIN.

If neither of these work, please contact us and we will troubleshoot the problem and get your account back up and running. Your account might have expired and just needs to be verified and updated.

Services

What technology is available in the Library?

Public access computers are available with Internet access and Microsoft Office Suite. Black & white and color printing is available from all public access Internet computers.

Wireless Internet access is available at each Library, but printing is not available from the wireless system.

A copy machine is available for black and white copies.

A scanner is available for use with public access computers at the Circulation Desk.

How do I reserve time on a computer?

Computer use is available on a first come, first served basis. At Aurora, nine computers are for patron use. At Dillsboro, four computers are designated for patron public access. Stop by the circulation desk and ask to be assigned a workstation. You are guaranteed a minimum of (30) thirty minutes. If no one is waiting, you have the option to stay on longer based on availability. We do not reserve time.

How do I print at the Library?

You must use a public access computer at this time to print. Wireless printing is not available. If there is a print option available you can choose it. If there is not a print option available, you may print an item from the public access computer by selecting the File button and then selecting Print from the drop down menu.

The Public workstations printer is located at the circulation desk, after printing from your workstation you need go to the desk to collect your copies. Copies are .10¢ per page for black and white and $0.50 per page for color. All copies will be black and white unless you choose the color option before printing.

Is there a scanner?

The Library provides portable scanner at each Library building for patron use. Just ask to borrow the scanner to use at the workstation. The scanner is easy to use, but of course staff are always willing to help.

Do you have a public fax machine?

No, we do not offer faxing services at the present time. We do have a scanner, which you may use to scan a document to a USB drive, and then email it.

What software is available on public computers?

The public computers are transitioning to Windows 10. Microsoft Office suite is also available for use as well as Internet browsers.

Does the Library have Wi-Fi?

Yes, the Library offers Wi-Fi at each Library location. So bring in your device and get connected. If you can’t get your device connected the Library staff are happy to help.

Does the Library offer eBooks?

Yes, the Library offers thousands of eBooks, audio books and streaming videos, without any late fees. With your Library card and PIN, digital checkout is easy, any time day or night through the Indiana Digital Library (IDL) powered by Overdrive.com.

Does the Library offer audio book downloads?

Yes, the Library offers thousands of digital audio books, never any late fees. With your Library card and PIN, digital checkout is easy, any time day or night through the Indiana Digital Library (IDL) powered by Overdrive.com.

Does the Library accept used item donations?

The Library accepts donations of books, DVDs and CDs in good condition. Donations are accepted at both the Aurora Public Library and the Dillsboro Public Library. Large donations are accepted at the Dillsboro Public Library as this Library offers the Book Sale.

We are currently unable to accept encyclopedias, textbooks, or Reader’s Digest Condensed Books.

Can I donate in memory of someone?

A memorial gift or an in honor gift are wonderful ways to remember or recognize someone. From these monetary gifts, material purchases will be selected as outlined in the Board Policy and using the “In Memory” & “In Honor” Donation Form.

“In Memory” & “In Honor” Donation Form

Does the Library have programs for children?

Youth Services offer preschool story times, as well as monthly programs, family programs, and a summer reading program. Tween and Teen programs feature hands on, how to, book talks and special events.

Does the Library have a book sale?

The Library offers an ongoing Book Sale at the Dillsboro Public Library. In addition, every third Friday and Saturday of the month a special Book Sale offering a $1.00 for a Bag of Books. Along with the ongoing and monthly Bag of Books sales and annual Book Sale features the Best of the Books.

How can I recommend that the Library purchase an item?

We can not buy every book that is published. We use reviewing tools to help with selecting additions to our collection. You might have a title that we have not purchased. Feel free to suggest a title to a Librarian at the Circulation Desk or email your suggestion by following the link below.

Suggest a title.

How can I leave comments or suggestions for the Library?

Leaving comments is a great way to connect and communicate electronically. Share comments when we met or exceeded your expectations. Share comments when we need to improve to meet your needs. Feedback is always appreciated.

Where do I find Library Policies?

You can find Library policies on our policy page. It covers information including our behavior policy, our cell phone policy and our video policy, among other policies put in place by our Board of Trustees.

Databases

What is a database?

A database is a collection of information organized for quick and easy access by computer. Think of a database as an electronic filing system. Your Library offers databases to give you free access to accurate up-to-date information on a variety of topics including news, business, travel, and automobile repair.

Why would I want to use a database?

The World Wide Web offers information but no guarantee that a site is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Library databases have high quality information compiled from researched sources, are commercial free and accurate by current standards.

I just used XYZ database this morning so now it won’t work. Why?

Maybe the database provider is updating their site, which could cause this to be temporarily unavailable.

Sometimes, the computer has lost the path and needs to be restarted to connect correctly.

Which databases are not available from home?

You should be able to use all of the databases available on our website using your library card number, except Ancestry.com. Ancestry.com requires you to be in the Library to use the Library’s account.

What about a database that doesn’t ask for my Library card number?

Some databases are sold with unlimited access.

Some are sold per usage or through connecting to your Library account as is the case for the Indiana Digital Download Center (IDDC) through Overdrive.com.

Each database company sets the specifics for their access.

Website

Didn’t find what you were looking for

Share with us what you were looking for that you could not find. We are always looking for ways to meet our patrons needs.

Report a website problem

Help us to improve the Library website. Report a problem you’ve encountered while viewing our site, tell us the pages where the problem occurred or send a screenshot of the problem. Please provide as much detail as possible, i.e., What action were you attempting to complete on the page?

We are looking for that Friendly Person with Great Customer Service Skills!

Are you an innovative, service-oriented person who enjoys working in a dynamic, challenging environment, offering diverse and exciting range of responsibilities, projects and opportunities? We’d like to encourage you to consider joining the staff of the Aurora Public Library District. Our Librarians wear a lot of hats including technology expert, information detective, reader’s advisor, program provider, literacy builder, community linker and more.

Job Application

Fill out the application attach a resume and a cover letter and get it to us in one of the three ways outlined below.

In person:

Drop off your paperwork at the Circulation Desk at either the Aurora Public Library or the Dillsboro Public Library.

Email to:

lsutherlin@eapld.org with the Subject line: Employment Application

Send to:

AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
414 Second Street
Aurora, IN 47001