Using the Library
Get a Library Card
Library cards are free for Cherry County residents. For non-residents, there is a $30 annual fee (cash or check only). When you apply for your new card, please bring proof of residency that shows your name and local address. Acceptable documents include any of the following:
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Utility bill (e.g., water, electric, gas)
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Bank statement or insurance invoice
- Paycheck stub or government correspondence
All proof must be current and clearly display both your name and Cherry County address. If you have questions about acceptable documents, just ask at the front desk or call 402-376-3160.
Access My Account
Your library account can help you utilize the library more effectively. You can renew books online, check your history, reserve books, and see if you have previously checked an item out.
Click the button below and log in with your library card number and phone number.
Borrowing
Loan Periods
Most materials can be borrowed for one three-week period and may be renewed for an additional three-week period if no one is waiting for them. Items requested and reserved by another patron cannot be renewed. DVDs and STEM Kits check out for seven days.
Downloadable audiobooks and eBooks from OverDrive/Libby check out for seven, fourteen, or twenty-one days.
A few other specialized materials have different loan periods.
Borrowing Limits
New library cards start with a 6-month probationary period, during which you can borrow up to 5 items at a time. After six months, if your borrowing history is in good standing, your limit will increase to 10 items.
DVDs have a limit of 2 per card and are included in your total checkout limit.
Fees
At our library, our goal is to be fair and flexible while keeping materials available for everyone to enjoy. Overdue fines are $0.25 per day per item, but you won’t be charged the full replacement cost unless an item is lost or damaged. This gives you time to return things without facing a big fee.
If an item is lost or damaged, you’re responsible for the replacement cost. To avoid fines, you can renew items by calling us at 402-376-3160, logging into your account on our website, or using the after-hours drop box near the entrance.
Placing a Reserve
You can place a reserve (hold) on any item in our catalog so it’s ready for you when it becomes available by asking a librarian or you can do it yourself by logging into your account. From there you can monitor your reserves, defer them when you’re on vacation, and see all your active reserves. Reserves are first-come, first-served, and your account will show your place in line.
Here’s how to place a reserve:
- Log in to your library account on the catalog.
- Search for the title you’re interested in.
- Open the item and click “Place a Reserve.”
- You’ll receive a text notification when your item is ready.
Never miss a new title from your favorite author or the next book in your favorite series! With Reserve Express, our system automatically places a hold for you on new books by your favorite authors.
Getting started:
- Log in to your library account on the catalog. Go to My Account > Reserves/Requests.
- Under Reserve Express – Have some favorite authors? Click Receive New Items.
- Select the authors or series you want (their names will turn bold). Your automatic reserves will begin with the next published item.
Lost or Damaged Items
- Don’t try to repair it yourself. Let library staff know as soon as possible.
- Replacement costs or fees depend on the item and its condition.
- In some cases, a replacement copy may be accepted instead of a fee, but this must be approved by a librarian.
- Please don’t hesitate to talk with us. Our goal is to keep materials available for everyone, and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Computers & Printing
Public Computers & Wi-Fi
The library offers public computers for general use—perfect for typing documents, creating a resume, checking email, and more. We also have four children’s computers pre-loaded with educational games and without internet access, providing a safe and fun learning environment for kids.
We provide free, high-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi, so you can bring your own device and enjoy fast, reliable internet anywhere in the library. The network name is Val-Lib. It is an open wireless network. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (banking, etc.) or entering private information. We advise that you disable auto-connect for future sessions.
*By using the Val-Lib WiFi network, you acknowledge and accept the inherent security risks of public WiFi networks. Valentine Public Library is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use.
Print, Scan, Copy, & Fax
At VPL, you can have copies made, send or receive a fax, or print to one of our public printers for a small fee. A scanner is available to use at no charge.
You’re welcome to print using one of our public computers or directly from your own device through Bluetooth. At this time, we aren’t able to accept documents emailed to the library for printing—but we’re always happy to help you get set up if you need a hand!
- Black and white printing and copies: $.20 per page
- Color printing and copies: $.50 each page
- Send a Fax- $2.00 for the 1stPage and $.25 for each additional page
- Receive a Fax-$.25 per page. The fax number is 402-376-3160.
*Note: We are unable to take credit or debit cards at this time.
Libby App
Libby is a free app that lets you borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from the library anytime, anywhere. Read on your phone or tablet or listen while you’re on the go—at home, in the car, or on vacation.
Getting started is easy: download the Libby app, select Valentine Public Library, and log in using your library card number and phone number. Once you’re signed in, you can browse, borrow, and start enjoying digital titles right away.
Download the App from your App Store: Apple | Android
Meeting Room
Meeting Room
The library’s meeting room is available for community use and is a great space for educational, cultural, recreational, civic, informational, or governmental gatherings when it’s not being used for library programs. The room can accommodate up to 50 people auditorium-style and includes access to a small kitchenette.
To help keep the meeting room available and welcoming for the whole community, some uses are not permitted. These include private celebrations such as birthday parties, graduations, or baby showers; campaign-related or fundraising events; and events intended to promote or sell products or services for a private business.
If you’re unsure whether your event fits within these guidelines, please feel free to call or stop by—we’re happy to work with groups to help make their meetings successful.
Room fees:
- $60.00 per day
- $30.00 for meetings lasting less than 4 hours
To check availability, ask questions, or talk through your needs, please call 402-376-3160.
You can also review our full Meeting Room Policy.
*All meeting room use is approved by the Library Director, and the library may limit access when necessary to ensure fair and appropriate use of the space.