Library FAQs -Frequently Asked Questions- about:
The Library, Services, and Borrowing:
LIBRARY CARDS: BORROWING MATERIALS: LIBRARY SERVICES: LIBRARY POLICIES: ABOUT US: OTHER: Library Jobs
Local Info
Library Branch Hours & Locations
Calendar of Events
Obtain a Library Card
You must be a Texas resident to receive a library card. Come to any branch and complete a library card application. Adults (18 years and older) are required to show a picture ID and proof of current address. Library cards are available for children five years or older. Children under 18 need a parent's signature on the library card application. Videos and DVDs must be checked out on an adult card . The card is free.
With a Montgomery County Memorial Library System card patrons can check out and return items at any MCMLS branch in the county: Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, New Caney , Willis, and The Woodlands.
Non-resident Cards
Library cards are available at no charge to Texas residents who do not reside in Montgomery County.
Patrons wishing to receive a library card should complete a library card application at any branch or at the Central Library. Adults are required to show a picture ID and proof of current address. Children under 18 need a parent's signature to complete the application process. The card is free and non-expiring.
A Montgomery County Memorial Library System card can be used at any MCMLS branch in the county: Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, New Caney , Willis, and The Woodlands.
Cards for Children
Library cards are available for children five years or older. Children under 18 need a parent's signature on the library card application. Videos and DVDs must be checked out on an adult card (18 years or older).
Card Expiration
There is no expiration date for library cards.
Replace a lost card
Library cards can be replaced for $1.00 at any Montgomery County Library.
Renewing and Returning Materials
Books, audiocassettes, videocassettes, compact discs, and pamphlets can be returned to any library location. All libraries have an after-hours book return chute.
RENEWALS:
Books/CD's 2 weeks High demand/Bestsellers 2 weeks Videocassettes/DVDs (adult checkout only) 2 weeks
- Renewals/requests will be blocked if there are outstanding fees or fines on your card.
- Renewals will be blocked if the material is overdue. Material should be renewed by 11:30 PM on the date due.
- Material may be renewed twice
- Material already on request/reserve by other library patrons may not be renewed.
- Material may not be renewed on the same day it was charged (checked out).
- Renewal dates are from the date renewed, not the date material is due. (We recommend renewing one day prior to the due date in case there are problems.)
You may renew library materials from outside the library in the following ways:
Telephone renewal:
- Call Central Library Circulation at (936) 539-7814 or any branch library during regular open hours to ask a staff member to assist you.
- If you have a touch tone phone, Call 936.442.7706, the Automated TELECIRC service. Renew items, check your account, see if your holds are in. Have your library barcode handy and ready to enter after the prompt from the recording. Listen to the entire recording. Press 1 one renew; 2 to list items checked out; 3 for a list of items on hold or to cancel holds; 4 for fines; 5 for overdue items; 6 to record your name; # to repeat options; * to exit.
Online:
- Through the Montgomery County Memorial Library System Web Catalog :
- Renewing Materials Online: At the library catalog page, click the 'My Account' tab at the top of the page.
- Type in the library barcode number found on the back of your library card in the "Borrower Card Number" box and the last four numbers of your telephone number in the "PIN#" box. (Please note, if login is unsuccessful, call the library to verify your PIN#.)
- When your information appears, click 'CHECKED OUT' (text at top of screen).
- Click the small white box to the left of the title.
- Click the 'Renew ' button found on the left.
- Click "LOG OUT" (text at the top right of screen).
In addition, you can renew your library materials at any Montgomery County Memorial Library location during regular open hours.
Maximum number of books and other materials that can be checked out
You may check out up to 25 items. Videos and DVDs or a combination of Videos and DVDs are limited to 5 items. Audio books and CD-ROMs or a combination of the two are limited to 5 items.
Item Checkout a Maximum of
Books 25
Audio books/CD's 5
Videocassettes/DVDs (adult checkout only) 5
Requests, Holds and Reservations
You may request materials via telephone, via the Web catalog, or from any library . You will be notified by phone or mail when your requested material is available. Please follow the "HELP?" link to catalog instructions located on the home page for details on how to place a hold on items via the Web Catalog.
- Telephone requests: call Central Library Circulation at (936) 539-7814 or any branch library during regular open hours to ask a staff member to assist you.
- If you have a touch tone phone, Call 936.442.7706, the Automated TELECIRC service. Renew items, check your account, see if your holds are in. Have your library barcode handy and ready to enter after the prompt from the recording. Listen to the entire recording. Press 1 one renew; 2 to list items checked out; 3 for a list of items on hold or to cancel holds; 4 for fines; 5 for overdue items; 6 to record your name; # to repeat options; * to exit.
- Through the Montgomery County Memorial Library System Web Catalog.
Returning Materials
You may return borrowed materials to any Montgomery County Library System Library location. To return materials after hours, night drops are available at all libraries.
Checkout Periods
You may check out up to 25 items. Videos and DVDs or a combination of Videos and DVDs are limited to 5 items. Audio books and CD-ROMs or a combination of the two are limited to 5 items. As of October 1, 2005, ALL materials will have a checkout period of 2 weeks.
Books/CD's 2 weeks High demand/Bestsellers 2 weeks Videocassettes/DVDs (adult checkout only) 2 weeks top
Fines
Beginning March 1, 2007:
- Adult Collection - $.10 per day
- Juvenile Collection - $.10 per day per item
- Videocassettes & DVDs- $.10 per day (checkout on adult card only)
- Interlibrary Loan - $.10 per day
Checking Your Library Account
The "My Account" feature of Montgomery County Memorial Library System Library Online Catalog, provides the following information:
- Displays your name and address as indicated in our database.
- Indicates items currently charged (checked out) to your account.
- Allows you to renew items. (See also renewing materials via the Web below.) This screen will also provide you with the date the material is due back to the library.
- Provides you with the amount of fines/fees due on your account.
- Indicates any outstanding requests or materials on hold on your account.
TO CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT:
- You will need your Montgomery County Memorial Library System Library card number (the 14 digit number on the back of your library card) .
- Go to www.countylibrary.org and click on the link to the catalog.
- Click the tab at the top of the page that says "My Account".
- Type in the whole library barcode number found on the back of your library card (do not put any spaces between the numbers).
- Enter your 4 digit PIN number. Please note: If you forget your PIN number or if login is unsuccessful, please call the library to verify your information.
- At the "Account Overview" page click the "Items Out" link. Displayed is a list of items you currently have checked out.
- To Renew items: click in the small white square box to the left of the item(s) you want to renew. Click the "Renew" box .
- Click "Holds" to see items on request for you.
- Click "Fines/Blocks" to see any late fees or fines charged to you.
- Click "Profile" to see and request changes to your Patron ID information: your name, address, phone number.
- Click "LOGOUT" at the top right corner of the screen when you are finished.
Automated TELECIRC:
- If you have a touch tone phone, Call 936.442.7706, the Automated TELECIRC service. Renew items, check your account, see if your holds are in. Have your library barcode handy and ready to enter after the prompt from the recording. Listen to the entire recording. Press 1 one renew; 2 to list items checked out; 3 for a list of items on hold or to cancel holds; 4 for fines; 5 for overdue items; 6 to record your name; # to repeat options; * to exit.
Problems Renewing materials via the Web
There are several cases where you cannot renew items showing charged out to you on the Web Catalog:
- If login to your account is unsuccessful, call the library to verify your PIN#.
- Renewals/requests will be blocked if there are outstanding fees or fines on your card.
- Materials already renewed once online can be renewed a second time by calling the library or by coming in to the library to renew the item(s).
- Renewals will be blocked if the material is overdue. Material should be renewed by 11:30 PM on the date due.
- Material already on request/reserve by other library patrons may not be renewed. Check with your local branch library for additional copies.
- Material may not be renewed on the same day it was charged (checked out). Renewal dates are from the date renewed, not the date material is due. (We recommend renewing one day prior to the due date in case there are problems.)
- Renewals are not possible while system maintenance is being performed.
If you are having problems renewing via the Web, contact Central Library by telephone at (936) 539-7814 or by using this contact form , or by calling any branch library for assistance.
Services available at the library
Books College Catalogs Large-Print Books Photocopiers - $0.15 cash per copy, or $0.10 per copy with purchase of a print card. Business Information Computers/PCs Reference Services Cassette Tapes DVDs (adult checkout only) Maps Spanish Language Materials CD-ROMS Databases searchable online, for library and home use. Meeting Rooms Tax Forms - available at the library and via the Internet at www.irs.gov
CDs E-Books Microfilm and Microfiche Readers are available at the Central Library. Typewriter - Available at the Central Library. Coin operated: $0.25 for ten minutes. The library does not supply paper or whiteout.
Children's Storytime Genealogy and Local History Collection Vertical File City Directories Interlibrary Loan Obituary Look-Up Service Videos (adult checkout only) Internet Access Outreach Office Wireless internet access is available at all branches for patrons who wish to surf the internet using their laptop computers in the library.
Overdues and Lost Materials
- Beginnig March 1st, 2007:
- Adult Collection - $.10 per day
- Juvenile Collection - $.10 per day per item
- Videocassettes - $.10 per day
- Interlibrary Loan - $.10 per day
Delinquent accounts over $25.00 will be blocked and no further checkouts will be permitted.
Gifts and Donations
Donors wishing to donate books, items or money as a memorial or honorarium may have a plate attached to the book or item by the library for that purpose. To donate an item as a memorial please fill out the Book Donation Form and return it to your branch library.
Other donations of books, items, or money are also welcome.
Monetary gifts will be deposited to the Library's gift account in the County Budget and will be used to purchase books and other materials for the library.
Non-monetary gifts may be used by the library, sold in the Friends of the Library Book Sale, sold at auction, displayed, or disposed of by the Library at the discretion of the Library Director for the best interests of the Library and its users.
examples of donations:
BOOKS: Current and old = paper and hard backs (GENTLY USED)
PUZZLES, GAMES, VIDEOS, AUDIO-BOOKS
MUSIC: Cassettes, albums, sheet music, CDs
Typewriters, Radios, Cassette Players, etc. (in working order)
ART: prints, paintings, frames, needlework
BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO the FRONT DESK; TAX DONATION RECEIPTS ARE AVAILABLE.Meeting Rooms
- Please contact the individual library branch for more information before sending an application.
- Submission of an application does not mean that the meeting room is automatically reserved for you.
- Before you submit the application you must call the branch to confirm your reservation with the person responsible for room reservations.
Click here to read the Meeting Rooms Policy
Library Branch Contact information, Hours & Locations
Print an application:
- Central Library Meeting Room Application.
- Malcolm Purvis Library Meeting Room Application.
- George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library Meeting Room Application
- South Library Meeting Room Application.
- R.B. Tullis Library Meeting Room Application
- C.B. Stewart West Branch Library, R. F. Meador Branch Library : Contact branch for more information
Internet Access and Computer Use
Filtered Internet access is offered at all locations. Contact individual branches for details. Please review the library's Internet Use Policy prior to using the Internet from a library computer.
Some Internet PCs also have a variety of software (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Spanish PCs are also available at most locations.
There are time limits on computer use. Check with individual branches for details. There is no charge to use the computers. There is a charge for printing. Purchase of a print card is required. The initial cost is $1.00. That includes a one-time fee of.50 for the card and .50 credit for prints. Prints are.10 for black & white and .50 for color. Dollars can be added to the card for additional printing. The card is reusable. Do not throw it away, it is a debit card for printing from the computer print station and from the copy machines.
The Library does not sell floppy disks. If you are working on a document or need to save information it is recommended that you bring your own working disk as well as a backup disk.Proctoring Exams
The public should understand that the Library receives no compensation from either the examination taker or the sponsor for providing this free service. By agreeing to monitor an exam, the Library staff takes on an obligation to the examination sponsor to ensure security. Thus we must limit the service .Library staff will be happy to proctor correspondence course examinations which are open book style and are not subject to unusual or stringent proctoring guidelines. All postage for mailing of tests and answer sheets is the responsibility of the student.
Contact individual branches for more information.
Obituary Look-Up Service
Customers must provide the following information for an obituary search:
your name, as requestor
Your complete address
Your phone number and/or email address
The full name of the deceased
The date of death
There is no charge for obituary look-up service.
A copy of the obituary, if found, will be mailed to the customer.
Rush requests are not handled by the Library. Response time to searches may vary depending upon demand. please Allow 3-4 weeks for a request to be filled.
We can only search for
Obituaries from the Conroe Courier are indexed for the years 1994-2002
Local customers are encouraged to come to the library to search the microfilm themselves (with staff assistance, as necessary).
IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN OBITUARY FOR SOMEONE WHO DID NOT RESIDE IN CONROE, THEN PLEASE CONTACT THE FUNERAL HOME, NEWS OFFICE OR LIBRARY OF THE CITY IN WHICH THEY RESIDED FOR ASSISTANCE.
Obituaries may be requested by:
Using the Electronic Obituary Look-Up Request Form
Sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Montgomery County Library Reference Department
Obituary Look-Up Request
104 I-45 North
Conroe, TX 77301
If you have difficulty opening or using a database, please use this Contact Form to let us know:
Texas State Library and Archives Commission in partnership with academic and public libraries in Texas has made high-quality database products available for your research, homework and general information needs.
SEARCH the DATABASES from the LIBRARY or HOME
To use the databases from inside the library or at other locations, choose the
"Search Databases" link found on the home page. If you are not using a
library computer, you will be prompted to enter the barcode number found on the back
of your library card.
PRACTICE the GED and other tests:
To practice the GED or other tests from home, click the "Practice Tests " link and set up your account as a new user. You MUST USE your library barcode number from the back of your library card as your "Username", then choose a password and continue using the database. The next time you use Learn-A-Test, you will login as a "Returning User".
Other tests available from this database include:
ASVAB/ Border Patrol/ California Highway
Patrol/ Corrections Officer/ Cosmetology/ EMT - Basic/ Federal Clerical/
Firefighter/ Paramedic /Police Officer/ Police Sergeant/ Postal Worker/
Praxis: PPST/Real Estate Sales Agent/ Real Estate Broker/ Treasury Enforcement
Agent/ U.S. Citizenship
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The mission and function of the Outreach office of Montgomery County Memorial Library System is to identify, contact and facilitate service to those individuals and groups in our community who are, or believe that they are, underserved by the Library.
Houston Public Library Power Card
Non-resident Library Fee Waiver Enables
Residents in Harris and Seven Contiguous Counties to Apply for a Power
Card.
The Houston City Council waived the non-resident library fee for
adults in Harris County and contiguous counties, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort
Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller on July 28, 1999. The waiver
became effective August 3. Last June of 1998, Council waived the non-resident
fee for children 18 years of age and under to facilitate outreach to youth
through the Power Card Challenge. The new ordinance now extends Houston Public
Library (HPL) services to adults 19 and older living outside the City of
Houston. The non-resident fee, $40 a year or $20 for six months, is still in
effect for those who live outside the eight county area. The ordinance
prohibits refund of any portion of a non-resident fee.
People
qualifying for the non-resident waiver can apply for a Power Card, HPL’s
borrower’s card, at any Houston Public Library location. The Power Card allows
cardholders to check out books, videos, CD’s, books-on-tape and other
materials from thirty-five branches across the city of Houston. The new
ordinance allows those who commute into Houston to work, shop or visit to
access library services. Even remotely from home, office or school, one can
access online databases that the Houston Public Library subscribes to for the
exclusive use of cardholders. For example, through the Internet, those with
Power Cards can access
full-text articles and images from books, newspapers and magazines. For
further information, call (713) 236-1313 or visit the Web site,
http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us/.
Wireless Internet access is available at all branches for those patrons using laptop computers.
GENERAL NOTES:
Once connected, Internet access and library catalog access will be
available to you through the wireless network. Access the library catalog
from the link at www.countylibrary.org
We are sorry, but printing using the Library’s printing system will not be
available through wireless connections.
Library Staff can only provide limited assistance helping patrons connect
using wireless access.
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Friends of the Library and Volunteering at the Library
Contact your local Branch to ask about how to join the Friends of the
Library or about Volunteering at the Library:
Library Branch Contact information, Hours & Locations
Print a Friends Membership Form:
Central Library: Friends of the Central Library membership form
South Library:The South Montgomery County Friends of the Library Homepage and Membership Form
Mitchell Library:The South Montgomery County Friends of the Library Homepage and Membership Form
C.B.Stewart West Branch Library: Friends of the West Branch Library membership form
Tullis, Meador & Magnolia- Contact Individual Branches for more information.
Montgomery County Library System 104 I-45 North Conroe, TX 77301 (936) 539-7814 Last Update 05/02/2008
