Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the library located? • Return to top of page

See the contact page.

What are the library's hours? • Return to top of page

How do I get a library card? • Return to top of page

People 18 years of age and older may get a library card by providing proof of residence and identification prior to signing the contract for library services. Children under 18 years of age must have their legal guardian sign the contract for library services.

How long can I check materials out? • Return to top of page

Most materials check out for three weeks. The exceptions are new books, video cassettes, and DVDs, which check out for one week.

How do I access (log on to) the library catalog? • Return to top of page

Click on the link that says "Catalog" in the menu that is at the top left of every page. You will be asked to enter your library barcode and password. Your password is your last name.

How do I renew my materials? • Return to top of page

To renew items online, log on to the the catalog and click on the "My Library Card" tab at the top of the page. Then click on the "Loans" link on the page that appears. Click the "Renew" link beside the item(s) that you want to renew. (Be aware that items renewed after their due time will be charged.) Note that not all items may be renewed; therefore you should verify that the item(s) did renew by checking their due dates after renewing.

If you have technical issues using the online catalog to renew your materials, you may call the library staff at (605) 882-6220.

How do I speak to a librarian? • Return to top of page

Politely please. :) You may call the library during the hours the library is open at (605) 882-6220. If you are calling to find out when we are open just stay on the line and listen. If you need to speak to a real live person, press the number "1" on your phone.

How do I listen to Dial-a-Story? • Return to top of page

Dial (605) 882-6222. Stories are changed weekly.

How do I download eAudiobooks? • Return to top of page

Quick start guide for eAudiobooks Adobe Reader icon

How do I transfer eAudiobooks to my MP3 player? • Return to top of page

Going portable with eAudiobooks Adobe Reader icon

Why don't the eAudiobooks work on my iPod? • Return to top of page

Because Apple and Microsoft are fighting is the short answer. The long answer is that both have their own version of digital rights management (DRM). DRM is a software way to control what you do with a digital file of a song, movie, or book that you have purchased. DRM is the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) way of "fixing" digital files so that you cannot make a copy of them to transfer to other equipment that you own, like your MP3 player or your laptop. Apple and Microsoft each have their own versions of DRM and Apple does not allow Microsoft's version to be played on Apple equipment.

How do I search the full text of magazine articles online? • Return to top of page

Click on the "Magazines" or "Databases" links on the left side of any page, and select the database you wish to use. You will be asked to provide your barcode and password. The barcode is the number on your library card and your password is your last name. If you wish to save some time and have better luck finding what you are looking for, we recommend that you read the "Help" file for the database that you are using. Pay particular attention to "Advanced Search" and "Boolean Operators."

How do I request delivery of materials to the homebound? • Return to top of page

Call the library at (605) 882-6220 and ask for the Special Services Librarian. Before calling, please read the library's policy on service to the homebound.

How do I find where the collections are located in the new library? • Return to top of page

Look at the collection map Adobe Reader icon or ask for help.

How do I find information on genealogy? • Return to top of page

You may find locally created genealogy resources, information about the local genealogy group and links to external resources here.

What is Interlibrary Loan? • Return to top of page

Interlibrary Loan is where your library borrows materials that it does not own from another library for you. You may initiate an interlibrary loan request from the online catalog for materials owned within the state of South Dakota by clicking on the "Interlibrary Loan Request" link at the top right of the "Full Record" display page in the catalog. You will be asked for your barcode and password if you have not previously logged on. Your barcode is the number on your library card and your password is your last name.

How do I suggest that the library purchase a specific item? • Return to top of page

Tell us. Whether we can add your suggested item depends on the collection to which it would be added. Generally, we are more likely to add something by an author that we already collect. We may not add the specific title that you suggest, but we may use your suggestion to guide us in our selection of materials on that topic.

How do I make a suggestion? • Return to top of page

Tell us, please! You can tell us in person, by email or by filling out the comment form.