Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a library card
How do I get a library card?
To get a PCPL card, stop in at the library main desk to fill out the card application form.
You will need an ID (state ID, driver’s license or passport) with your current address on it. If your ID does not show your current address you will need to bring it and a lease, insurance document, or delivered mail showing your name and current address.
If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and have a PCPL card.
Do I have to live in Powhatan to get a PCPL card?
No.
Residents of Amelia, Chesterfield, Cumberland, and Goochland counties can also get a PCPL card.
How long can I keep my books?
Books, audiobooks, and media are checked out for two (2) weeks.
Mobile hotspots and backpack kits are checked out for four (4) weeks.
There is a seven (7) day grace period for all checked out items. The overdue fee accrues during the grace period, but is not charged unless an item is turned in after the grace period expires.
What if I need my materials for longer?
Items may be renewed in person, by phone, or online up to three (3) times. Renewed items will be due two (2) weeks from the date of renewal. An item cannot be renewed if it is on hold for another patron or overdue more than 60 days.
What are the overdue fines?
The overdue fine is five (5) cents per day.
There is a seven (7) day grace period for all checked out items. The overdue fee accrues during the grace period, but is not charged unless an item is turned in after the grace period expires
Does the library offer printing, copying, or faxing services?
Yes. The library has a public printer and copier.
Faxes can be sent to and from the library. Library staff will send faxes on the public’s behalf.
How much does it cost to print, copy, or fax?
Prints, copies, and faxes are all $0.10 per side, per page.
The library can only take cash or checks as payment.
Does the library have public computers?
The library currently has six (6) computers available for the public to use.
All computers have Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher.
Does the library have public WiFi?
PCPL has a WiFi network available in the building and parking lot called PCPLGuest. It is available 24/7 and no password is required.
Should the library’s WiFi network be down, Powhatan County’s public WiFi network, PoCoFi, may also be available.
Checkout Limits
| Maximum items per account | 50 total |
| DVDs | 10 per account |
| Audiobooks | 10 per account |
| Backpack kits | 1 per account |
| Mobile hotspots | 1 per account |
Checkout Periods
The checkout period is two (2) weeks for books, audiobooks, and media. The checkout period is four (4) weeks for mobile hotspots and backpack kits.
Items may be renewed in person, by phone, or online up to three (3) times. Renewed items will be due two (2) weeks from the date of renewal. An item cannot be renewed if it is on hold for another patron or overdue more than 60 days.
PCPL has a collection of e-books and e-audiobooks through Overdrive and Freading. These digital items can be checked out with your library card for two (2) weeks, and will return themselves when the lending period expires.
Overdue Fines
There is a seven (7) day grace period for all checked out items. The overdue fee accrues during the grace period, but is not charged unless an item is turned in after the grace period expires.
The overdue fine is five (5) cents per day.
Charges
| Prints (B&W and color) | $0.10 per page |
| Copies (B&W and color) | $0.10 per page |
| Faxes | $0.10 per page |
| Library card replacement | $1.00 per card |
| Coffee, tea or hot cocoa | $1.00 per cup |
| Friends of the Library bag | $5.00 per bag |
| Friends Book Shop items | see price list |