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1. How do I apply for a library card?

You will need to complete an application form, and provide identification that includes verification of your current residence address. A parent or legal guardian must sign for a child who is under 16 years of age.

2. Who can get a library card?

Library cards are available free to any resident of Lake County. Non-residents are charged a $40 annual fee for a card. The non-resident fee is waived for Reciprocal Borrowers.

3. How do I view what books are available at the Tavares Library?

Our entire catalog can be viewed online. Our online database will let you know if a book is available or checked out. You can also place a temporary hold on the book of your choice.
Tavares Online Catalog.

4. What if I lose my library card?

Report lost cards immediately. The first replacement card is free, but a fee of $2.00 is charged for each subsequent card. There will be no charge if a police report has been filed for a stolen card.

5. What do I do if I lose or damage an item?

You will be charged a replacement fee plus a service charge for lost or damaged materials. A $1.00 fee will be charged for each barcode which is lost, damaged, or tampered with.

6. Will my library card work at other libraries?

Anyone with a Lake County Library System card can use it at any of the member libraries. Ask for a list of members or view a list at www.mylakelibrary.org

7. What if the library does not own the items I need?

If the item is available from another member library, just place a hold on the item you want as usual. There is a courier who travels between the member libraries five days a week, and the library will notify you when the item becomes available.

8. May I check out items if I do not have my library card?

All patrons should present their library card to checkout. Staff may accept other identification in lieu of a library card. No one may use another patron’s card without physically having the card. Permission to use the card may be verified by the staff before allowing checkout. Some type of identification will be required to check out any materials.

9. What if the item I want is already checked out?

You may reserve most items. You will need your library card to place the HOLD. The library will notify you by telephone or , if you have provided it to staff, e- mail when the item becomes available.

10. How will I know when to return items?

When checking out at the Circulation Desk, you will receive a printed receipt which will list titles, barcodes and due dates.

11. May I renew items?

Yes, you may renew materials in person, or by telephone. Please call 742-6204. Have the items at hand when you call. Items on reserve and Reference items may not be renewed.

12. What events are available for children at the Library?

All of our events and programs are shown on our Event Calendar.

Library event calendar

13. What is a Reciprocal Borrower?

A reciprocal borrower is a resident of any county which has entered into an agreement with Lake County to provide services. The non-resident card fee is waived, memberships are good for one year and are renewable at no charge. At this time the participating counties are: Marion, Seminole and Volusia.

14. How do I become a Reciprocal Borrower?

Present your valid library card to any participating member library and provide appropriate ID with your current residential address. Be aware that circulation rules may vary depending on the lending library and all materials checked out must be returned to a library in the county from which it is borrowed.

15. Does the library accept credit card payments?

Fines and other fees incurred on your Lake County Library System library card may be paid using a debit or credit card. The Library is working with the Tavares Utility Billing Department to provide this service. Simply tell the staff at the Utility Billing window in City Hall that you would like to pay your library card account fees with your debit or credit card. Utility Billing will notify the library and swipe your card. The library will clear your account. Please be sure to ask to have library staff print a receipt for you to pick up if you wish to have a list of the fees you paid.