| FAQs
Being a regional
library, who is actually in charge of ARLS?
The library is governed by
a Board of Trustees. The Library Board of Trustees is responsible
for adopting policies necessary for the operation of the regional
library system. There are eleven volunteer trustees appointed by the
respective City Council or Boards of Supervisors. Five trustees are
appointed from Hopewell and three each from Prince George and
Dinwiddie. Trustees serve four-year terms, with no more than two
successive.
ARLS Board of Trustees
|
Elsie Atkins - Hopewell |
Christina Bailey - Hopewell |
|
Ora
E. Bailey - Prince George |
Roy
Crittendon - Dinwiddie |
|
Mary Elizabeth Dalton - Hopewell |
Pat
Hale - Prince George |
|
Vickie Hatch - Prince George |
Jacqueline Shepperson - Hopewell |
|
Andrea Sims – Dinwiddie |
Isabel Vartanian - Hopewell |
|
Joyce Wells - Dinwiddie |
|
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If you serve Hopewell, Prince
George, Dinwiddie, and the Town of McKenney, why are you called the
Appomattox Regional Library System?
The name of our library was chosen
because the Appomattox River runs through each of the three
localities which we serve.
Library service began in the Hopewell - Prince George area in
1930 when Thomas B. Robertson established a Library Association for
persons interested in forming a library. In 1931, the city formally
took over operation of the library, with Mrs. Maude Langhorne Nelson
as its first librarian.
The John Randolph Library as it was
then known was located in the State Planters Bank Building (now the
United Virginia Bank). In 1957 the library was moved to the annex of
the Municipal Building and the name was changed to honor the first
librarian, Maude Langhorne Nelson. In 1974 Prince George and
Dinwiddie Counties joined the City of Hopewell to form the
Appomattox Regional Library.
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How do I obtain a
library card?
All residents of the City
of Hopewell, Prince George County, and Dinwiddie County of all ages
are granted full use of all services of The Appomattox Regional
Library System. Those wishing to obtain a library card will need to
complete a registration form and provide a form of picture
identification showing your name and current address. Preferred form
of identification is a valid Virginia Driver's license. Proof of
current address must be provided. A parent's or legal guardian's
signature is required on any card issued to a youth under the age of
14.
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What if I am not from
this area?
ARLS has reciprocal
borrowing agreements with many neighboring libraries to allow our
patrons to access other libraries without charge. For those visiting
from out of town, a temporary card can be issued to use the
library’s Internet access.
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Who is responsible for
the materials checked out on my card?
The name that the ARLS
library card is issued under is responsible for ALL materials that
are borrowed under that card. This includes all fines and bills
associated with the card. To avoid problems, patrons should only
check out one's own materials on their card and not others.
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What if the materials I
want are not at your location?
If the materials are at
another location, you can fill out a request form and we will have
the item sent to the ARLS location nearest you. If they are not in
the system at all, you may make an Interlibrary Loan Request.
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How long may I keep the
library materials I borrow?
The library has loan
periods that vary from 3 to 14 days. A receipt is given at check out
with the date they are due. Please be sure to check these prior to
leaving the library in case you have any questions.
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What if I forget to
bring my card?
You will need your library
card to check out any materials from the library or use the
library’s Internet access. Your first replacement card is free,
after that the cost of replacement is $1.00.
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What if I move and/or
change my phone number?
All changes should be
reported to the Library. Contact any one of the Appomattox Regional
Library System libraries by phone or in person.
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I’ve noticed a lot of
computers throughout the library, but I’ve never used one before.
Does the library offer computer classes?
Computer novices or
advanced computer users can learn to take full advantage of the
Library system’s technological resources by attending some of the
library’s computer classes. These classes provide instruction for
using the computer programs and databases found in the library as
well as presenting fundamental skills for everyday computer use.
RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, also offers classes
periodically at some ARLS library locations. These sessions are
limited to those age 55 and older. All classes are FREE of charge.
For a schedule of classes please check out the
library’s newsletter by clicking
here.
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Does the library have
special programs for children and or teens?
Reading is fundamental and
promoting library usage among children and young adults is one of
the most important things we do. Weekly story times, a spectacular
summer reading program, and special events are just a few of the
things we offer. To keep up with all that’s happening in Youth
Services click
here
for a copy of our library newsletter.
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Can I place an online
request for materials from home?
Yes, this option is now
available to online visitors. You may browse our catalog for
materials from any computer with Internet access. To make a request,
click the button "Request item" and fill out the appropriate
information or you may call any of the member libraries and place a
request for an item to check out.
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Can I renew materials?
By Phone?
Most library materials can
be renewed, however you may not renew DVDs, videotapes, or video
games. Items requested by other patrons may NOT be renewed. Renew
items by phone call 804-861-4310 or 804-861-4316. You will
need a touch tone telephone, your library card number and your
personal identification number. (PIN -- the last 4 digits of your
library card number unless you have chosen an alternative PIN).
You can renew items individually or all the items you have charged
providing there are no holds and it is a renewable item. Or call
the library, during operating hours and the staff will be happy to
assist you.
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Will I be notified if
my materials are late?
You will be contacted by
out automatic telephone circulation attendant when items are
overdue. Notices are sent out weekly to remind patrons of overdue
materials.
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What do I do if I have
lost and/or damaged library materials?
Please bring the item to
the Check Out Desk at any library location. You will be responsible
for the costs of repairing and/or replacing a book, DVD, or CD and a
nominal cost for reordering or re-cataloging the material if that is
necessary. Staff at the Check Out Desk will advise you of the
charges. If a lost item is found, you will be reimbursed for any
replacement costs you paid less the overdue fees.
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How do I use Internet
at the library?
There are Internet
stations at all ARLS libraries. The computer use is free and the
terminals are first come-first served. You will need an ARLS library
card to use the computers at the Hopewell Library. Printing from the
public computers is 10 cents per page.
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Does the library have
copiers and a public fax machine?
The library has copiers at
all ARLS library locations. Copies are 10 cents per page. Fax
services are also available at all library locations. The fee for
our fax service is $2.00 for the required cover sheet and $1.00 for
each page.
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Does the library offer
wireless access?
Yes. You are invited to
explore Appomattox Regional Library fast Internet network using your
own wireless-enabled laptop computer. Free access is provided in all
public areas in the WIFI-enabled libraries. Simply launch your Web
browser. Your computer's home page will appear and you may begin
surfing immediately. Please check the library’s
WiFi Information
for details on
settings etc.
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Do you have
a place where I can ask questions or give comments about ARLS
Yes! Comments and questions from our
patrons are always welcome. Comment forms and boxes are located at
ARLS library locations. In the near future we plan on providing a
link on our website, so all ARLS users will know what other people
are saying about ARLS.
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