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. Everyone is welcome to use the services of the Appomattox Regional Library on library property. The Appomattox Regional Library System has several reciprocal borrowing agreements with other library systems and many non-residents are eligible for library cards.  However, the Administration reserves the right to determine if nonresidents may be granted extended privileges. The Administration also reserves the right to grant institutions library privileges, including borrowing privileges with the assurance that the Institution follows all regulations that pertain to individuals.

The Appomattox Regional Library System serves as an informational agency to the local governments of Hopewell, Prince George County, and Dinwiddie County. All possible cooperation and service will be rendered to agencies of these governments. The Appomattox Regional Library System does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities.

Library borrowing privileges shall be granted to any individual who qualifies under the guidelines listed above and makes proper application for such privileges.

In order to apply for a library card the person applying must be willing to provide the following:

Any child under age 14 may be granted library privileges provided the child or the parent or legal custodian of the child makes a proper application and such application is endorsed by the child’s parent or legal custodian.

REVOCATION OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES
The Appomattox Library System reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the library privileges (including being present on library property) in the event that any of the public use policies stated in this document are disregarded. The Library System also reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the library privileges of any individual or institution which acts in an inappropriate manner that interferes with other individuals use of library services. Anyone who has privileges revoked may appeal this action to the Library Board of Trustees.

REINSTATEMENT OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES
The Appomattox Regional Library System reserves the right to reinstate the library privileges of an individual once the administration judges that the suspended individual will not break library rules or act in an inappropriate manner that will disturb other patrons.

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Book Groups
Book Groups are held on a monthly basis at some of the ARLS libraries.  Books to be discussed are selected by the group with suggestions being given by the ARLS librarian conducting the discussion.

These meetings are free and open to the public. It is not necessary to read the books in advance, although copies can be reserved at any ARLS library location.

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Borrowing Library Materials
Once proper application for library borrowing privileges has been made the following loan periods, and fine schedules apply:

Loan Periods  - By Material Classification
Format: Books, Books On Tape / Books on CD, Magazines (Except current issues) Checkout Limit: Unlimited, or as many as you wish to be responsible Renewal Limit: 5 Fines: $.05 per day Max Fines: $2.00	14 Days
Format: DVD - Digital Video Discs Fiction and Non Fiction Checkout Limit: 3 Renewal Limit: 0 Fines: $1.00 per day Max Fine: $20.00 or the price of the item whichever is less	7 days/ 7 Nights
Format: Videotapes Fiction and Non Fiction Checkout Limit: 3 Renewal Limit: 0 Fines: $1.00 per day Max Fine: $20.00 or the price of the item whichever is less	7 days/ 7 Nights
Format: Music CD's Checkout Limit: 5 Renewal Limit: 1 Fines: $.50 per day Max Fine: $2.00	14 Days

RENEWING OR EXTENDING LOAN PERIODS
All items, that are not on reserve for another patron, may be renewed for up to three loan periods. To renew items, please call the library system at 458-6329 or 861-0322, or stop by any Appomattox Regional Library location to renew an item in person.

OVERDUE MATERIALS
Items not returned or renewed by their due date are subject to fines.

LOST MATERIALS
After notification by a patron, or after a final notice that materials are overdue and maximum fines are owed, the library may declare the item lost. The patron who loses an item is liable for the replacement cost of the item as determined by the Library System.

DAMAGED MATERIALS
If an item is returned in damaged form by a patron and the Library System determines that the patron is responsible for the damage and that the item must be replaced, the patron who had the item on loan when it was damaged is liable for the replacement cost of the item as determined by the Library System.

REVOCATION OF BORROWING PRIVILEGES
It shall be within the authority of the Library System to revoke library-borrowing privileges of library patrons in the following instances:

• Patrons who have overdue library material, for which final overdue notices have been sent.

• Patrons who are negligent in making payment for damaged or lost materials.

• Patrons whose accumulated fines and penalties are in excess of $2.00.

• Minors whose library privileges are to be revoked at the written request of the parent or legal custodian.

• Any patron whose library borrowing privileges are revoked shall have the right to appeal such action to the Board of Trustees.

REINSTATEMENT OF BORROWING PRIVILEGES
The Library System shall reinstate library-borrowing privileges as follows:

• For patrons who have library materials, which have been overdue, library-borrowing privileges shall be reinstated upon return of the materials.

• For patrons whose accumulated fines or penalties are in excess of $2.00, privileges shall be reinstated upon payment of these fines or penalties.

• For minors whose privileges have been revoked at the request of a parent or legal custodian, privileges shall be reinstated with the written approval of the parent or legal custodian.

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Computer Classes
For a calendar of upcoming computer classes, please click here.

Business Resources On The Web -- This class will give an overview of business and financial resources available on the Web.
E-Mail Basics -- This class will cover how to set up a web-based e-mail account (such as Hotmail or Yahoo!), and users will get a chance to set up their own accounts. The instructor will also demonstrate how to add attachments to e-mail, delete unwanted mails, and send/delete mails from the main inbox.
How To Find Books On The Web -- This class explores sites related to finding books on the web.  Topics such as library web sites, online bookstores and other miscellaneous sites are covered.
Internet Basics -- The user will take a trip into the world of the Internet and World Wide Web. The instructor will demonstrate how to use a browser, type a web address and go to a website, and use a simple search engine to find sites.
Medical Information On The Web -- This class will review some of the Medical Information web pages available via the Web.
Meet The Gates Lab -- Computer users will review the many software features of the new Gates Lab computers, including Streets and Trips, the tutorial block, and the excellent Encyclopedias.
Meet The Mouse -- Computer beginners are invited to follow a lesson in using the mouse, and explore the basics of the internet.
Microsoft Power Point 2000 -- This class will teach the basics of web-page design using Microsoft PowerPoint 2000. 
Microsoft Publisher Basics -- Introduces basic functions of Microsoft Publisher to the user. Topics covered will involve: opening/closing/saving documents, using the templates available and creating a working document.
Microsoft Word Basics -- This class introduces basic functions of Microsoft Word 2000 to the user. Topics covered will involve: opening/closing/saving documents, inserting pictures, overview of tools available for enhancing documents, and user requests/questions.
Website Favorites -- Computer beginners or intermediate users will visit many of the most popular internet websites, including Yahoo, Amazon, and arls.org.

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Volunteering
The mission of the Appomattox Regional Library System’s volunteer program is to encourage and expand the involvement of community volunteers. Youth and adult volunteers will work with the staff to provide service to others by supporting, preserving, and promoting free and easy access to ideas and information. The Library believes that volunteers are an important human resource. They have the right to be treated as co-workers, trained in a professional manner, and given richly deserved recognition.

The library benefits from the volunteer program in many ways. Volunteers create a positive image of the library in the community.  Volunteers demonstrate community support for the library. As well, volunteers bring information about local ideas, issues and concerns to the library so that the staff and administration can better meet community needs.

Volunteers bring their unique abilities and skills to the library. In turn, volunteers may receive training, which gives them new technical, administrative, or customer service skills. Volunteers learn about the "behind-the-scenes" operation of the library. They become allies in promoting library services and programs to the community. For young adults, volunteering can afford opportunities to meet requirements for community service hours for school or service organizations. On occasion, the volunteer program can provide an opportunity to make legal restitution to the community through library service.

The exchange of ideas between volunteers and the library staff benefits the library as part of a positive and essential public relations.

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Outreach
Homebound / Handicapped
The Appomattox Regional Library System supports and fully cooperates with community programs to deliver library materials to shut-ins. The Library System will do everything possible to insure that shut-ins have equal access to library materials.

Readers' Friends Organization
The Readers' Friends provide regular selection and delivery services to homebound individuals within the service area of the Maude Langhorne Nelson Branch (Hopewell) of the Appomattox Regional Library System.  Homebound readers have designated "Friends" who select materials based on the Reader's interest.  Materials are delivered and picked up on a regular basis by a Volunteer Driver.  This service is provided by dedicated volunteers.  There is NO charge for this service. For additional information, or to sign up for this service, please call the library system at 458-6329 or 861-0322.

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Phone Renewal
Appomattox Regional Library System library card holders may now call the library any time, day or night, to use the automated telephone renewal system.

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).

804-861-4310 OR 804-861-4316

Once you have those two things available make the call and follow the instructions on the phone.

PLEASE NOTE: DVDs and items on hold for other patrons may NOT be renewed.  Patrons with fines exceeding $2.00 may not renew items via telephone or online.  Library patrons may renew items up to five times.

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Wireless Internet Access
What is wireless?

• Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange data between your computer and network without the need for cables.
• The Appomattox Regional Library System offers free wireless access using the WIFI standard, IEEE 802.11b/g.

Why wireless?

• Wireless allows people to bring their own portable computers to the library and get free Internet access.
• The library system can offer Internet service to visitors, at our Main Library in Hopewell and at our 6 library branches, without the expense of installing new wiring.
• With wireless, users can sit anywhere they like and not just in designated computer areas.

• Users need to bring their own portable computers to the library with either built-in WIFI or an installed adapter card.
• Most WIFI or 802.11b/g compatible units should work at the library. Apple calls their system Airport.
• The Library System's wireless networks are open to all visitors and do not require any special logins, passwords, nor encryption.
• In our libraries, especially at smaller branches, the wireless signal even reaches into the parking lot and can be used day or night.
• Due to the variety of computer systems, library staff cannot help visitors to configure their own equipment. Please see tips and settings provided in this brochure and/or contact the manufacturer of your hardware/software.

Wireless Card Settings:

• SSID or Network Name = “ARLS.ORG"
• WEP or Encryption = none or disabled
• Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure or Access Point
• Authentication = Open or None
• TCP/IP settings = Use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically"
• Turn Wireless ON - Many laptops with built-in wireless (and some with external cards) have switches, buttons, or software that can be used to turn wireless off to save battery life. Make sure that it is turned on.

Wireless Configuration Tips:

• Before changing any settings, try using the wireless network. It may already work.

• Wireless settings used at home can conflict with settings needed at the library. Please make certain that original settings can be restored before making any changes.

• After making changes, you may need to reboot.

• Windows 98/ME/2000 needs to use a wireless client manager program, provided by the manufacturer of the wireless adapter, so please refer to the documentation and software that came with the equipment.

• If using a wireless client manager, check the instructions that came with the program regarding the possibility of creating a profile to be used at the library in addition to the profiles used at home or elsewhere.

• Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool. Look for icon in system tray at the bottom, right corner. Click on it to see a list of available networks. "ARLS.ORG Wireless" should be on the list. Select it and click "Connect" or click "Configure" and compare settings to those listed in this brochure. Also click “Advanced” and add checkmark to option for “connect to unsecured”.

• MAC OS 9 - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to configure an existing wireless network and "arls.org Wireless" should be detected. Click "Go Ahead" and then "Connect Now".

• MAC OS X - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to join existing AirPort network, signal should be detected for “kcls.org Wireless”, and follow steps to conclusion.

Network Settings Tips:

• TCP/IP Settings should be set to use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically".

• DNS settings, if applicable, should be set to use DHCP or to obtain automatically.

• Windows 98/ME settings are found through the Network section in the Control Panel. Check the Properties of TCP/IP associated with the wireless adapter.

• Windows 2000 settings are found through Network and Dial Up Connections in the Control Panel. Check properties of the Local Area Network associated with the wireless adapter and check properties of TCP/IP.

• Windows XP settings are found through the Network Connections in the Control Panel. Select Properties of Wireless Network Connection and check Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings.

• MAC OS 9 can adjust settings through "Apple Menu>>Control Panels>>TCP/IP".

• MAC OS X can adjust through "Apple Menu>>Location>>Network Preferences".

Security Issues:

• By their very nature, public WIFI networks are not secure.

• If security is important to you, the best way to achieve this is to connect to a VPN. Many companies offer a VPN to their employees. If you do not have access to a VPN, you may want to limit your wireless network use to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

• Other recommendations: use firewall and antivirus software, keep OS up to date, turn file sharing off, and encrypt sensitive files.

Printing:

• Appomattox Regional Library System is currently working with its software vendor to develop an update to allow wireless laptop users to print to the library system’s printers.

• However, this functionality is not yet available. In order to print, users need to save to a floppy or USB flash drive and then login to a library computer.

• The charge for copying or printing is $.10 a page.

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Youth Services
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 check out our newsletter here.

Materials
Youth Services is comprised of both the Children’s Department and the Teen, or Young Adult, section. The Appomattox Regional Library System provides materials for children of all ages, including not only books, but also magazines, CD’s, DVD’s, videos and discovery packs. ARLS has both print and electronic resources to help students with homework assignments, as well as information for parents and homeschoolers. Kid-friendly computers are available for research or for games. 

Programs
Besides materials, ARLS’s youth services offers a multitude of programming at all library locations. Our traditional summer reading program is generously funded by the local businesses and civic organizations. Programs are varied, but include movies matinees, craft workshops, puppet shows and of course, story time! We also coordinate with other groups to provide additional programming and feature many guest performers, such as magicians, clowns, actors, storytellers and musicians. A Teen Board helps plan programming for young adults.

Books and Other Materials
Youth Services Collections include books and other materials for every age level.

The Children's Collection includes:

• Board books for toddlers

• Easy picture books for pre-schoolers

• “I Can Read” books for beginning readers

• Juvenile fiction – including novels, mysteries and science fiction

• Series collection – such as American Girl, Dear America, and Wishbone, etc.

• Caldecott and Newbery Award winning books

• Biographies and non-fiction

• Reference materials

• DVD’s, CD’s, CD-ROM’s, videos, books on tape, games and toys and kits

The Young Adult Collection features:

• YA fiction books (and some non-fiction)

• Graphic novel

• Magazines and newspapers designed for teen

Other services include class visits, tours or programs and visits to area schools

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Readers' Friend Book Store
Hours of Operation
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

The Readers’ Friend Book Store is located in the lower level of library system’s Maude Langhorne Nelson branch at 209 East Cawson Street, Hopewell.  The bookstore is proud to be a source of additional funds which benefit all ARLS libraries.

The store is operated by the Hopewell/Prince George Friends of the Library, an organization comprised of volunteers who support the Library. These volunteers sort books donated to the library, organize and shelve donations in an orderly way, and promote library services and events. The funds raised support numerous events at the library such as author visits and youth programs.Proceeds are also used to purchase equipment to enhance library services beyond the library’s budget.

The store is stocked with a variety of books, paperbacks, and audiovisual materials. You can also buy a beautiful book bag with a sketch of the new library. Proceeds from the bookstore will support children's and adult programs at our libraries.  Find the perfect gift for another book lover or yourself! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jan Rowley at 458-6329 x 2001 or by e-mail at jrowley@arls.org.

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