Frequently Asked Questions

At this time, curbside pickup is available in a limited capacity at all of our branch libraries, with the exception of Tuscarora. We are working to continue curbside services in a safe, coordinated, and phased process.

We are currently limiting requests to 10 items per patron, per pickup. This does not limit families from placing requests together and picking up the items at one time.

A request typically takes two (2) weeks to be received; however, due to unforseen circumstances such as staff availability, shipping issues, and long overdue items, there may be delays. We will fill your holds as quickly as possible but wait times may be longer than usual. Thanks for your patience.

Staff will call you to schedule a time to pick up materials once they are ready.

Yes, with some limitations.

Yes. If we have received the item, it will be available for checkout.

Yes. You may call the library to place a hold during normal business hours when the phone is staffed.

Holds will not be expiring at this time so your items will remain on the hold shelf until you pick them up. However, if you miss a scheduled pickup, you will have two days to reschedule before the items are returned to circulation.

Due dates will be included on all checkout receipts and all of our book drops are currently open for returned materials. We will continue to extend due dates throughout our reopening process to help avoid late fines. However, all of our book drops are currently open for returned materials.

The outdoor book drop is open for returns (but not donations). Staff will not accept in-person returns.

We are not accepting donated materials at this time.

Yes. You will need a library card to place your hold through our online catalog and to pick up items. You will need to show your library card or an ID at the time of pickup to make sure you are receiving the right books.

Temporary Cards

If you do not have a library card, you can ask to receive a temporary “digital” card by calling 775-738-3066.

Please note that if you sign up for a temporary library card, you may only check out two items at a time.

Call the library when you arrive for your pickup slot and we will place your bag within reach. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and services are accessible to everyone. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding accessibility, please contact your library location so we may work to accommodate you.

Library staff can override limits during the pandemic response; however, our book drops are open to receive materials. If you are over the checkout limit, please return them to the book drop before requesting additional materials.

Yes. All library locations are currently open to the public.

The contactless curbside pickup provides maximum social distancing for the safety of both patrons and staff. Staff will wear gloves and masks when handling all library materials. Additionally, all returned materials will be “quarantined” and sanitized before being put back into circulation.

The curbside pickup service is contingent upon access to materials that keep our staff safe as well as staff availability. We hope to offer this service until the library building reopens (and possibly after) but cannot make guarantees.

This privilege is reserved for patrons who comply with our safety guidelines. We reserve the right to remove access to this service from anyone who does not respect those.

We are working to restore all library services and access as soon as possible in a safe, coordinated, and phased effort. We will continue to follow state and public health guidelines for operations.

The Library accepts most donations. The Library collections and policy are checked to see if the donations fit within our collection. If they do, they are cataloged, otherwise, the library may choose to sell, repurpose, donate to another agency, or recycle the donated materials.

Volunteers are welcome at the Library. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and will need to fill out a volunteer application.

Local agencies and organizations may post their meeting agendas and other public notices at any Mybrary location. Postings may be mailed, faxed to 775-738-8262, or emailed to the Reference Librarian.

The friendly staff at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk will be happy to assist you.

A current I.D. and a local address are necessary to get a regular status card.

Temporary Library Cards

A temporary library card can be given with an out-of-state driver’s license or I.D. You still need a local address. With a temporary library card you may only check out 2 items.

Fines can be paid at any time: checking out new materials, returning materials, or when you are in the neighborhood.

We do not accept debit or credit cards.

You must have a library card. Once checked out, books and audios are due in 2 weeks, and DVDs are due in 1 week.

Good question! The projects range from replacing furniture, rotating materials, painting, rearranging spaces, and installing new equipment. Every project will depend on the location and how much work needs to be (or can be) done at that branch.

No way! That is the last thing we ever want to do (we wish we had more libraries). We're just making room for new collections, new spaces, and new services. 

The short answer: Yes!

The slightly longer answer: We have projects lined up for all of our communities. Some will happen sooner than others, depending on schedules, budgets, and outside factors.

Don't worry! Just like the branches, it is getting a makeover.  You'll see it again sooner than you think.

Some of the book shelves will be replaced with more modern shelving. Other areas will be filled with new seating arrangements and study areas. We want you to feel comfortable spending time in the library. Less of a book warehouse and more of a literature clubhouse.

Sort of. You might notice books coming down off the shelves in some areas. This doesn't mean the books are gone, just that we are finding other homes for them as we rearrange spaces. We promise, you still have access to all the books and authors you love.

As much as we would love to have every book in the library, there simply isn't the space. So we do occasionally "weed" the collection to make room for new titles and collections. 

It's something we do a lot (all libraries do), and we work carefully when deciding when it is time to remove a book from the collection. Typically, books that we remove have not been used in a while, are in rough shape, have outdated information, or we can find at another library.

Of course! Staff are working hard to make sure that access to books are a priority, even as they move things around.

We're glad you noticed! As the library moves into our next 100 years, we have re-evaluated the services we offer and what you, our patrons, are asking for. While we still offer reference services, a lot of information has been moved to digital platforms. So to keep up, we're making room for more computers. Don't worry though! We'll still have a "ready reference" collection available - a smaller collection of newer books that you are most likely to need while in the library.

Our goal isn't to get rid of services, but rather to make room for new and innovative services. You will still have access to everything you love about the library, and hopefully some new services you will find just as exciting as we do.

We love how many people want to support their library by purchasing used books. So yes, we do plan to bring book sales back. We're making some changes to the process and how we display them in the library, so be patient with us for just a little longer.

Yes! We can't share too much yet, but this is all to get ready for a fun announcement at the end of July. More on that to come.

We listened! We pay attention to what gets used in the library and what doesn't, but more than that, we listened to feedback we received from you, the community. More programs, more technology, and more human connection were high on the list for your community library.

We're fortunate to have patrons like you who support your community library. We love that energy and we want everyone to enjoy the library just as much. The changes we are making are based on feedback we've received from our community. We will still offer everything a traditional library does, but we wanted to grow the library into a community hub where everyone feels connected.

We love when you have questions and would happy to talk about the exciting things we are working on. You can email the library at krkincai@elkocountynv.net or call 775-738-3066 and ask to speak with Kassie.

The initial library card is free.  The cost for a replacement card is $1.50.

You have to be at least five (5) years old to get a library card.

To obtain a library card, an individual may apply in person at the Library circulation desk by requesting and completing an application and providing the necessary identification and information. 

Applicants for a library card with full privileges must furnish evidence of identity and local residency. Documents that establish identity include one of the following forms of identification:  

● An original Photo ID issued by a domestic government entity, such as a Driver’s License, Passport, Tribal ID, or Military ID that shows Nevada residency. Expired Cards are not acceptable.  

The Library will accept a variety of documents to establish residency. Documents must list a current address. Examples of acceptable documents that establish place of residency include but are not limited to:  
● An original Photo ID issued by a domestic government entity, such as a Driver’s License, Passport, Tribal ID, or Military ID that shows local Nevada residency. Expired Cards are not acceptable. 

● Account statements or bills within past 60 days.  

● Lease or rent receipt dated within past 60 days.  

● Property Tax bill or receipt within past year. 

● Valid car registration or car insurance ID Card that lists current address. 

If under 18, a parent/guardian must sign the application card and produce the above information. This acknowledges responsibility for library materials checked out by their children and payment of any fines, fees or charges incurred by their children.  

Yes! We do have an option for what we call a "temporary" card. To obtain one, patrons must furnish the following: Valid out of state ID, issued in accordance with guidelines provided for a full privilege card, and a local mailing address.  

Temporary Cards A temporary card allows two (2) item checkouts only and we encourage all patrons to update their information as soon as they are able to.

Sorry, but a patron can hold only one (1) card within the NLC (Nevada Library Cooperative) consortium system. If your home library is outside of our service area, but still within Nevada, we can input into our database so that you can access library services that require a card.

Unfortunately, most of our databases are available only to Mybrary patrons or those within the Nevada Library Cooperative. You should check with your local library about what services they have to offer.

Minors have access to all materials while in the library. They can check items from any collections except audio and dvd, due to the high costs of replacing those items.

A parent/guardian obtaining a card for a child is giving their child consent to checkout any circulating materials. The reading and viewing activity of children is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians, who ultimately guide and oversee their own child’s development. Possession and use of a library card signifies an agreement to be bound by the loan information and library policies and procedures of the Library.

Nope! While we would love for you to get a library card, we know that sometimes participants are here visiting family or don't have all the requirements to get a card. We want to make sure that you still get to have fun, read amazing books, and make friends at Mybrary.

While we prefer that you log your minutes into Beanstack, we know tech isn't for everyone. We have paper registration forms and logs for anyone who wishes and we will do the data entry for you.

Those of us at Mybrary encourage literacy in all shapes and sizes. You read the newspaper every morning? Listen to an audiobook on the drive home? Prefer comic books? No worries! These all count toward your reading minutes. Our only goal is to encourage discovery and have some fun doing it.

100% yes! We recommend checking out our events calendars so you can see what is happening at all of our locations. You can also view our Adult Services and Youth Services pages for more specific details.

Don't worry! This isn't a homework assignment. You can track all of your minutes online on our Beanstack app and as long as you have them entered by the last day of the program, you can come in to claim your prize. We do ask that you don't wait too long after the program though, so we can make sure we still have gifts on hand.

Through the generous donations of sponsors and community members! The Nevada Gold Mines have been a long time sponsor that make sure we are always able to provide quality programming. We also have other local community members and patrons that regularly donate (funds, prizes, food, and more!) to the library and we are so thankful to each of them. We do our best to list official sponsors in the summer reading program, so make sure to give them some extra love.

Absolutely! We accept donations year round. If you would like to be listed as a sponsor, please contact the youth services librarian at 775-738-3066 to discuss options and see if this is good fit for all parties.

We do not currently have an online platform for registrations. Please call or visit the Elko Mybrary - 775-738-3066.

That's tricky. Games can take however long players want them to. For us, we are planning a three month adventure that may move into seasonal campaigns if there is interest in continuing. 

We are currently planning on each meeting as follows:
Tweens - 2 hour sessions
Teens - 3 hour sessions
Adults - 6 hour sessions

For the summer session, we are asking that you only sign up if you can commit to all three months. Otherwise, you might be taking a seat from someone else who really wanted to play.

Not at this time. To keep it fair, with the limited space available, you can only join one group at a time.

Good question! We have a limited number of Dungeon Masters and to make sure that the story stays engaging and can be completed on time, they can only handle groups of 6. Otherwise, not every player may get a turn, or you might only get through half of the first arc of the adventure. As we play together more (and build up our DMs), we plan to expand our sessions, groups, and types of activities.

There are a lot of resources, but the simplest answer is to check out DnD Beyond. This is an online resource put together for players of all type. No need to purchase anything, as all the beginner/basic rules are available for free.

Not at all! We've built up a small collection of supplies for that very reason. We have dice that can be borrowed during sessions, blank and pre-made character sheets, and all the books we could get our hands on. We'll even provide you with a notebook and pencil!

Short answer: Maybe. 

Longer answer: We will be running DM workshops later this year to teach others how to run their own campaigns. As we get to know players, we may feel comfortable accepting new volunteers. During that time, there will be an application process.