Frequently Asked Questions

Borrowing Materials

What is my User ID?

Your User ID is the number on your library card. It is also referred to as your barcode. The User ID is usually 14 digits long.
What is my pin number?

Your pin number is the month and the day of your birth. For example, if you were born on October 15, 1960, then your pin number would be 1015.
What happens if I forget to return my materials on time?

Great River assesses a fine if you fail to return your materials on time. DVD late charges are $1 per day. For children’s materials the fine is 10 cents a day per item. Magazines are also 10 cents a day. For all other materials, including interlibrary loan materials, the fine is 20 cents per day. The maximum fine for an overdue item is $6.
Do I have to return my library materials here?

You may return your items to any GRRL library. You do not have to return them to the library where you checked them out unless the item is an Inter-Library Loan item.
How do I renew items and how many times may I renew an item?

You may renew items twice as long as no one has requested the item through GRRL's online catalog, by visiting or by calling your local library.
How long may I keep materials?

Most materials have a 3 week check out period. All entertainment DVDs and VHS videos have a one week check out window.
How many items may I check out?

There is no limit.

Computers and Internet

How much does it cost to make a copy or print from the computer?

The cost for copies is ten cents per page.
Do you have wireless?

All Great River libraries offer wireless computer connections.
How long can I use the internet computer?

Most libraries allow half-hour or hour long reservations. It is best to check ahead.
How do I request use of the Internet computers?

You may use our online booking software to reserve time on a computer at St. Cloud, Little Falls, Buffalo, Monticello or Elk River Public Libraries. You may also call GRRL libraries to reserve a time. You may also walk in and use any Internet computer in the library designated for public use that is not being used after signing in at the desk.

Fines and Fees

Where should I direct questions about collection agencies and disputed overdue fines?

Contact your local library staff for questions about overdue charges. You may also contact the Deputy Director at 320-650-2500 if you have questions about collection agency charges and fines.
Can I pay my fines by credit card?

Yes, you can pay online and you can also pay at the library with a credit card.
What is the maximum fine before I can no longer check out materials?

$6.
What are the fines for overdue materials?

DVDs are $1 per day. For children’s materials the fine is 10 cents a day. Magazines are also 10 cents a day. For all other materials, including interlibrary loan materials, the fine is 20 cents per day. The maximum fine for overdue materials is $6.

Hours

What are the library open hours?

Library open hours are unique to each of the 32 library locations in Great River. Ask for the Find It at Your Library Brochure or visit our go to the Locations & Hours page to lo locate your library’s open hours.

Library Cards

What if my library card is lost or stolen?

Please report immediately if your card is lost or stolen. That way no one is able to use your card to check out materials in your name. Otherwise, you may be held responsible for materials charged against your account. The cost for replacing a card lost or stolen is $1.
How much does it cost to get a library card?

Library cards are free to Minnesota residents. If you lose your card or if it is stolen, you will need to pay $1 for a replacement.
Can I use my card in libraries not part of GRRL?

Yes, you may check out materials at other libraries as part of Minnesota's Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. These libraries must be part of a regional library system.
Can I use a card from another Minnesota library to check out library materials?

Yes, as long as your card is in good standing at your home library.
Where can I use my library card?

You can use your library card at any of Great River's 32 locations. You can also use your library card at any public library in the state of Minnesota that is part of a regional system.
How do I get a library card?

Residents of Wright, Todd, Stearns, Sherburne, Morrison and Benton counties may go to any of our 32 locations to get a library card. If you are eighteen (18) years of age or older, you need to bring picture proof of identification and address, like a current driver’s license.

Other Equipment

Do you have a fax machine I can use?

Great River offers no public fax machines.
Can I make colored copies?

Great River has no color copiers.
Do you have a copy machine?

All Great River libraries have copy machines. The cost for making a copy is 10 cents per page.

Other Services

How do I find specific titles in your library?

You can search our catalog by title and by format. You can also ask our library staff for help.
Who can help me with a research question?

We can help you find information through our reference services. Reference librarians are available at the St. Cloud Library. You can also email a reference request as well as access our IM (Instant Messaging) our reference librarians.
Do you have tax forms?

During income tax season, all libraries at Great River have the most commonly used tax forms and instruction booklets available. For more specialized forms, Great River also has IRS and State of Minnesota Reproducible forms that can be copied. Both Federal and State Websites are available through the Internet and forms located there can be downloaded or printed.

Programming

Do Great River libraries offer programming?

Most libraries offer programs. Be sure to ask at your local library about upcoming programming or visit Great River’s Web page to see upcoming events in your area.

Requesting Materials

How do I request materials from other libraries?

Any circulating Great River Regional Library materials can be requested using the online catalog from home or at the library. Library staff will also assist you over the telephone or within the library. Check our schedule for times and locations.

Reference materials may be sent to your nearest GRRL location for use in the library.

If an item is not owned by a Great River Regional Library, it may still be available through Interlibrary Loan from a Minnesota library outside our region through MnLINK or from another U.S. public library through our title request form.
How do I request materials that GRRL does not own?
Once you have searched the catalog and determined that your selection is not owned by GRRL, you may choose one of several options.
- Click on the Suggest a Title tab in the catalog and fill out the online form. There are also paper versions of this form available and staff will be happy to assist you with the process. GRRL staff will decide to either purchase the item or borrow it from another library. Once the decision is made, the item request will be placed on your account. If the item is not selected and not available for Interlibrary Loan, you will be notified.
- You may place an Interlibrary Loan request from another Minnesota library yourself using the MnLink Gateway. This statewide service allows you to request material NOT OWNED by GRRL and have it delivered to your GRRL library. You will need your entire GRRL library card barcode number to access this service.
- For best results, use the Suggest a Title form for new materials since other Minnesota libraries may not be willing to lend them and GRRL purchases most new items requested by our customers.
How do you let me know my requested items have arrived?

You may choose to have e-mail notification when your GRRL requests come. Choosing e-mail notification also allows you to receive notification three days before a checked out item is due. If you prefer, you may be notified by telephone instead of e-mail.
How do I request materials to arrive at a specific time?

It is not possible to guarantee delivery arrival times. It is possible to suspend requests within your account to delay delivery of requests for a period of time. You can access this feature yourself through the My Account tab in the catalog or ask library staff for assistance.
Is there a limit on the number of items I can request?
You may have up to 100 active requests on your account at one time. That includes requests that are waiting to be filled, in transit or Being Held at your chosen pickup location. Any MnLink or other Interlibrary Loan requests will also appear on your request list.
- There is a limit of 25 active requests on the MnLink site.
How long will you hold my item for me?

Holds are available for five days, including the day they arrive in the library.
Can someone else pick up the items I have on hold?

Yes, another person may pick up those items you have on hold as long as they have your library card with them.
How do I find the items that are on hold for me?

Most items are shelved by the library barcode number If you are unsure how the items being held are shelved, be sure to stop at the circulation desk to inquire.