FAQs

When is the library open?

Hours of operation for each library branch can be found by clicking the “Branches” link at the top of the page.

How do I contact a librarian?

To contact the library, please call your local branch or email at info@stmaryparishlibrary.org.

How can I pay my fine or pay for copies/fax?

You can pay in the form of cash or a check. The Franklin Library is currently the only location that accepts credit cards.

I tried to log in on the card catalog and cloudLibrary, it is asking for a pin number. What is that?

Your pin is the last four digits of your active library card number. It’s used as your password for security purposes.

How long can I keep the items I have checked out? What if I’m not done with it?

DVDs are checked out for 5 days and books a total of 28 days. This does not include weekends and holidays. If you need longer, and the item is not on hold, we can renew it for you. This can be done via phone call or coming into the branch.

How much does it cost to use a computer?

Computer usage is free with a current library card. Prints are $0.25 for black and white and $0.50 for color. We also have public Wi-Fi and mobile printing.

What branches can I return my books to?

Any books checked out from St. Mary Parish Libraries, excluding Morgan City, can be returned to any of them. For example, if you check out a book at the Patterson Branch, you can return it to the Franklin Library.

How do I get a library card?

Simply bring proof of residency and proof of identity (two separate documents) to any of our seven branches, along with a completed library card application. Children and teens under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with an active adult library card register for them.

Can I get a card if I don't live in St. Mary Parish?

If you have a valid library card from Acadia Parish, Allen Parish, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Public, Lafourche Parish, Opelousas, Eunice, Morgan City, St. Martin Parish, Terrebonne Parish, or Vermillion Parish libraries, you are eligible for a reciprocal borrower card, free of charge.

How much does a library card cost?

Library cards are free of charge to St. Mary Parish residents and reciprocal borrowers. The replacement fee for a lost or damaged card is $2.00. Nonresidents may apply for borrowing privileges by paying the current fee established by the St. Mary Parish Library Board of Control, which is $35 annually.

I forgot my library card; can I still use library services?

Proof of identity is required to use library services. If you forgot your library card, you may bring your state-issued ID to use library services.

What is my PIN number?

The PIN is the last four digits of your library card number. If you are having issues logging in using your PIN, please call your local library for a reset.

How many items can I check out? How long?

All material types, limits, and periods vary depending on the item.
The following chart applies to resident borrower types:

Books25 per card for 28 days
Magazines7 per card for 7 days
Audiobooks7 per card for 14 days
DVDs5 per card for 5 days
Cleanup Kits15 per card for 5 days

*Juvenile, non-resident, and reciprocal borrower types may not check out learning or clean-up kits.

How many times can I renew an item?

Library materials may be eligible for renewal up to two times. If materials cannot be renewed, a notice to return will be issued, at which time materials must be returned to the library. Items will not be renewed for patrons exceeding $25.00 in fines, recalled books, or if the item(s) have been requested by another patron. Interlibrary Loan items are not renewable.

My borrowed item is lost or damaged. What do I do?

Patrons are responsible for the return of materials they have checked out. Items must be returned in the condition they were received and include all components. Patrons will be billed for lost or damaged library materials and for items returned with missing components. At this time, only cash or check payments are accepted.

How do I place an item on hold?

A hold may be placed on any item in the library’s collection. Holds may be placed in person at any St. Mary Parish Library location, by phone, or through the online catalog.

Placing a Hold in the Online Catalog:

  1. Go to PAC and log in with your library card number and your PIN
  2. Use the search field near the top of the page to find what you are looking for.
  3. Click the Place Hold button.
  4. A box will pop up on the screen. Select the library where you would like to pick up the item and whether you’d like the first available or a specific copy.
  5. Click the Submit Hold button.
  6. A green banner will display with the message “Hold Placed Successfully” at the top of the page.

You will be notified when the item is available for pickup via your notification preference on your account. The item will go back to the shelf or the next person if it is not retrieved after a week. You can have up to 10 total hold requests at one time.

How much do printing services cost?

St. Mary Parish Library offers copy, fax, scan, and print services at each branch. Library patrons can print directly from one of our public computers or wirelessly through our Mobile Print website.
Copies & Prints B&W25¢
Copies & Prints Color50¢
ScanningFree of charge
Faxing$2.00/1st pg + 25¢ each additional
Lamination50¢ per foot
Earbuds$1.00
Flash Drive$2.00

Can I print from my phone?

Library patrons can print from any device, anywhere in the world, and pick up their documents at a St. Mary Parish Library branch at their convenience by using the library’s Mobile Print service.

To use Mobile Print, visit the wireless printing page and select the desired location you’d like to retrieve your prints. Choose the black and white or colored option, enter your email address, and attach the file you need to print. Continue through the printing option prompts until you receive the approval message. Click the green print icon to complete the process.

Once your file is sent, visit the library branch to pick up your document with your user information.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash and check payments are accepted at all locations.The Franklin Library is currently the only location that accepts credit cards.

Does the Library have WiFi?

WiFi is available at all locations. The WiFi network name can be retrieved at all locations. A password is not required. Once you accept the terms and conditions, you’ll be instantly connected.

How do I get computer access?

Each St. Mary Parish Library branch offers computers for patron use equipped with Internet and email access, Microsoft Office Suite, and printing. Patrons can sign on to library computers by entering their library card number. The computer will then give the patron a timed session in which to work without interruptions. Computer use is guaranteed for one hour daily but can be extended as long as no one else is waiting to use a computer. All computers shut down automatically 15 minutes before closing. All branches offer free Wi-Fi by connecting your device to “St Mary Parish Library” and agreeing to the terms. A password is not required.

How do I access e-books and online services?

cloudLibrary is a digital content platform that gives you access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks to read on your phone, tablet, or computer. cloudLibrary allows you access to thousands of items from all libraries across Louisiana. You can visit cloudLibrary on your computer or download the cloudLibrary app from your device’s app store.

Getting Started

  • Download the cloudLibrary directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  • Log into St. Mary Parish Library by selecting country, state and library, then enter your library card and PIN (last four digits). Agree to the terms and log in.
  • Now you are ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and e-audiobooks from St. Mary Parish Library. Manage borrowed items, reading history and more!

Borrowing Limits & Holds
Borrows may have up to 6 titles checked out and 15 holds.

Borrowing Period
All materials are checked out for 7, 14 or 21 days and are automatically returned. If the material is not placed on hold, you may request to renew the book up to three days before the day it is due. You may also return your book early by selecting the option to return under the My Books’ Reading tab.

How do I reserve a meeting/study room at the library?

Meeting room space is available to non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals with missions similar to the education and community engagement of St. Mary Parish Library. Application approval is required to access meeting room spaces and availability is first come first serve.

How do I find available jobs at the library?

Employment applications are available at all St. Mary Parish Library branch locations or job listings can be found here. Completed applications can be dropped off to any branch location of the St. Mary Parish Library or emailed to employment@stmaryparishlibrary.org.

Can I donate to the library?

Donations:

The Library appreciates the generosity of the donors of books and other library materials. When making contributions of materials or money, please keep in mind the following guidelines:

  1. The basic purposes of a Library are information, education, and recreation. Your gift will be most valuable if it purchases furniture, and equipment or provides library materials such as books, records, films, etc. to be purchased at the discretion of the library director.
  2. The Library is unable to accept gifts with conditions.
  3. The Library does not purchase used books or rare materials from the public.
  4. The Library does not provide an appraisal service, suggest value, or provide lists of donated materials.
  5. The Library will have unconditional ownership of the gift and will make the final decision regarding its disposition. Books or other materials may be added to the collection or discarded in accordance with the Collection Development Policy set forth by the St. Mary Parish Board of Control.

 Memorials:

The Library’s Memorial program is a special way to remember loved ones and friends who have passed away. Patrons may donate funds to purchase library books in someone’s memory while making general suggestions regarding the subject or genre. Materials are selected and bought by the acquisitions department. A memorial plaque is placed in the book and after processing, the donor and the honoree’s family are notified. Direct donation of actual materials is discouraged as these are often not in compliance with the collection selection policy.

 Visit the Support the Library page to complete a donation or memorial form.

What is the Interlibrary Loan service? What kind of materials can be requested through interlibrary loan?

Interlibrary Loan allows you to borrow books that are not available from the St. Mary Parish Library collection from other Louisiana libraries. If our library system does not have the item that you desire, we will try to request it on your behalf.

Important Things to Know About Interlibrary Loan

  • Requests are limited to what is available in the catalog and are at the discretion of lending libraries.
  • Books published within the last six months, DVDs, CDs, and eBooks are not available through interlibrary loan.
  • Some items may not be available for checkout and will be designated as “In Library Use Only.”
  • Items can’t be renewed. Due dates are determined by the lending library.
  • Items not picked up by the due date will be returned to the lending library.