How Do I...

Do I qualify for a library card?

Any resident or student of Adams County may sign up for a library card for free. Non-residents, either individual or family, pay only $40 a year.

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What do I need to get a library card?

New borrowers must have a valid photo ID and an item showing their current address. (e.g., photo ID, piece of mail, renter’s agreement or lease, etc.)

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Can I sign up for a library card online?

You may choose to sign up online. You will then need to bring your valid photo ID to the library to complete your application. To sign up, go to our Catalog Link, then choose the "Sign Up" button located in the top right corner. 

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How old must I be to have a library card?

There is no age limit on applying for a library card. However, children ages 15 and under need parental consent when applying. The parents or legal guardians are responsible for all items borrowed on their children’s accounts.

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What is NebrasKard?

NebrasKard is a program that allows library members to borrow from other participating libraries in the state of Nebraska. Borrowers who wish to participate must be current Hastings Public Library cardholders in good standing. NebrasKards have a yearly expiration and may be renewed at the library.

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What are my responsibilities as a cardholder?

You are responsible for any materials checked out on your account that may be lost, damaged, or overdue.

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What if I lose my card?

If your library card is lost or stolen, notify us by phone (402) 461-2346 or by text (402) 469-6244 to report it missing. You are responsible for all materials and fines on your account until your library card is reported missing. You may replace your card at the library with a valid photo ID at no charge.

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How do I renew?

You may renew your items online, in person, by phone (402) 461-2346 or by text (402) 969-6244. Most items may be renewed for two additional checkout periods if no one else has reserved them. 

To renew items online, access your account through the Catalog link, log in and then choose the "My Account" button in the upper right, then select the "Items Out/Renewals" tab. Click the "Renew" button for each item you want to renew.

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How do I renew books borrowed from other libraries?

Please call the library (402) 461- 2346 or text us (402) 969-6244 to request a renewal.  

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How many items can I checkout and how long can I keep them?

(There is no limit on total number of items.)

• Books and audiobooks – 3 weeks
• New Adult Fiction – 3 weeks
• 10 limit total DVDs – Single title DVDs  - 1 week, 5 limit for TV series – 3 weeks
• 5 limit Magazines – 1 week
• Kindles – 3 weeks

The library also subscribes to numerous newspapers that may be read in-house, such as the Hastings Tribune, Omaha World Herald, Wall Street Journal and more.

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What are the fines for overdue or lost books?

The library became fine free in 2022. Patrons will be responsible for lost or damaged items and collection fees incurred. The fee for damaged or lost items is based upon the item. The full replacement cost is required for lost or damaged items. Failure to receive notices does not excuse overdue or lost items..

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Can I still check out with fines on my account?

Library members may continue to check items out until fines or charges exceed $10.00.

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What happens if I don’t pay my fines?

Hastings Public Library partners with the collection agency Unique Management Services, Inc. to collect outstanding fines and fees and to recover lost materials. Library accounts are sent to the collection agency when materials are 90 days overdue or the cost of replacing the overdue materials plus any outstanding fines for the material totals $25.00 or more.

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How do I reserve a study room?

Select the Library Calendar link, from the calendar page choose "Room Bookings". You will then need to fill out the required information. You may also call the library at (402 ) 461-2346 to reserve a room.  

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How do I reserve a tool in the Makerspace?

Select the Library Calendar link, from the calendar page choose "Room Bookings". You will then need to fill out the required information. For more information about available tools, certification and hours, visit our Makerspace Page.

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How do I borrow items from other libraries? InterLibrary Loan Service

Interlibrary Loan service provides access to borrow materials not owned by the Hastings Public Library from other libraries. You may request books, audiobooks, CDs, newspapers on microfilm, and cake pans. Most items can be obtained within two weeks.

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Do you offer proctored exams?

Call or visit the library to schedule a proctored exam. After your exam has been scheduled, you will need to contact your school and arrange for the exam materials to be sent to the library. Please follow up with the library to ensure that we have received the materials before you come in to take the exam. Please notify the library of any special requirements for your exam, such as a specific browser or software needed.

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Does the Library have tax forms?

The library will have individual Federal and Nebraska State tax forms as they become available. Due to IRS budget cuts, the library will receive limited IRS forms but not instructions, schedules and related publications. The first 10 pages of printed tax forms are free. Any additional pages are $0.10 per page.

The library does not offer tax help, but staff members may direct you to an organization that does.

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Does the Library offer printing services?

Library staff are happy to help you print what you need from a computer. Prints, black and white or color, are $0.10 per page. Prints from library computers are held in the system at the front desk. When you are ready to collect your prints, ask and pay the fee at the front desk.

The library also offers a self-service copy machine that is available for anyone to use. It accepts coins and bills. Copies, black and white or color are $0.10 per page.

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Do you have public Wi-Fi?

The library offers free Wi-Fi in all public areas. To access the free wireless network, select the network name “HPL” under your device’s wireless settings..

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Are there computers available for public use?

The library offers public computers with Internet access. You may either enter your library card number and PIN to log in, or receive a guest pass from the desk. Computer users are allowed up to two hours of use per day.

The computers are equipped with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Please bring your own flash drive to save documents or files created on a library computer.

Users of the library’s public computers must comply with the library’s Computer Use Policy, prohibiting abusive or illegal sites.

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What if I need help with using a computer?

One-on-one sessions are available with a staff person by appointment and may last up to an hour. You may book follow-up appointments if needed. Please call us at (402) 461-2346 to set up a time.

Learn about:

• Computer basics
• E-mail and Internet basics
• Online job searching and resume writing
• eBooks and other digital content
• Social media
• Library resources
• Personal devices such as eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and laptops

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What is the microfilm?

The microfilm reader allows you to research the following material:

• Hastings Tribune dating October 2, 1905 through the current issue
• Census of the population in Nebraska: 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930
• City directories of the United States: Hastings 1891-1960 (sporadically)

The Hastings Tribune primarily covers Adams County Nebraska obituaries. Obituary requests may be made via phone, e-mail or in person. Patrons may use the microfilm reader at the library or have photocopies e-mailed or sent in the mail.

You may order microfilm through Interlibrary Loan. You may also bring in your own film to view.

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How can I find when you have story times and what other events and regular programs are available?

Hastings Public Library has a variety of programs and events for all ages from book clubs and story times to MBKC - Mega Brain Kidz Club and Makerspace workshops.  For more details or to register for events, select the Library Calendar link from our website.You also have the option to sign up for our email newsletter or follow us on Facebook.

Use the library calendar search and filter options to find activities by program type or by age group.  Choose an event to find out more details, including registration information.  You also have the option to add an event to your calendar or set a reminder for the event.

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