Madera County Library

	Madera County Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are the Madera County libraries located?
A: There are library branches in Chowchilla, Madera, Madera Ranchos, North Fork and Oakhurst.
Q: When is the library open?
A: Hours are listed on the branch library pages: Chowchilla, Madera, Madera Ranchos, North Fork, Oakhurst
Q: How do I get a library card?
A: Library cards require an application, along with picture identification and proof of address. Read more...
Q: How many items can I check out?
A: Items include books, magazines, music CDs, audio books on cassette, audio books on CD, videos on DVD and videos on VHS. You can check out a maximum of 20 items (for example: 12 books, 3 DVDs, 3 books on CD and 2 magazines). DVDs and VHS videos can be checked out only on an adult library card.
Item Limits:
- Books - 20 (3 books on any one subject)
- Audio cassettes - 5
- Encyclopedias - 3
- Magazines - 5
- DVDs/VHS videos - 3 per household (people living at the same address)
Q: May I check out books if I forgot to bring my library card?
A: No. The barcode number on your library card is your distinct number. Madera County holds you financially responsible for all items checked out on your library card. Having your card with you ensures that the items you check out are properly assigned to your account. Please keep your card safe.
Q: Where can I return my items?
A. You can return your items to any library in the San Joaquin Valley Library System. All libraries have book drops for after-hours returns. Audio-visual materials such as videos, CDs, and DVDs may not be returned at the outside book drops.
Q: How long can I keep my items?
A: Loan periods vary depending on the material.
- Books - 3 weeks
- Audio Cassettes and Audio CDs - 3 weeks
- Encyclopedias - 1 week
- Magazines - 1 week
- DVDs and VHS videos - 1 week
Q: How can I renew my items?
A: You are allowed only one renewal per item. You can renew your items
- at any library within the San Joaquin Valley Library System Valley Library System
- by telephoning any branch within the San Joaquin Valley Library System. You will need to give your library card barcode number.
- online on the San Joaquin Valley Library System's catalog, ValleyCat. Go to your account to log in. You will need your library card barcode number and pin number to gain access to your account.
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling the library's automated telephone renewal service at 559-444-0412 or 866-290-8681 (toll free).
Q: How much are overdue fines?
A: For adult items you will be charged 25 cents per item per day. For children's material you will be charged 15 cents per item per day. The maximum fine you will be charged per item is the cost of the item.
Q: What happens if I don't pay my fines?
A: If you owe more than $5, or have unpaid fines over 12 months old, Madera County Library will refuse service until the fines are paid. Delinquent accounts are regularly sent to Madera County Revenue Services and its collection agencies.
Q: What happens if I lose an item?
A: You will be charged the full cost of the item, plus a $5 processing fee.
Q: If an item is checked out, can I be put on a waiting list?
A: Yes, you can request that the next available copy of an item is reserved for you.
- You can request an item at any library within the San Joaquin Valley Library System.
- You can request an item by telephoning any library within the San Joaquin Valley Library System.
- You can request an item online by visiting the San Joaquin Valley Library System's catalog, ValleyCat. You will need your library card barcode number and your pin number to gain access to your online library account.
Madera County charges a 50 cent fee for each item requested.
Q: Does the library have photocopy machines?
A: All Madera County libraries have photocopy machines, which produce black & white copies only.
Q: Does the library have public fax machines?
A: Madera County libraries do not have public fax machines.
Q: Does the library have computers for public use?
A: Yes. All branches have public computers. You must have your library card to gain access to them. There is no charge to use the public computers.
Q; How long can I use the library's public computers?
A: You are limited to 60 minutes per day.
Q: Can I print from the public computers?
A: You are limited to 60 minutes per day.
Q: How much does it cost to print or photocopy?
A: It costs 15 cents per page to print from the public computers or to photocopy a page.
Q: Does the library have a typewriter for public use?
A: There is a typewriter for public use only at the Madera Ranchos Library.
Q: How can I get a book that is not in my local library?
A: You can apply for an Inter-Branch Loan from any member library within the San Joaquin Valley Library System. Your local library can do this for you, or you can use the online catalog, ValleyCat. You will need your library card barcode number and pin number to gain access to your online library account. Madera County charges a 50 cent fee for each item requested on Inter-Branch Loan.
If the title you want is not found in ValleyCat, your local library can apply for an Inter-Library Loan. This involves borrowing from a library not in the San Joaquin Valley Library System. In can take several weeks to receive an Inter-Library Loan. Madera County charges $5.00 to process an Inter-Library Loan, and there may be additional charges imposed by the lending institution.
Inter-Library Loan Request Form
Q: Can I ask a reference question over the phone?
A: Yes, call Madera Central Library, during open hours, at 559-675-7871, and ask for the reference desk.
Q: Does the library have a room for public meetings?
A: Madera Central Library (559-675-7871), Chowchilla Library (559-665-2630) and Oakhurst Library (559-683-4838) have public meeting rooms. Call for information, or to make a reservation.