How Do I...?

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How do I obtain a library card?

A photo ID and proof of residency or property ownership within the town limits of Southern Pines are required to obtain a card at no charge. A valid driver’s license, utility bill, or tax notice with your name and current street address are acceptable. After an application form is completed, the card will be issued and may be used immediately.


How do I obtain a library card if I live outside the town limits of Southern Pines?

Southern Pines residents support the library through their taxes. Nonresidents pay a fee for a library card that approximates what residents pay annually per capita through taxes. Four options exist for purchasing a membership (fees adjusted every October):

  • Full Access Card - for use of the full collection and services
    • $60 for 12 months
    • $30 dollars for 6 months
  • Limited Access Card - for use of the juvenile and young adult collection and services
    • $20 for 12 months
    • $10 for 6 months

The library accepts cash, checks or credit cards ($5 minimum for credit card payments)


How do I check out library books?

You can check out library materials immediately after obtaining your card. Items can be checked out at the two self-checkout stations, at the library's front desk, or from the SPARK 24/7 Library. 

There is no limit on how many books, audiobooks, or magazines can be checked out to a borrower. Only 2 Book Club Kits and 6 DVDs may be checked out at one time.


How do I renew library materials?

Library materials check out for 3 weeks, with the exception of Book Club Kits, which may be kept for 6 weeks. All materials may be renewed 1 time for an additional 3 weeks. Items will automatically renew on their due date, unless another patron has requested the item, you have reached the fine limit, or the item has already been renewed once.

You may also renew materials online using the library's online catalog, or by telephone when the library is open. Please be prepared to give your library card number and the titles of the books you wish to renew.  Items may also be renewed via the myLIBRO app.


How do I place an item on hold?

Library materials can be placed on hold using the online catalog. When you find an item you would like to place on hold, select the “Place Hold” button. The request form will be displayed. After entering your library card number and PIN, select the “Submit Hold” button. To ensure that you get the next available item, make sure to keep the "I want the first available copy" option selected. You can choose to pick up your hold at the library, or at the Smart Lockers located at the SPARK 24/7 Library.

You can also place items on hold in person in the library, or by calling the library at (910) 692-8235. Please be prepared to give your library card number and the titles of the books you wish to place on hold.  Holds may also be placed via the myLIBRO app.

You will receive a text message or email notification, depending on your notification set-up, once the item arrives. The item's availability will also display on your online account as "Arrived" once it is ready to be picked up. Holds will be available for pick up for up to 7 days, and a patron may only place 5 items on hold at a time. 


How do I return library books?

Library materials can be returned to the front desk of the library, to the outdoor book drop located in the library parking lot near the Story Circle, or at the SPARK 24/7 Library. 


How do I request a book that the library doesn't have?

If you would like to recommend a book for purchase by the library, you may fill out the New Title Suggestion form online, or in person at the library.

You may also request a book from other libraries through the Interlibrary Loan system. Fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request form either online or in person at the library, and library staff will notify you when your requested item is available. You are required to pay the postage and any lending fees on an Interlibrary Loan. Typical postage fees are approximately $3.00.


How do I get a replacement library card if mine is lost?

If your library card is lost or stolen, please notify the library as soon as possible. In order to get a replacement card, please come to the library with a picture ID. There is a $1.00 fee for replacement cards.


How do I get a PIN?

Your 4-digit PIN is set when you sign up for your library card. If you forget your PIN, please visit the library or call (910) 692-8235 and be prepared with your library card number and library staff will set a new PIN for your account. 


How do I receive email or text notifications for my library account? 

The Southern Pines Public Library offers the option to sign up for email or text messages to remind cardholders when items are due or overdue, when their account is close to expiring, and to notify them when items on hold have arrived or been canceled. Library staff members can help you set up your notification preferences, or you may do it yourself by logging into your online library account.


How do I send a print job to the Library's printers?

With the library's Mobile Printing service, you can use your personal computer or mobile device to print to the library’s printers from anywhere. Simply submit documents for printing and come to the library to release and pick up your document using your library card. Click here to view instructions for Mobile Printing.

Printing costs $0.15 per black and white page, and $0.25 per color page. Cash and check payments only.


How do I access online resources?

With your Southern Pines Public Library card, you can access over a hundred online resources on a wide variety of topics. To access one of our online resources, simply select the resource that you would like to use and enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. 

Click here to explore the Southern Pines Public Library's online resources.


How do I learn more about the Southern Pines Public Library's Strategic Plan?

The Southern Pines Public Library Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 is a plan outlining methods to improve library services for patrons. The plan was created by library staff members and approved by Town Council in August 2020. It was submitted to the State Library of North Carolina in October 2020.

Click here to view the Southern Pines Public Library Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025.