FAQ

 

Top Ten Questions

 

1) I've forgotten my password. Can you tell me what it is?

2) You don't have a book I want. Can you get it for me?

3) I would like to recommend a book for your library. How do I do that?

4) I'm out of town. Can I defer a hold until I get back?

5) Do you have lists of books recommended by librarians?

6) Can I get a list of all CDs or DVDs?

7) What are databases and how do I use them?

8) How do I get an e-book or an eAudiobook?

9) Why am I asked multiple times to enter my library card number and password?

 

Answers to our 10 most frequently asked questions.

1) I've forgotten my password. Can you tell me what it is?

Your password is 1111 or your birthday written mmddyyyy unless you have changed it.

 

2) You don't have a book I want. Can you get it for me?

Yes. Library cardholders can request titles through our interlibrary loan service. Please ask staff to place a request.   

 

3) I would like to recommend a book for your library. How do I do that?

Library cardholders can request a title be considered for purchase using the form at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/suggesttitle.htm.

 

4) I'm out of town.  Can I defer a hold until I get back?

 Yes. Please ask staff at the circulation desk to do this for you.

 

5) Do you have lists of books recommended by librarians?

 Yes. Lists are available on http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/goodreading.htm.  Just select the age group of interest: tots, kids, teens, or adults.

 

6) Can I get a list of all CDs or DVDs?

Yes. There is a list at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/audiobooks/Default.aspx which is updated weekly. You can also do an Advanced Search in the catalog by selecting the "Media Type" of interest.

 

7) What are databases and how do I use them?  

 

8) How do I get an e-book or an eAudiobook?

 

9) Why am I asked multiple times to enter my library card number and password?

 

 Library Cards

How do I get a library card?

How do I change my personal information: address, telephone number, etc?

Can I see my children’s library records?

What if I can’t find my card?

What if I move out of the area?

How come so many questions are answered here?

 

Catalog

What is this catalog and where can I find it?

How do I find an item in the catalog?

How do I reserve an item?

How long can I keep the item?

Can I renew an item?

I know I can put books in the book drop but can I put CDs and DVDs in there as well?

What if I’m late returning an item?

Will I owe money if I’m late returning an item?

If Fairfax County doesn’t have an item can you get it from another library?

I want to be notified when my book is available by e-mail (or telephone). Can I do that?

 

General

What library branch is closest to me?

What are the library's hours?

I need directions to the library.

Can I get access to the Internet at the library?

How can I find out about events the library is hosting?

How do I register for events the library is hosting?

What other libraries are in the area?

Who can see my library records?

Does the library have any speakers who can give presentations to my school, office or club?

Should there be a question about foreign-language support?

Does the library provide any RSS feeds?

Does the library have any podcasts?

How can I subscribe to the e-mail newsletter?

 

Booklists

Where can I find booklists for preschoolers?

Where can I find booklists for school-age children?

What about a booklist for my specific grade?

Where can I find booklists for teens?

Where can I find booklists for adults?

What's this Summer Reading Program I keep hearing about?

 

Students and Research

Where can I get help with my homework?

Does the library have old magazine and newspaper articles?

What are these databases for research the library provides?

What if I need to ask a question right now!

Where can I get help planning for college?

Can the library help me search for a college?

Does the library do test proctoring?

 

Services

Where can I find out about the services the library offers?

What services are available for people with disabilities?

Does the library have books on CD and cassette?

Does the library have books I can download?

Does the library have any course lectures?

Can I really check out framed art prints at the library?

Does the library's archives have a FAQ?

Does the library have material about African-American history?

How about African-American novelists?

Does the library have local historical information?

What about general local information?

Does the library have copies of old local newspapers?

Does the library have genealogical information like local cemeteries?

Does the library have general genealogical information?

Can the library help me find a job?

Does the library have any jobs open?

Where can I find maps?

 

Can the library help me research grants or other funding?

Does the library have assistance for people who are new to this country?

Where can I find information about running a small business?

 

Volunteers and Support

How can I volunteer for the library?

How can I become a "Friend of the Library?"

Where can I donation books or magazines to the library?

How can I donate money to the library?

How can I make corporate donations to the library?

Who is on the Library Board of Trustees?

 

More Information

For more information and aswers check out our Web Sites by Subject