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Library Cards, Circulation Rules & Fines
Library Cards, Circulation Rules, and Fines
HOW DO I GET A LIBRARY CARD, AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET ONE?
Library cards are free to all residents of Georgia. If you attend school, own property, or are employed in Georgia, you are eligible for a free PINES card, valid at over 275 participating libraries in Georgia. Bring a government-issued photo ID and something bearing your name & current address (mail, lease, check stub, etc.) to the library. Children must be present with a parent or guardian bearing this information to sign up for a card. If you have already had a PINES card, replacements are $2.00.
WHAT IF I DO NOT LIVE IN GEORGIA, BUT WANT TO OBTAIN A PINES LIBRARY CARD?
Out-of-state cards are available for a $25 annual fee, payable at the time the card is issued. A temporary out-of-state card is available for $12.50 and is valid for 6 months.
HOW LONG CAN MATERIALS BE CHECKED OUT?
Most library materials circulate for two weeks at a time. Books may be renewed twice for 2 weeks at a time in person or by phone if the book is not reserved for someone else. DVD & videos circulate for 7 days only and may not be renewed.
HOW MANY ITEMS CAN I CHECK OUT AT ONE TIME?
Up to 50 items may be checked out simultaneously on one card. A maximum of 15 DVD & videos may be checked out at one time.
HOW MUCH ARE FINES?
Fines are 20 cents per day for books; 50 cents per day for DVD & videos.
HOW DO I FIND OUT HOW MUCH I OWE?
Call or visit your local PINES library to find out. You will need your library card number.
DOES THE LIBRARY ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS?
Yes, the Thomasville Main Branch Library accepts both credit and debit cards at a minimum payment of $3. County branches DO NOT accept credit or debit cards; cash or check only.
I’VE LOST MY LIBRARY CARD. HOW DO I GET IT REPLACED?
Contact your local library as soon as you have noticed your card is missing so our staff can make a notation on your account. To have it replaced, you will need to provide your government-issued photo ID, proof of current address, and a $2 replacement fee. You will also need to be prepared to pay in full all fines on your account.
CAN THE MATERIALS I’VE CHECKED OUT BE RETURNED AT A DIFFERENT LIBRARY?
Library materials can be returned to any PINES library. View all PINES library locations.
WHAT IF ANOTHER LIBRARY HAS A BOOK I WANT TO CHECK OUT?
Your PINES library card allows you to borrow books from any PINES library in Georgia. You can request a title via the PINES website, or by either calling or visiting your local library.
HOW DO I REQUEST OR RESERVE NEW LIBRARY MATERIALS?
Each library branch of the TCPL System makes its own purchasing decisions. Please contact your local library if you wish to request that a particular item be purchased or to place a hold on a newly released title that your home library has accquired.
Computers & Internet Access
HOW DO I USE A COMPUTER AT THE LIBRARY?
To use the computers you must have an active library card and your account must be in good standing. Temporary passes to use the computers will be issued to those who are not residents of Georgia and are visiting the area for a short time.
DOES THE LIBRARY HAVE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS?
Yes. Every branch of the Thomas County Public Library System provides free WiFi access. All you have to do is present your library card to obtain the password.
CAN I PRINT SOMETHING OUT AT THE LIBRARY? HOW MUCH ARE PRINTOUTS?
Yes. Every library has a printer available for use. Printouts are 10 cents per page for black & white copies; 50 cents for color copies.
DOES THE LIBRARY ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS?
Yes, the Thomasville Main Branch Library accepts both credit and debit cards at a minimum payment of $3. County branches DO NOT accept credit or debit cards; cash or check only.
DOES THE LIBRARY SEND OUT FAXES?
No, the library does not send patron faxes.
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY LAPTOP OR ANOTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE. CAN I BRING IT IN TO SEE IF YOU CAN FIX IT?
No, we do not provide computer repair services and are unable to make adjustments to your equipment.
Online Services
HOW DO I USE THE LIBRARY’S E-BOOK SYSTEM?
You will need your TCPLS-issued library card number to access all our digital download services.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A PIN NUMBER?
You must present your library card in person to a staff member to obtain your PIN. Alternatively, your PIN can be reset by phone if you provide library staff with the library barcode number, your full name, date of birth, and either address or phone number.
WHAT IS THE LIBRARY’S CURRENT GALILEO PASSWORD?
According to GALILEO policy, the password can only be obtained in person at the library.
CAN I ACCESS MY LIBRARY ACCOUNT FROM HOME?
Yes. Simply visit gapines.org, click “My Account” in the upper right corner, then enter your library card number and your PIN.
Other Library Services
HOW DO I RESERVE A MEETING ROOM?
The Thomasville Library and Boston Carnegie Library have meeting rooms available for use by the public. To reserve a room you must first read our meeting room policies and fill out a registration form.
To reserve a room at Thomasville by phone, please call (229) 225-5252 . To reserve a room at Boston, please call 498-5101.
MEETING ROOM POLICIES | REGISTRATION FORM
DOES THE LIBRARY SERVE AS A PROCTORING SITE FOR EXAMS?
Yes. Proctoring is done at the Thomasville Public Library. You will need to call the Reference Desk directly to set this up at (229) 225-5252.
HOW MUCH ARE PHOTOCOPIES?
Each library is equipped with a photocopier. Each copy is 10 cents per page for black & white; 50 cents per page for color.
DOES THE LIBRARY ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS?
Yes, the Thomasville Main Branch Library accepts both credit and debit cards at a minimum payment of $3. County branches DO NOT accept credit or debit cards; cash or check only.
CAN THE LIBRARY FAX SOMETHING FOR ME?
No, the library does not offer fax services.
DOES THE LIBRARY PROVIDE NOTARY SERVICES?
No, the library does not provide notary services.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE LIBRARY?
You can help support the library by joining the Friends of the Library, a non-profit group that supports and represents the Library in the community.
Volunteering is another way to support the library. If you are interested in volunteering, stop by your local library and fill out a volunteer form.
And finally, one of the best ways to help support the library is to attend our events, programs and fundraisers. Check our calendar of events each month to see what we have planned.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB AT TCPLS?
For current TCPLS job announcements, please check back.
Applications are available at our branches. For more information, please call (225) 225-5252.
Any other questions?
Contact the Circulation Desk at (229) 225-5252 and we will be happy to assist you as best we can!