Frequently Asked Questions

The library is at 315 N. Ship Street in Portland, Indiana, 2 blocks west of Meridian Street (U.S. 27) and 3 blocks south of Votaw Street (Indiana 67).

Map of library location

Parking is available in a lot across from the front entrance as well as in several spots on Ship Street and south of the building on High Street.

Come to the library and complete a registration form. You'll need to provide proof of identity and residence in the Jay County Public Library tax district* by showing a current driver's license, current photo ID from another unit of government, or a non-driver ID card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If the address on the license or ID is not current, a second document establishing residency is required. Examples: valid voter registration card, valid current government issued ID (passport, military ID), a bank statement issued within the last 60 days, utility bill issued within the last 60 days, property tax receipt for last period.

Borrowers 17 years of age or younger must have registration forms signed by a parent or legal guardian. That person must provide proof of identification and address as above.

*The Jay County Public Library tax district includes all of Jay County except the City of Dunkirk, Pennville and Penn Township which are served by the Dunkirk and Pennville libraries. For service to Jay County residents outside the tax district see "Reciprocal Borrowers" below.

Borrower card categories and requirements:

Resident: individual who lives in the tax district as a permanent resident or who can show proof of ownership of real estate in the tax district (Jay County with the exception of the City of Dunkirk*, Town of Pennville and Penn Township).
*City of Dunkirk residents can use their Dunkirk Library Evergreen cards at the Jay County Public Library.
Evergreen borrower: An individual whose home library is a member of the Evergreen Indiana consortium and has the borrowing privileges associated with same.
Reciprocal: a resident borrower of one of the libraries Jay County Public Library has a reciprocal agreement with Pennville and Ridgeville. Borrower must present "home" library card to obtain Jay County Public Library card. Reciprocal borrowers may use the Jay County Public Library issued Evergreen card only at Jay County Public Library.

NOTE: on 4-12-2011 the Dunkirk library became part of the Evergreen Indiana consortium. Those Dunkirk cardholders who have held reciprocal cards with Jay County Public Library should register in Dunkirk. Their new cards can be used at any Evergreen library as Evergreen borrowers (see above).
Public Library Access Card (PLAC): a non-resident who is a registered borrower at another Indiana public library and has purchased an annual PLAC card (cost for the year 2012 is $50). PLAC card must then be presented to obtain Jay County Public Library card.
Temporary: an individual residing in the tax district 7 - 90 days. Requires countersignature of resident host or temporary employer.
Non-resident: any potential borrower who does not fall under one of the above categories. Cost of non-resident card is currently $45 per year.

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How long may I keep materials?

New movies                        1-week loan, not renewable
Movies, magazines            1-week loan, renewable once
New books, music CDs     2-week loan, renewable once
Books, audiobooks            3-week loan, renewable once

Materials classified as "Reference" are not checked out.

Materials needed to fulfill a hold placed by another library user may not be renewed.

Renewals may be made at the circulation desk or by phone at (260) 726-7890, or online through the My Account feature of Evergreen Indiana.

Two outside drops are available for after-hours returns; one is for books, the other for audiovisual materials.

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How do I place a hold on a book ?

You may place a hold on items you search on the catalog, whether online or from one of the OPAC computer stations at the library. Use your library card number and password. Be sure to fill out all contact and pickup location information.

You may also make your request by phone at (260) 726-7890 or at the circulation desk. This is particularly helpful for items not yet entered in the catalog. You'll be contacted when the material becomes available.

If after placing a hold you no longer need the material, please cancel the hold through My Account or notify library staff.

There is a limit of 20 hold requests per account at any one time.

Note: If you hold an Evergreen card as a reciprocal borrower, you will only be able to place holds on items owned by Jay County Public Library. If you need an item from another library, please call or ask at the circulation desk to make an Interlibrary Loan request.

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Do you take requests for materials ?

Requests for new materials are always considered. We regret not all requests can be honored. If the material you request will not be purchased by the library, consider searching the other Evergreen Indiana libraries for available copies, or request Inter-Library Loan service to borrow a copy from another library outside the Evergreen Indiana group.

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When is the Friends of the Library book sale?

The Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale is typically held in late August. The sale takes place in the library's Community Room.

2012 Book Sale
August 23, 24, 25
Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - noon

Used books donated by community members and extra books from the library’s own collection are available at reasonable prices. There are also magazines, puzzles, videos, audio tapes, framed art prints, and other items available.

More information on the Friends

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www.jaycpl.lib.in.us
Jay County Public Library Portland, Indiana