Your Library Account
How can I get a library card?
If you are a full-time resident of Ketchikan, just bring in a State of Alaska picture ID and a piece of postmarked mail which has been delivered to your current local address.
Can I get a library card if I'm working here for the summer?
The public library has deposit cards available to temporary residents. (registration policy).
Can I use my public library card at other libraries?
Your First City Libraries card can be used at any library in Ketchikan, including the UAS-Ketchikan campus library.
What do I do if I lose my library card?
Bring a piece of picture ID to the library, and your card can be replaced for a $2.00 fee.
How do I get a library card for my child?
Children enrolled in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, with the exception of Revilla students, are automatically given library accounts. Any child not enrolled in the school system who is able to write their name can fill out an application, when accompanied by a parent or guardian with Alaska picture ID and proof of mail.
How do I find out what items I have out on my library card?
Log in to your library account through our online catalog, access the information at the catalog terminals at the library, or call us during open hours. Your account ID number is the barcode on the back of your library card.
1. From any screen, click the link on the gray bar that says My Account.
2. Click the link for Review My Account.
3. Type in your User ID (your library card barcode) including all 14 digits starting with 23427000... and PIN (the default PIN is the last 6 digits of your library barcode).
How do I find out what items my child has checked out?
Privacy laws of the State of Alaska (Sec. 40.25.140) prohibit public libraries from revealing details of a patron's account to another individual. However, your child can request a permission note to be put on the account to allow parental access. (Alaska State Statutes) (TOP)
Borrowing From the Library
How many things can I check out?
Full-time cardholders can check out ten (10) videos/DVDs in the Adult library, five (5) videos/DVDs in the Children's library, and a hundred (100) items (books, magazines, audiobooks, CDs) total. Deposit card holders can have four (4) things checked out on their card at one time.
How much does it cost to borrow videos and DVDs?
There is no charge for borrowing videos and DVDs. There is a one dollar per day late fee on these items, however.
If the item I want is checked out, can you keep it for me when it's returned?
Yes, we can put things on hold for you. You can ask the librarian at the desk, you can place the hold yourself at the catalog terminals (instructions are next to each terminal), or you can place the hold from home using our online catalog.
1. From the search list, click on the box that says Place Hold for the item you want to request. Or you can click the Details box, to see more information about the item, then click Place Hold from the menu on the left.
2. Type in your User ID (your library card barcode) including all 14 digits starting with 23427000... and PIN (the default PIN is last 6 digits of your library barcode). Choose which library you want to pick up the book at.
3. Click on the box that says Place Hold. Another screen will appear verifying your hold.
Can I have someone else pick up things that I have on hold?
Yes, just call the library during open hours and ask to have a permission note placed on your account.
What if I can't find the book I want in Ketchikan?
Most items can be borrowed from other libraries in the United States. The request can be made at the front desk or over the phone during open hours. You can also request an item online using our interlibrary loan form. There is a $2 charge per item. This service is not available to deposit card patrons.
How can I return things when the library is closed?
There is an after-hours drop slot in the entryway of the Public Library. There are also book-drops in front of the Children's Library door and at the A&P Grocery store entrance. Items that belong to the public library can also be returned to any other First City library in Ketchikan.
How much are library fines?
Video and DVD overdue fines are $.50 per day, up to $3.00. All other items have a six-day grace period, with a .70 fine on the seventh day, and a .10 a day after that, up to $3.00. Interlibrary loans have a $1.00 per day fine, with no limit amount. (loan policy).
How can I renew items that I have checked out?
All items can be renewed once, provided another patron has not placed the item on hold. You can ask the librarian at the front desk, call during open hours, or renew through our online catalog.
1. From any screen, click the link on the gray bar that says My Account.
2. Click the link for Renew My Materials.
3. Type in your User ID (your library card barcode) including all 14 digits starting with 23427000... and PIN (the default PIN is the last 6 digits of your library barcode).
4. Select which items you wish to renew or select Renew All. Click the box that says Renew Selected Items.
5. A screen will appear verifying whether the items were renewed or not. If they were renewed, the new due date will display. If the items were not renewed, you will see the reason why.
What should I do if the item I checked out gets damaged?
Please tell the librarian at the front desk that there is damage. Please do not try to fix it yourself. Patrons are not charged for normal wear and tear. Charges will be determined by the extent and circumstances of the damage. (TOP)
Library Services
Does it cost money to use the Internet at the library?
Internet use is free to any First City Libraries card holder over fourteen (14) who has less than $10.00 in fines on their account. The user will need to read and sign our Acceptable Use Policy form.
When is Storytime at the Children's Library?
Storytimes are at 10:30 AM Thursday and Friday in the Children's Library. (monthly calendar)
Do you have a FAX machine or copier that I can use?
There is a copier available to the public near the front desk. Copies are .10 per page, and the copier will accept quarters and dollar bills. Sorry, there is no public FAX service at the library.
Do you have AV equipment that I can borrow?
Yes, the Children's Library has slide projectors, a portable public address system, a 16mm projector, an overhead projector, and a Mitsubishi data projector for computer-generated presentations. A projection screen is also available. A deposit is required for the equipment and everything checks our for 24 hours, with one renewal.
Do you have old newspapers and magazines that I can read?
We have past Ketchikan papers on microfilm, dating back to 1901. These are not indexed; just ask the librarian at the front desk for the month and year that you need. The library keeps back issues of most magazines in storage for one year. Older issues can be accessed through the state-sponsored digital pipeline.
Is there a Notary Public at the library?
Sorry, there is not a Notary Public at the library. Alaska Pacific Bank, First Bank and Wells Fargo have notary service.
Can I get tax forms and Permanent Fund Dividend Applications at the library?
Yes, the Public Library gets income tax forms and instructions from the IRS every spring. IRS forms and publications are also available at www.irs.gov. Permanent Fund booklets are available at the library every year. Additional copies of the booklets can be found at the Legislative Information Office or online at www.pfd.state.ak.us. (TOP)
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