FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I get a library card?

Library cards are free to residents of Baldwin County. To obtain a library card at the Daphne Public Library, you will need photo ID, such as driver’s license, with your name and current Baldwin County address. A personal check or utility bill may also be used to verify residence in Baldwin County.

Any library card issued in Baldwin County may be used at the Daphne Public Library.

There is a $15.00 charge for a non-resident card. This will cover a family for one year.

How long may I keep an item?

All circulating materials are checked out for two weeks. and may be renewed a total of nine times, unless on a reserve list. Renewals may be made by phone, or online: http://216.231.174.250/Baldwin/Daphne/default.htm. Videos and DVD’s cannot be renewed.

How many items may I check out?

New patrons, or first time card holders, may check out three items per card. After these are returned, you may check out 20 items per card

There is a limit of five videocassettes or DVDs, and five audiocassettes or CDs per card.

The most recent issues of magazines cannot be checked out.

Where do I return library materials?

You may return library materials to any Baldwin County Public Library. Daphne Public Library has a book drop available when the library is not open. Please return DVDs and CDs inside the library.

May I reserve an item if it is checked out?

Yes, we will notify you when the item is available and will hold it for up to three days.

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Books which have been in publication over six months may be requested from libraries outside the county system. Magazines and audio-visual materials are not available through Interlibrary Loan. There is a $1.00 processing fee for each item requested.

Is there a fine for overdue materials?

All overdue books are subject to a fine of $.10 per day, not including Sundays and holidays (days when the library is closed). Audio and Video materials are subject to a fine of $.50 per day. The maximum fine for any one item is $5.00. The cost for any lost material is the current value of the item. This also applies to materials that are badly damaged.

May Reference books be checked out?

Reference books cannot be checked out. A copy machine is available and copies are $.10 per page.

Are computers available?

Yes, there are computers for word processing, reference and Internet access. Our computer policy must be read before computer privileges can be allowed. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.

What is the Alabama Virtual Library Card (AVL)?

With the AVL, every public school child, every student in a two-year or four-year College, and every public library patron in the state have access to thousands of reliable resources online including: Full text magazines articles, electronic reference books, encyclopedias, medical information, statistical sources, and homework aids.

Are there special programs?

Regularly scheduled programs for children are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Special programs and exhibits for children and adults are held throughout the year.

Does Daphne Public Library have a Friends organization?

The Friends of the Daphne Public Library is an active support group that welcomes new members. Membership forms are available at the circulation desk.

Daphne Public Library is a member of the Baldwin County Library Cooperative