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Library Cards and Account Information

What is my User ID and my PIN?
Who can get a library card?
How do I get a Library card?
What if I don’t live in Osceola County? Can I get a card?
I have a Library card from another County. May I get a Library card?
I am under the age of 16. How do I get a Library card?
Can I let someone else use my Library card?
What happens if I lose my Library card?
How can I check the status of my Library account?

Library Materials

Can I see if the Library has a book or other item from home?
Can I return items when the Library is closed?
I have some books I don't need. Will the Library accept my donations?
What do I need to know about checking out resources?

Library Services

Can the Library help me research from home?
I need to take a test. Does the Library offer proctoring?
What can I do if the Library doesn’t have an item I want? Does the Library notarize documents?
Do you offer tours of the Library?
Can the Library come to my event?
What does the Library offer to help me with genealogy research?
What kind of law resources does the Library have for me?

Internet & Computer Access

Do you have computers with Internet access?
Do I have to be a member of the Library to use the computers?
How many times a day can I use the computers?
Is there are charge to use the computers?
Can I download from the Internet or save my files?
Do you have WiFi?
Can I take a computer class at the Library?

Library Programming

What kinds of programs does the Library have available for kids?
What kinds of programs does the Library have avaliable for teens?
How can I find out about special Library programs and events?

Jobs and Volunteering

How do I get a job at the Library?
Can I volunteer at the Library?

Getting in Touch With the Library

How can I contact the Library?
What are the hours of the Libraries?
How do I get to the Library?
On what holidays are the Libraries closed?

Library Cards & Account Information

Who can get a Library card?

Free Library cards are available to people aged 16 and over living, working, or attending school in Osceola County. Owners of property in Osceola County are also eligible to apply for a free Library card. All Library cards are valid for one year.

How do I get a Library card?

Visit any Osceola Library location and bring a photo ID with your current Osceola County address. Or bring your photo ID with additional documentation listing your Osceola County address. Acceptable documents include a copy of your lease, property tax bill, utility statement, car registration, voter’s registration, or bank statement.

What if I don’t live in Osceola County? Can I get a card?

If you do not meet the criteria above, there are three options for applying for Osceola Library cards.

1. Reciprocal Library Cards
If you live in Brevard, Lake, Orange, or Polk counties, you are eligible for a free Osceola Library card. Please bring proof of permanent addres and photo ID to any Osceola Library location to apply for your Osceola Library card. All Library cards are valid for one year.

2. Nonresident Cards
If you work or attend school in Osceola County, you are eligible for a free Osceola Library Card. Please bring photo ID,proof of permanent address, and proof of school or work in Osceola County to any Osceola Library location to apply for your Osceola Library card. All Library cards are valid for one year.
3. Nonresident Fee Cards
Visitors may purchase an Osceola Library card for an annual fee of $15. Please bring photo ID and proof of permanent address to any Osceola Library location to apply for your Osceola Library card. All Library cards are valid for one year.

I have a Library card from another County. May I get a Library card?

Customers with a current Library card from Orange, Lake, Brevard, or Polk County libraries may receive a reciprocal card free of charge. The card is valid for a year. Proof of permanent address is required.

I am under the age of 16. How do I get a Library card?

A parent or guardian must come with you to the Library to apply for your free Library card. The parent or guardian will be responsible for the resources checked out—including any fees or fines incurred—by people under the age of 16. All Library cards are valid for one year.

Can I let someone else use my Library card?

All Library records are considered confidential information. However, you may choose to allow others to use your Library card or view your account information by adding their name to your Library account. Please be aware that you are responsible for all resources checked out and any fines or fees that are incurred by any users on your account.

What happens if I lose my Library card?

The Library doesn’t charge a fee for lost cards; however, it is important that you let the Library know about your lost card as soon as you can in order to protect against someone else finding and using your card. Bring a photo ID to any of our locations, and the Library will be happy to get you a new card!

How can I check the status of my Library account?

You can check the status of your Library account by telephoning the Library at 407.742.8888, stopping by any Library location, or you can check your account information online by clicking here.

What is my User ID and my PIN?

You user ID is the number located below below the barcode on your library card. The default PIN is changeme.
Please change your PIN after first login. If you forget your PIN, please call or visit the Library and your password will be changed back to changeme.

Library Materials

Can I see if the Library has a book or other item from home?

Yes, customers can browse through and search the Library’s collection from home by clicking the Catalog Search button under the Catalog menu. You can then perform a basic search or click the Power Search button for more advanced search options. Clicking the Details button next to the item you’re interested in will bring up information on that item. Holds can also be placed using our catalog.

Can I return items when the Library is closed?

Yes, each Library provides outside book drops for convenient drop off 24 hours a day.

I have some books I don't need. Will the Library accept my donations?

Yes, the Library does accept book donations in good condition from our customers. Donations of DVDs, videocassettes, CDs, and other audio-visual items are not accepted.

Checking Out Resources

How many items can I check out at one time?

You may check out, in any combination, a total of 20 resources per Library card. Due to their popularity, there are limits for checking out DVDs and Teen comic books. Currently, you may check out up to 5 DVDS and up to 5 Teen comic books per card.

How long can I keep materials checked out?

Most resources may be checked out for a period of 21 days. DVDs, Popular Titles and teen comic books check out for 7 days due to their popularity.

The material I want is checked out. How can I request (place a hold on) it?

Resources may be requested online via Oscar, the Library’s online catalog, in-person at any library location, or by calling the Library. Check out the tutorial for more tips on using Oscar, the online catalog.

Oscar (the online catalog) is asking for a User ID and PIN? Do I have those?

Your 13-digit Library card number is your User ID. Every card is assigned the PIN changeme. The PIN can be changed in the My Account section of the catalog.

Can I renew my materials?

If there is no other customer on the waiting list, you can renew your resources one time. You can renew your resources online. However, if your resources are already overdue, you must telephone the Library at 407.742.8888 or visit any Library location to complete the renewal process.

Can I return my materials to any Osceola County Library location?

Resources may be returned to any Osceola Library System location. Each library provides outside book drops for convenient drop off at all hours of the day. Resources returned via a 24-hour resource return drop box are the responsibility of the customer. The Library is not responsible for resources stolen or damaged in the 24-hour resource return drop box.

Do you charge fines for overdue materials?

Yes, the Library charges fines and/or fees. Any resource not returned within 30 days of the due date will move into the assumed lost category. You will be charged replacement cost plus a processing fee. If the resource is returned in usable condition, the fines and fees will be waived. The Library may charge a fee or recover costs for the following situations:

• Damaged resources: Cost of the resource plus a processing fee of $5.00, $2.00 for paperbacks or magazines.
• Replacement of resources damaged or not returned: Cost of the resource plus a processing fee of $5.00 for most resources, $2.00 for paperbacks or magazines. Resources paid for as lost and later found may be returned for a full refund within 30 days. An original receipt must accompany the resource.

How can I find out what my child has checked out?

Florida Statute 257.261 protects all registration and circulation records of the Osceola Library System, with the exception of statistical reports derived from said records. Records are considered confidential information and may not be released without the proper judicial order. All requests for such information must be referred to the Library Director.

Customers (including minor children) may designate specific individuals to whom they grant access to their Library account. Any such designee will have full borrower’s rights once permission has been granted. The customer, not the designee, is fully responsible for the card and the resources checked out on the card, except in the case of a minor child, in which parents or guardians of children under 16 are responsible for their minor children’s use of Library resources, including payment of any fees.

Will you mail books to my home?

Customers who are incapable of getting to the library are welcome to utilize our Books-by-Mail service. If you cannot come to the library due to advanced age, frailty or physical handicap, you qualify for our Books-by-Mail program, even if the qualifying condition is temporary in nature. Once you are registered in the program, you can request resources by telephone, by mail, or by utilizing our online catalog. We not only pay the United States Postal Service to deliver the resource to you, we also pay the return postage. For further information, please contact your nearest Osceola County Library or call the Hart Memorial Central library at 407.742.8888.

What can I do if the Library doesn’t own a resource that I want?

If the Library doesn’t own a particular resource that interests you, it may be possible to request the resource from another library via Interlibrary loan (ILL). To obtain an ILL form visit any Library location, telephone 407.742.8888, or click here for the online application. Not every type of resource is available through ILL. Audio visual resources, such as DVDs and CDs, and recently published books are not available. An Osceola Library card is required to use this service.

Library Services

Can the Library help me research from home?

Yes, it can! The Library offers home-based research assistance through our website under the Research heading. There you will find links to Explore a Topic subject guides, categorized Internet links, and online databases. In addition, the Library’s Ask a Librarian page gives customers the option to ask research questions via email or instant messaging. There is also a link to the statewide Ask a Librarian program and the Library’s phone number.

I need to take a test. Does the Library offer proctoring?

Yes, it does. There is no fee for this service nor is an Osceola County Library card required. Students must bring their own laptops to take their test. Acceptance and scheduling of proctoring sessions is at the discretion of the Library. Likewise, the Library may limit the number of exams or proctoring sessions given and reserves the right not to proctor for a student, university or organization. You can call the Library at 407.742.8888 for more information.

What can I do if the Library doesn’t have an item I want?

If the Library doesn’t own the item you’re interested in, it might be possible to request the item from another library system using the Interlibrary Loan or ILL service. Certain items, such as DVDs, CD’s and other audio-visual materials, and books published in the current year cannot be requested through Interlibrary Loan. You can stop by any of the Library’s locations to set up an ILL, call us at 407.742.8888, or can place your ILL online by clicking here.

Does the Library notarize documents?

Yes, the Library offers notary service at no charge. As there is a limited number of Library staff authorized to notarize, please telephone 407.742.8888 to discuss when/where the notary service is available during your time frame.

Do you offer tours of the Library?

Of course! Please telephone 407.742.8888 to discuss the type of tour you have in mind. Tours are free of charge and available to any group or organization.

Can the Library come to my event?

The Library attends many community events throughout the year. Please telephone 407.742.8888 to schedule a Library visit to your event or organization.

What does the Library offer to help me with genealogy research?

The Genealogy Lab contains research tools to assist you in climbing your family tree. The award-winning Genealogy Club of Osceola County offers guidance during specified times. The Clubs current schedule is Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Due to their special nature, most of the genealogy resources can only be used in the Library. However, a few databases can be accessed from any Internet computer. Click here to view the Genealogy resources available from any Internet computer. The Genealogy Lab is located in the Hart Memorial Central Library.

What kind of law resources does the Library have for me?

The Ray Shanks Law Library contains resources related to Florida and Federal laws, legal forms, self-help books, and the Westlaw Legal Research Database. The majority of Law Library resources are for in-Library use only. However, a few databases can be accessed from any Internet computer. Click here to view the Law resources available from any Internet computer. Due to Florida Statute 454.23, concerning the unlicensed practice of the law, Librarians are available for limited research assistance. The Ray Shanks Law Library is located in the Hart Memorial Central Library.

Internet & Computer Access

To use the Internet in the Library, customers must abide by the Library’s Internet Usage Policy regulation.

Do you have computers with Internet access?

Access to the Internet is available at each full-service branch of the Osceola Library System. Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Access and Excel, is also available on most computers.

Do I have to be a member of the Library to use the computers?

A Library card is required to use all public computers for Internet and Microsoft Office access. The Library provides free temporary Computer-only cards for those who are visiting the area or are ineligible for an Osceola Library card. The cards are active for day they are issued.

How many times a day can I use the computers?

There is no limits on the number of times per day a customer may use the computers. The Library uses the PCReservation computer management system to control computer use at each of the full-service library Locations. The Library provides both 15 minute and 60 minute time limits for computer use.

Is there are charge to use the computers?

There is no charge to use the computers. A fee of $.10 is charged per page for printing.

Can I download from the Internet or save my files?

Downloading files from the Internet or from the Office software to 3 ¼ diskettes, USB memory sticks and CD writable disks is permitted. Diskettes are available for purchase for $.50 each.

Do you have WiFi?

Wireless access to the Internet is currently available at all full-service Library locations (see the Branches page for locations and hours). A laptop with wireless modem is needed to access the service. Most Libraries have electrical outlets available if needed for power. An Osceola Library card is not required to use the service and the service is free of charge. Printing is not available for laptops connected to the wireless service.

Can I take a computer class at the Library?

Computer workshops are offered periodically. There is no charge to attend; however, registration is required. For a complete listing of computer workshops and online registration, click here.

Library Programming

What kinds of programs does the Library have available for kids?

The Library offers several fun and educational programs for children and families. To see a listing of these programs, click here for the events calendar.

What kinds of programs does the Library have available for teens?

The Library offers several fun programs for teens. To see a listing of our teen events and programs, check out the Library’s Teen Zone or Event Calendar.

How can I find out about special Library programs and events?

Special Library events and programs can be viewed on the events calendar. To view the calendar, click here.

Jobs and Volunteering

How do I get a job at the Library?

All open Library positions are advertised on the official Osceola County website. To view the current openings, click here.

Can I volunteer at the Library?

Yes, you can! The Library is always looking for volunteers, aged 16 and older, to help with our different services. If you’re interested in volunteering, please stop by your local Osceola County Library System branch or give us a call at 407.742.8888.

Getting in Touch With the Library

How can I contact the Library?

Phone Number
407.742.8888

Mailing Address
Library Administration
211 E. Dakin Avenue
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Email Address
thelibrary@osceola.org

Instant Messaging
The library will be offering instant messaging (IM) reference service in the near future.

What are the hours of the Libraries?

The Hart Memorial Central Library, Poinciana Branch Library, Veterans Memorial St. Cloud Branch Library, and Buenaventura Lakes Branch Library are open the following hours:

Monday to Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday and Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

The West Osceola Branch is open the following hours:

Monday to Saturday 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday - Closed

The Kenansville Branch is open the following hours:

Sunday and Monday: Closed
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Narcoossee Library Annex is open the following hours:

How do I get to the Library?

For driving directions to the Hart Memorial Central Library, click here.

For driving directions to the Poinciana Branch Library, click here.

For driving directions to the Veterans Memorial St. Cloud Branch Library, click here.

For driving directions to the Buenaventura Lakes Branch Library, click here.

For driving directions to the West Osceola Branch Library, click here.

For driving directions to the Kenansville Branch Library, click here.

For driving directions to the Narcoossee Library Annex, click here.

On what holidays are the Libraries closed?

New Years Day - Tuesday, January 1

Martin Luther King Day - Monday, January 21

Memorial Day - Monday, May 26

Independence Day - Friday, July 4

Labor Day - Monday, September 1

Veteran's Day - Tuesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday & Friday, November 27 & 28

Christmas Day - Thursday & Friday, December 25 & 26