FAQs
How do I obtain a library card?
To obtain a card at no charge, you must show proof of identity and of residency or individual ownership of property within the town of Southern Pines. A valid driver’s license, utility bill, or tax notice with your name and current street address are acceptable. After an application form is completed, the card will be issued and may be used immediately.
What if I live outside the town of Southern Pines?
Southern Pines residents support the library through their taxes. Non-residents pay a fee for a library card that approximates what residents pay annually per capita through taxes.
There are 4 choices (fees adjusted annually):
Full Access Card (for use of the full collection and services)
12 months for $75.00
6 months for $37.50
Limited Access Card (for use of the juvenile and young adult collection and services)
12 months for $25.00
6 months for $12.50
When can I check out library materials?
Immediately after obtaining your card!
How many items can I check out?
There is a checkout limit of 2 videotapes, 2 DVDs, and 2 Story Telling Kits at one time. There are no limits on other types of materials, however, if you are working on a school assignment, please be considerate of others who may be researching the same topic.
How long can I keep the library materials?
All materials may be kept for three weeks.
What if I need to keep the library materials longer?
All materials may be renewed once unless another patron has requested the item or you have reached the fine limit. Each renewal period is three weeks. You may renew books by telephone when the library is open. Please be prepared to give your library card number and the titles of the books you wish to renew. You may renew online, also.
What if I don’t return the materials on time?
The overdue charge is 10 cents per item per day except for videos, DVDs and Story Telling Kits which are $1.00 per item per day.
What if I can’t find the materials I want?
You may place holds on materials owned by the library or on materials on order (new titles). There is a charge of 30 cents for the postage of the hold card, if you choose to be notified by mail. Books may also be requested from another library through the interlibrary loan system. There is a charge of $2.50 per item to cover return postage.
In addition to checking out materials, how may I use my library card?
When you register for your card, you will be asked to choose a pin/confirmation number.Your card and pin numbers are used to: sign up for computers in the library; put funds into an account to use for printing at library computers; view your account, place holds on items, and renew materials online; and access subscription online resources from the library’s website.
What if I forget my library card?
You must present your card each time you wish to check out materials or use a computer. We will be happy to hold items for you at the circulation desk until you return with your card.
May I loan my card to someone?
Only the person to whom a card has been issued may use that card.
Can I place a hold from home?
You can place hold requests via the internet as long as you have a valid library card and a PIN (Personal Identification Number). To place a hold, search for the title(s) of interest. When the title is displayed, click on the “Place Hold” button. The request form will be displayed. After entering your library card number and PIN, click on the “Submit Request” button.
Please monitor your library account online, via the “Patron Review” button. Pick up your item within 7 days after the status changes to "Arrived."
For detailed directions on placing online holds, use the flyer (PDF).
What is a PIN number and how can I get one?
A PIN (Personal Identification Number) consists of four numbers that have meaning for you and are easy for you to remember. Having a PIN will enable you to access your library account online, renew items, and place holds on materials. If you have never chosen a PIN, library staff must assist you the first time, either in person or over the telephone. Because your account information is confidential, you must provide your card number.
What else can I do with my PIN?
By clicking on the “Patron Review” button, and entering your library card number and PIN, you will be able to:
Renew checked-out items
Change your PIN number
Change your email address
Check the status of books you’ve placed on hold
Cancel holds.
I’ve forgotten my PIN. What should I do?
If you forget your PIN, you must call or visit the library and choose a new four digit number.
What is e-mail notification, and how can I get it for my library account?
SPPL has a service that allows you to sign up for notifications for your library account. Cardholders can get these notifications via email. This means that cardholders will now have the option of having email messages sent to remind them when items are due or overdue, and to notify them when items on hold have arrived or been canceled.
If you are interested in these services, speak to a circulation specialist in the library, send an email to circ_notices@sppl.net or call the library at 910-692-8235.
Why has my e-mail notification been canceled?
When e-mails are returned or bounced, the staff puts a note into the patron's account. Once staff receive two returned e-mail notices, notices are canceled for this account.
If you are no longer receiving e-mail notifications please see a library staff member for help.
Are there any handouts/instructions that can help me?
We have several handout/instruction documents that can help you with the following:
Using the LS2 PAC (PDF) New PAC
Using the LS2 Kids PAC (PDF) New Kids PAC
Placing Online Holds (PDF) Classic PAC
Tips and Tricks for Searching the Catalog (PDF) Classic PAC
NC Live Resources (PDF)
NC Digital Library Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
The NC Digital Library Check Out Process (PDF)
Downloading e-books to a Sony Reader (PDF)