Frequently Asked Questions l Osceola Library System

About the Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Library Cards & Account Information

Who is able to get a Library card?

Annual free Library cards are available to anyone aged 16 & older residing or owning property in Osceola County. Proof of residency and a photo ID, imprinted with name, are required. Parent or guardian must be present for youth 15 and under to receive a Library card.

How do I get a Library card?

If you are 16 and older, visit any Osceola Library System location and bring your photo ID with your current Osceola County address. Or bring your photo ID, imprinted with name, with additional documentation listing your name and Osceola County address. Acceptable documents include a copy of your lease, property tax bill, utility statement, car registration, voter's registration, or bank statement. Parent or guardian must be present for youth 15 and under to receive a Library card.

What if I don't live in Osceola County? Am I able to get a card?

If you do not reside in Osceola County, other options for receiving an Osceola Library System card include:

Nonresident Card
Customers aged 16 and over working or attending college in Osceola County are eligible for a free Library card. Proof of business/school association, photo ID, imprinted with name, and home address required.

Reciprocal Card
Customers with a current Library card from Brevard, Lake, or Polk County Libraries may apply for a free Osceola Library System reciprocal card. Photo ID, imprinted with name, proof of permanent address and a card from the home Library are required for new card sign ups and annual renewals. A card from the home Library is required for each member of the family wishing to apply for an Osceola Library System card. Parent or guardian must be present for youth 15 and under to receive a Library card.

Nonresident Fee Card
Visitors may purchase an Osceola Library card for an annual fee of $25. Please bring a photo ID, imprinted with name, and proof of permanent address to any Osceola Library System location to apply for your Osceola Library card. Parent or guardian must be present for youth 15 and under to receive a Library card.

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

Customers with a current Library card from Brevard, Lake, or Polk County Libraries may apply for a free Osceola Library System reciprocal card. Photo ID, imprinted with name, proof of permanent address and a card from the home Library are required for new card sign ups and annual renewals. A card from the home Library is required for each member of the family wishing to apply for an Osceola Library System card. Parent or guardian must be present for youth 15 and under to receive a Library card.

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

A parent or legal guardian must come with you to the Library to apply for your free Library card. The parent or legal guardian must bring a photo ID, imprinted with name, with proof of current Osceola County address. The parent or legal guardian will be responsible for the resources checked out-including any fees incurred-by people under the age of 16. Most Library cards are valid for two years.

Is someone else able to use my Library card?

All Library records are considered confidential information per Chapter 257 of the Florida Statutes. Library cards are not transferable to other users.

What happens if I lose my Library card?

The Library does not charge a fee to replace a lost card. However, it is important that you let the Library know about your lost card as soon as possible to protect against unauthorized usage that may result in overdue and/assumed lost resource fees being charged to your account. Please bring photo ID, imprinted with name, and proof of a current Osceola County address to apply for a replacement card.

How can I check the status of my Library account?

You can check the status of your Library account by calling the Library at 407.742.8888, visiting any Library location, or checking your account information online by clicking here.

Library Resources

How do I check to see if the Library owns a book or other resource from home?

Customers can browse and search the Library's collection from home by clicking the Catalog Search button on the Library's web page.

Am I able to return resources when the Library is closed?

Yes, many Library locations provide outside resource return boxes for convenient drop off 24 hours a day. Please phone 407.742.8888 to locate the closest after hours return box.

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

Donations of resources are gratefully accepted with the understanding that the resources may or may not be added. Donated resources become the property of the Library and will not be returned to the donor. Resources that are not added may be disposed of at the discretion of the Library. The Library is not able to place a monetary value on donations, but upon request, the Library will provide a written receipt of donations.

Checking Out Resources

How many resources may I check out at one time?

You may check out, in any combination, a total of 20 resources per Library card. Currently, there is a limit of five (5) DVDs per Library card and one (1) console game per Library card.

How long am I able to keep resources checked out?

Most resources may be checked out for a period of 21 days. DVDs, Music CDs, and Console Games check out for seven (7) days.

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

Resources may be requested online via the Library's online catalog, in-person at any Library location, or by calling the Library at 407.742.8888.

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. Your PIN is personalized to you. If you know your PIN and want to change it, log in to your account via the My Account portion of the catalog. If you do not know your PIN, visit or call the Library to have your PIN reset.

Am I able to renew my resources?

If there is no other customer on the waiting list, you may renew your resources two (2) times, with the exception of the console games. You may renew your resources online, call the Library at 407.742.8888 or visit any Library location to complete the renewal process. At this time, console games cannot be renewed.

May I return my resources to any Osceola Library System location?

Resources may be returned to any Osceola Library System location. Many Library locations provide outside resource returns for convenient drop off at all hours of the day. Resources returned via the 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 fees for overdue resources?

Yes, the Library charges a daily fee for overdue resources: 50¢ per day per resource for DVDs, Music CDs, and Console Games; 25¢ per day for all other resources. Please click here for the Fees Schedule.

Why does the Library charge late fees?

The Library is founded on the idea of shared resources. Fees are added to encourage customers to return resources in a timely manner so that the resources may be shared and borrowed by others with the least amount of delay.

What if I do not know which resource is late?

You can check your account online at www.OsceolaLibrary.org or call 407.742.8888 for a list of your titles to check due dates.

What if I am sure I returned the resource?

Please visit or call the Library and ask to speak to a supervisor or manager.

What if I have lost the resource?

Customers who lose Library resources are asked to pay the replacement cost and the late fee(s) associated with the lost resource. Please click here for the Fees Schedule.

How do I make a payment?

The Library accepts payments via check or cash at any Library location. If you decide to mail a payment, please send a check; do not send cash through the mail.

Do I have to pay my account balance in full?

If you would like to make a partial payment, please contact the Library and ask to speak to a supervisor or manager.

When I make a payment, how soon am I able to check out resources again?

Library users with an account balance under $15 may still check out resources. Payments made in person will be credited to your account immediately. Payments mailed to the Library will be posted during regular business hours on a daily basis.

How am I able to 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.

Will you mail resources to my home?

Customers who are incapable of getting to the Library are welcome to apply for the Books-by-Mail service; even if the qualifying condition is temporary in nature. Once you are registered in the program, you request resources by telephone, mail, or by utilizing the online catalog. Your choices will be delivered and returned via the United States Post Office. There is no additional fee for qualified customers. For more information, please call the Library at 407.742.8888.

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

If the Osceola Library doesn't own the title you're interested in, it may be possible to request the title from another library in the United States using Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Please stop by any Osceola Library location to request an ILL or place your ILL request online by using the online application. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. An Osceola Library card in good standing is required to use this service.

Library Services

How can the Library help me research from home?

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

Does the Library notarize documents?

No, at this time the Library is unable to notarize documents.

Do you offer tours of the Library?

Of course! Please call 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.

Will the Library participate in my event?

The Library attends many community events throughout the year. Please telephone 407.742.8888 to schedule a Library visit for 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. Please check the Library's online calendar or phone 407.742.8888 for the current Genealogy Club assistance schedule. Due to their special nature, most of the genealogy resources may 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 only 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 location of the Osceola Library System. Microsoft Office�which includes 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 the public computers for Internet and Microsoft Office. The Library provides a free, one-time only guest pass for those who are visiting the area or are ineligible for an Osceola Library card.

How many times a day can I use the computers?

There are 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 a charge to use the computers?

There is no charge to use the computers. A fee of 25� 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 suite to diskettes, USB, and CD writable disks is permitted. However success cannot be guaranteed due to the level of security at every level of access.

Do you have WiFi?

Wireless access to the Internet is currently available at all Library locations. A wireless-ready laptop is needed to access the service. Each Library also offers limited availability to power connections. An Osceola Library card is not required to use the service and the service is free of charge. Printing is not available from laptops connected to the wireless service.

May 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 to access online registration click here.

Library Programming

What kinds of programs & events 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 the Event calendar.

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

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

Where do I find out about special Library programs & events?

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

Jobs and Volunteering

How do I apply for a job at the Library?

All hiring for the Library System is handled by Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Current job openings for library employment and other LSSI job opportunities can be found at LSSI Career Opportunities.

For more information about Osceola County job opportunities, please contact:

Library Systems & Services, LLC
800.638.8725

How do I apply to volunteer at the Library?

The Library is always looking for volunteers, aged 18 and older, to assist with a variety of different services. If you're interested in volunteering, please stop by any Library location or phone 407.742.8888.

Getting in Touch With the Library

How do I contact the Library?

Phone Number
407.742.8888

The Mailing Address is:
Osceola Library System
211 E. Dakin Avenue
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Email Address
thelibrary@osceola.org

Please contact Denise Galarraga regarding the operations of the Library, all branches.

Ms. Denise Galarraga
Library Director, Osceola Library System
407.742.8804
E-mail Address

Please contact Dave Barnett regarding all other Library questions or concerns.

Mr. David Barnett
Library Contract Manager, Osceola County
407.742.8800
E-mail Address

Where are the Libraries located?

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 Library - St. Cloud, 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.

About the Library