Frequently Asked Questions & Library Policies
View all library policies here.
It’s easy to get your FREE library card! Visit the library with valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license) and fill out a short form. If your ID card does not have your current address on it, you must provide proof of address (such as a utility bill). All Wisconsin residents are eligible for a library card. If you are under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application. Watch the video below for complete information or contact the library with questions.
Read the full Circulation Policy here.
You may also start your library card registration online. Your temporary library card number will be available immediately for accessing OverDrive/Libby and the Library databases. Visit the library within one month to present a photo ID and proof of residency in order to get your permanent card.
Yes! More information about our meeting and study rooms can be found here.
Read the full Meeting Room Policy here.
The library provides public access to the Internet. Everyone may use the library’s Wi-Fi on their own devices. It is unfiltered. Parents and/or legal guardians are responsible for approving and monitoring the Internet use of children under age 18. When you use the library’s Internet service, you are accepting the library’s Internet Use Policy and Wireless Access Policy (see below).
The library has laptop computers available for public use. Adults over age 18 may use the library’s computers by receiving and acknowledging the Internet Use Policy. You may be asked to present a library card or photo I.D. to verify that you are over age 18. Children under age 18 may use library computers if a parent or legal guardian has authorized Internet use on their library account and they present their library card. Headphones and a mouse are available. See library staff with questions.
The library has a limited number of hotspots available to borrow with your library card. Ask a staff member or place a hotspot on hold via the library’s online catalog.
Internet Use Policy
Política de uso de Internet
Wireless Access Policy
Acceso in alámbrico a Internet
Yes! The library provides printing, copying, and laminating services. Note that the library accepts cash only. We do not accept credit/debit cards. You may print from your own device or use a library computer. A copy machine is available. You may email printing requests to library-printing@whitewater-wi.gov or ask a staff member at the library’s front desk for assistance.
Cost:
Black & White copying/printing: 10 cents per page.
Color copying/printing: 25 cents per page.
Laminating: 15 cents per page.
Sizes:
Printing and copying sizes are letter (8.5″ x 11″), legal (8.5″ x 14″) and tabloid (11″ x 17″).
Laminating sizes are letter (8.5″ x 11″), business card (2.25″ x 3.75″) and tabloid (11″ x 17″).
Monetary donations are always accepted. Cash or check may be dropped off at the library’s front desk or mailed to the library.
The library accepts some book and media donations, including hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction, DVDs and Blu Rays, Music CDs, Books on CD, Playaways, video games, and items of local historical significance. The library does not accept damaged books, textbooks, encyclopedias, or periodicals. The library reserves the right to refuse any donation.
Donations of arts and crafts materials and technological equipment, tools, or supplies may be accepted with the approval of the Makerspace Librarian.
Donated items may be given to the Friends of the Library organization and offered for sale to the public. The library reserves the right to dispose of donations deemed unsuitable.
Read the full Donations and Discards Policy here.
Flyers, posters, and brochures for announcements and events of general interest to the community, such as educational opportunities, organizational fundraising events, public service announcements, local arts events, etc. may be considered for posting or display. For sale, religious, and political announcements will not be posted.
Items may be given to a staff member at the library’s front desk or emailed to library@whitewater-wi.gov. All items must be approved by the Library Director before being posted or displayed.
Library displays and library-sponsored displays shall have priority in the use of library display cases. Community use of display cases will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to groups primarily serving the needs of the community. Such groups may include nonprofit and civic improvement organizations; cultural and artistic groups; and school, service, and social welfare groups. Personal collections of interesting items of local interest may also be considered.
Read the full Display Case Policy here.
Click here to fill out the display case reservation application.
The library has an obligation to its patrons to maintain an atmosphere conducive to reading, study, research, and the pursuit of lifelong learning opportunities. Library patrons are expected to use the library, including its facilities, grounds, resources, and materials, in a responsible, appropriate and courteous manner. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Read the full Inappropriate Behavior Policy here.
Política sobre conducta inapropiada
The library wants children to use its facilities and services. Children from birth through age 6 must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of the child. The assigned caregiver must be at least 12 years old. Children ages 7 and older may use the library on their own. However, parents or legal guardians are still responsible for the actions of their child(ren).
For complete information, read the full Unattended Children Policy here.
Protecting library user privacy and keeping personally identifiable information confidential is an important principle of the library. Read the library’s full privacy and confidentiality policy to learn more about the library’s commitment to privacy and for full explanation of the information that the library collects.
In order to provide all the library’s users with the safest and most pleasant library
experience, those wishing to use cameras and/or recording devices within the facility must
have their request approved in advance by the Library Director or Management staff.
Except as permitted by applicable law, no commercial or media photography, filming, video
or audio recording may occur in the library without prior written permission and approval of
the Library Director.
Read the full Photography, Filming, & Videography Policy here.
Suggest a purchase by filling out this short form!
Ultimate responsibility for the collection development policy lies with the Library Board
of Trustees. The duty of selecting, maintaining and withdrawing materials for the library is
delegated by the Library Board to the Library professional staff.
Librarians take professional criteria, budget, reviews, community interests, space limitations, and other factors into consideration when managing the library’s collection.
Read the full Collection Development Policy here.
Política de elaboración de la colección
In addition, in the interest of protecting the individual’s right to have access to materials, the library supports the following American Library Association documents:
If you have a concern about materials in the collection, please see Public Concerns about Library Resources for information on the appropriate procedure for communicating the concern.
Contact the Library Director with questions.
Suggest a program or event by filling out this short form!
The library uses criteria to make decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources, including community needs and interests, space availability, budget, quality of presentation, historical, educational, or cultural significance, connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events, relation to library collections, resources, or exhibits, and other factors.
The library’s commitment to open access to information and ideas extends to library programming and the library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, or the views expressed by participants and program topics. Speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
Read the full Library Programs and Events Policy here.
Política de programación de la biblioteca
The library seeks and encourages partnerships with non-profit organizations, academic institutions, governments, commercial entities, community groups, or other external organizations to expand the capacity of library programs and services provided to the community. If you are interested in partnering with the library, contact Hunter Swanson at 262-473-0113 or hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov.
Read the full Partnership Policy here.
Contact the Library Director with questions.
The library provides support to members of the community who wish to form a book discussion group by coordinating interlibrary loans of requested titles. See the policy below for complete information and guidelines.
Requests to inspect records or to receive copies of records should be made directly to the City of Whitewater Municipal Clerk’s office by telephone at 262-473-0102 or by email at cityclerk@whitewater-wi.gov.