Frequently Asked Questions
I forgot my library card. Can I still check out books?
Yes, as long as you present photo ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the library account, and you must be the individual pictured in the ID. For example, a wife could not present her husband’s driver’s license to access either of their accounts.
I didn't know my items were due!
Books, audiobooks, and CDs are due three weeks after checkout. DVDs, Blu-rays, and VHS tapes are due after one week. Upon checking out materials, you will always have the option to print a receipt with your item due dates.
During library hours, you may check the due dates of items you have out by calling or coming in to the library, or you may check due dates at any time by accessing your account online through our site or through Library Elf.
If you would like a reminder notice before your items are due, you will need to sign up for a Library Elf account. Unfortunately, the library’s system cannot sent pre-overdue notices.
Books are not due on days the library is closed.
I renewed my items. Why do I still have a fine?
If you renewed your items after they were already past due, you are still responsible for any fines accrued while the item status was “overdue.”
What do I do if an audiobook, CD, or DVD won't work properly?
If you are having trouble with a disc skipping, not playing, or otherwise not working properly, please turn it in at the circulation desk and let us know about the problem. Please do not try to clean the disc yourself.
If you would like to finish watching or listening to the disc, let us know when you turn it in, and we can put a hold on it for you.
The library cannot clean personal discs.
What do I do if a book is damaged?
If a book or other item is damaged, which may include water damage, loose or torn pages, a broken spine, or other problems, please bring it to the circulation desk and point out the damage to a librarian.
Do not try to tape, glue, or otherwise mend library materials yourself. We use professional grade materials and special techniques to repair our books.
The library doesn't own the title I'm looking for. What can I do?
You can request we purchase the title or borrow it from another library through interlibrary loan. The request form is available here and may also be accessed under the Check It Out heading.
Please be aware there are limitations on these privileges based on the type of card you have.
There is a limit of three requests per person per quarter.
How much does it cost to print?
It costs 10¢ (cents) a page plus tax to print from the patron computers or use the copier.
The cost must be $1.00 or more to pay with a debit or credit card.
Do you have a fax machine?
Unfortunately, we do not have a fax machine.
When will the bookstore be open?
The Wishing Well Bookstore is now open any time the library is open. At times, there will be a volunteer working in the bookstore if you have questions. The bookstore is managed by the Madison Library Foundation, not by library staff.
The bookstore could always use more volunteers. If you’re interested in helping out, you can fill out the volunteer form here.
The catalog says an item is on the shelving cart. What does that mean?
After an item is returned, our system lists its status as “shelving cart” for 24 hours. The item may still be in the sorting room, it may be on a cart out in the library, or it may already be back on the shelf. Feel free to ask a library employee for help locating the item.
Tips:
- DVDs end up back on the shelf faster than books.
- Carts are organized by collection, and full carts are placed in the section of the library where they will be shelved (e.g. a cart in YA will have YA books on it).