FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the PIN number for my library card?
Your PIN is the last four digits of your card number.
Where are you located?
From Hwy 31 (traveling south)
- Go past Church Street and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce on the right.
- Turn right onto Lee St NE (If you pass Zaxby’s on the right, you’ve gone too far.)
- After turning onto Lee Street, immediately turn right into the Decatur Public Library parking lot.
- If you miss the parking lot entrance, you can turn right onto Cherry Street and enter the parking lot from there.
From Hwy 31 (traveling north)
- Turn left onto Lee St NE (If you pass Mi Hacienda Mexican Restaurant or Jack’s on the right, you’ve gone too far).
- After turning onto Lee Street, immediately turn right into the Decatur Public Library parking lot.
- If you miss the parking lot entrance, you can turn right onto Cherry Street and enter the parking lot from there.
How many items am I allowed to check out?
You may check out up to 5 DVDs, 5 audio books, and 5 Juvenile Kits per card. There is a checkout limit of 50 items per library card.
Can you get material from other libraries?
Yes. Books, articles, and microfilm are available through Interlibrary Loan.
How much do copies cost?
Copies cost 20¢ per page (available in black and white only). Black and white printouts from the computers are also 20¢ per page (color printouts are available for $1 per page).
What’s the Community Room?
If you have any other comments, questions, or suggestions please call us at 256-353-2993 or email public@myDPL.org.
Can I print something from my phone?
Yes, sort of. Forward what you need printed to DPLprints1@gmail.com. Come to the Public Services desk and tell us you’ve sent something to be printed. We will collect your payment ($.20/page, black & white; $1/page, color) and print your item.
Can I print something from one of your computers?
Yes. You need a library card to sign in to our computers. Computer-only cards are available at no charge for those who live outside of Morgan County.
To print from our computers:
- Select print on the computer and follow the prompts.
- Pay for and pick up your prints at the Public Services desk. (Print jobs are retained in the system for two hours.)
Can I print double sided, special sizes (like legal size) or on special papers?
No. All paper is plain, 8.5″ x 11″, one-sided.
What hours are you open?
Our building is open:
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday: 10am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: BUILDING CLOSED
I need to keep my books/DVDs longer than the due date. Can I recheck them? How?
Yes! Go to your online account and log in using your Library Card number and the last 4 digits of your card number. Renew all checked out items or select particular items to be renewed.
Items may be renewed in person, by phone, or online
LIMIT: 2 renewals per item.
Items cannot be renewed if they are on reserve for someone else or if they are more than 14 days overdue.
- To renew an item in person, present library card at the Public Services desk.
- To renew by phone, call 256-353-2993 ext. 108. You will need to supply your library card number.
- To renew online, go to the online catalog and click My Account. Enter your library card number and PIN (the default PIN is the last four digits of your card number and can be changed after signing in). This will bring up a record of what is checked out. Check the boxes next to the items you wish to renew and click “Renew “.
Do you have a public fax machine?
Not at the present time. Both The Shipping Store and The UPS Store offer a fax service.
How do I log on to a public computer?
If you have a current library card from Decatur you simply enter your card number on any available computer. Exceptions include expired cards and cards with fines exceeding $5.00. Each patron is allowed up to two hours of computer access per day, although we cannot guarantee computer availability.
If you do not have a library card, please check with the Public Services desk.
How do I get a library card?
Fill out the online card application. Once you submit it, you will need to come in to the library within 30 days to show your proof of residence (ID, Utilities bill, etc.) to get your physical card.
How much does a library card cost?
If you live, work, own a business or attend school in Morgan County or Decatur, your Decatur Public Library card is free! If you need a replacement card, for an active account,the fee is $3.00
If you live outside of Morgan County but would like to get a Decatur Public Library card, you can do so for a yearly fee of $25. (Members of the same household can get cards for an additional $15 per person.)
I only listen to books. Do you have audio books?
Yes! we have books on CD as well as offering eAudioBooks on both the hoopla AND Libby apps. Visit www.myDPL.org/ebooks for links to the apps
I'm looking for a certain book to read. How can I tell if you have it?
Visit our online catalog and search for the title you’re looking for. If we don’t have it and you think we should, fill out a purchase suggestion and then submit it. Also, don’t forget to check the Libby and hoopla apps since we might have the title digitally.
I only read on my phone. Do you have eBooks?
Yes! For digital content you can download the LIbby app from OverDrive and the hoopla digital app. Visit www.myDPL.org/ebooks for checkout limits.