Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are frequently asked by patrons who visit, call,or email the library. If you have additional questions or comments, please return to Ask a JMRL Librarian.

How can I find out if your library owns a particular item?

Check our online catalog. It is very easy to use. Access is by author, title, subject, and keyword.

How can I get an item if it is currently checked out?

It is possible to put an item on hold and as soon as it is returned you will either get an email or a postcard in the mail. You can do this yourself by clicking on the button at the top of the screen that says “Place Hold”. All you need to do is enter your name, library card, and location where you want to pick up the book. You can also call the reference desk(979-7151 ext 4) and we will put a book on hold for you.

How can I get an item if your library does not own it?

The library system provides an Interlibrary Loan service where we borrow books from libraries outside of our library system. All branches of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system provide this service. Check our Interlibrary Loan form. If the book you want is a new book, you may suggest that we order it by filling out our Suggest a Purchase form. At the same time you can request to have the book be put on hold for you. You will be notified by email if the book is ordered and when it is available.

How can I get a library card?

The Borrowing Policies webpage explains what is required to get a library card, which is free. On that webpage there is also a link to the library card application. There is also a link to the library card application on the library catalog website.

How do I know which periodicals are in the library?

All of our periodicals are now cataloged in our online catalog. See #1 above. You can search by title and by subject.

How can I find periodical articles on a particular subject?

We have many online databases that are accessible from in the library and also from home. Use our Online Databases section to locate the database you want to search. All databases allow you to search for articles by subject and keyword, and often will also give you the full text of the article. For access from home, the databases require that you have a login and password. Get this access information from any branch library.

How can I find an address/phone number for a business or individual?

Internet Resources is an area on our site that the library has created to provide patrons with reliable websites to find the information they need. Click on the link to Phone, Email and Postal Information.

How do I get directions to a branch library?

Directions to all the branches are included on the each individual branch page on our site. Click on your branch from the main navigational area, above.

Where can I find information on genealogy?

Our Internet Links by Subject  website has links to helpful website information in many subject areas. Click on the link for Genealogy. Also, the library subscribes to an online database called HeritageQuest which is a collection of research materials for tracing family history and American culture that contains over 25,000 family records and local histories. The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society has some local genealogy information in its library. The books in the historical society are accessible through the JMRL online catalog.

Can I access your online catalog from my home computer?

Yes. This is the URL: http://jmrl.org/catalog.

Does the library offer public internet access?

Yes. All branches of the library system have computers that will allow you to access the internet. There is also a computer lab (Monticello Avenue) at the Central Branch that has public internet terminals. See our Internet Access Policy for full info.

Is wireless internet access available at any of the libraries?

Yes. Wireless is available at all branch libraries. more info You can also print from your laptop at some branch libraries. Check with the staff.

Where may I park downtown to visit the Central Library?

The Central Library does not have a parking lot. Parking is available on the street but only for 2 hours. If you park longer than 2 hours you may get a ticket. Parking is also available in the city parking garages on Market Street and Water Street. The circulation desk will stamp the parking ticket so that you will get two free hours of parking. The Friends of the Library provides this free parking for patrons.

May I donate books to the library?

Please call collection development with your donation request: 979-7151 ext. 203. The Friends of the Library also collects used books and sells them at their popular annual Book Sale in March. The money generated from this sale helps fund the library's programming. Contact the Friends of the Library at 977.8467 or info@jmrlfriends.org

May I suggest that the library buy a book?

Yes. You need to have a library card to request the library purchase a book. Use the online Suggest a Purchase form.  Or you can call the reference desk at the Central Library: 979-7151 ext.4

Does the library have copying facilities?

Yes, there are copy machines in all the branch libraries.

Do you have word processors or typewriters for public use?

All branches have computers with word processing for patrons to use. There are no typewriters available for patrons. However there are printers connected to the computers with word processing.

What meeting rooms and equipment are available at the libraries?

Each branch homepage on our website has a list of services, equipment and meeting room facilities. See also: Meeting Room Policy.

What hours is the library open?

Each branch webpage on our site clearly lists its hours, directions and contact info.

Does the library have a notary public?

Yes. There is a notary public at all branches of the library system. Call your local branch to be sure when the notary is available.

How can I find out about jobs at the library?

Jefferson-Madison Regional Library utilizes the City of Charlottesville Human Resources when posting or advertising all library positions that are available to the public. Please see the City’s JOBS BOARD for information about available library positions. The City also advertises in The Daily Progress and includes library positions that are available. Please note that in addition to the City advertisements, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library may also decide to advertise any available library positions for the outlying counties for Greene County in the Greene County Record, for Louisa County in The Central Virginian, and for Nelson County in the Nelson County Times.

What is CIPA and how does it affect the library?

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law requiring public libraries to filter or block Internet materials that may be harmful to minors. A library that has more than 1 computer with Internet access intended for use by the public (including minors) shall certify that it has installed and uses a technology to filter or block material deemed to be harmful to minors.  All adults (17 years old and older) seeking unfiltered Internet access for their own use,  must show proper identification (picture ID with date of birth) when requesting that staff disable or turn off the filtering.

How does the Patriot Act affect my use of the library?

Under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56) records of books and other materials borrowed from this library, as well as Internet activity in this library, may be obtained by Federal agents. This federal law prohibits library staff from informing you if records about you have been obtained by Federal agents.