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1. How do I get a library card?

Any Milwaukee County resident may apply for a free library card. Applicants are required to fill out the designated System Borrower's application and provide appropriate identification. Applicants age fourteen (14) and under must have a parent or guardian countersign the application and assume responsibility for library use by the juvenile patron.

Library cards expire every 2 years. Address verification is required to renew an expired card.

Library cards are not transferable. Others may not use your card without written permission.

2. What is the overdue fine?

The overdue fine for most West Allis items is ten cents per day. Most items also have a three-day grace period in which no fines will be charged. Once the three days passes however, overdue fines are calculated from the original due date. The overdue fine for all West Allis videos and DVD's is $.50 per day with a three day grace period.

3. Can I pay fines and other library fees with a credit card?

Yes. Payments are accepted at the library's self-pay stations with a credit or debit card
(MasterCard, VISA, Discover). Online payments may be made at the Milwaukee County Federated Library System website, www.countycat.mcfls.org.

4. Do you have photocopiers?

Yes. We have self-service black and white photocopiers at ten cents per page.

5. Does the library have computers for public use?

Yes. Our public access computers include Internet and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Your Milwaukee County Federated Library System library card number and pin number are necessary to log on to our public computers. Use of the computers is free, but there are time limits, and printing costs ten cents per page after the first five pages. If you are visiting or reside outside of Milwaukee County, a weekly ($2.00) or monthly ($5.00) computer use card (SAMS-Smart Access Management System) may be purchased.

6. How long is your check-out period?

Most West Allis items can be checked out for three weeks with your valid library card. The exceptions are new hardcover fiction, videocassettes, DVD's, magazines, encyclopedias, and tax publications, which all check out for one week. Items requested from other libraries for pick up at West Allis are subject to the loan periods of the owning library. Please check your date due slips carefully.

7. Can I renew library materials?

All items with the exception of videocassettes, DVD's and magazines may be renewed two times each, provided the items do not have existing holds for other patrons. Renewals are granted for the same length of time as the original loan period. Renewals may be done in person at the library, by telephone at 277-0183, or online from your home or office computer using the Milwaukee County Federated Library System website www.countycat.mcfls.org

8. I can't find my library card. What should I do?

Please stop by the Circulation Desk or call the Circulation Department at (414) 302-8503. If your card is lost or stolen, it is important to report this to the library immediately so our staff can block unauthorized use. Even the loss of the key-chain duplicate card could compromise your account. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost and stolen cards.

9. At what age can my child get a library card?

There is no set age, however, your child must be able to print his/her complete first and last name. The child and a parent/guardian, with appropriate identification, must both be present.

10. Do you have free wireless internet?

Yes. The library provides free wi-fi service.

11. Can I get materials from other libraries?

If West Allis doesn't own the particular item you're looking for, we may be able to obtain it for you from another library. Because West Allis Library is a member of the Milwaukee County Federated System, you can search CountyCat, the system's online catalog to view what's available at the 15 other public libraries in Milwaukee County. Library Reference staff can request items for you or you can place requests yourself using a computer.

12. Can my business, school, nursing home or daycare center get a library card?

These types of special library cards are also available. Please call the Circulation Department at 302-8503 for more information if your business, school, nursing home or day care center is located in West Allis and is interested in obtaining one of these cards.

13. Can a non-resident of Milwaukee County get a West Allis Public Library card?

Non-residents of Milwaukee County may borrow materials from the West Allis Library by purchasing a $100.00 fee card. Non-resident fee cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase and may only be used to check out titles owned by the West Allis Public Library. A fee card also allows access to the library's computer resources. Non-resident fee cards may be used by the spouse and/or child residing in the immediate household of the person whose name is listed on the original application form.