▼

Library

Show All Answers

1. How is COVID-19 affecting the Library?

The Library is open as well as our outside book drops. Patrons are welcome to browse the shelves, pick up their holds, use the computers, use the study rooms and tables, and attend programs. Please do not enter the library if you are ill or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Children are to be directly supervised while in the library. 

2. How do I obtain a library card?

If you live in American Fork, there is not a charge for a library card. You need to bring in current picture ID and something with your current American Fork address. If your ID doesn’t show your current AF address, then a piece of recently delivered mail or digital account with your name and current American Fork address on it will work. You can pre-register for a library card on our online catalog and then come to the library to finish your registration.

If you do not live in, but own property in American Fork, you must present your current year property tax notice.

If you do not live or own property in American Fork, you will need to purchase a library card. The nonrefundable fees are:

• $80 per year
• $45 for 6 months
• $25 for 3 months

3. Do I need a card to check out books?

Yes, a library card is needed to check out items from the library. If you have a library account, but have forgotten to bring your card, a picture ID is acceptable.

4. How many books can I check out?

You can have as many as 50 items checked out. 

5. How long can I keep the books?

Check Out Periods

• The check out period for books, audiobooks on CD, Early Literacy Kits, Discovery Kits, Launchpads, and Battle of the Books Kindles is 28 days.
• DVDs & music CDs are checked out for 7 days.
• Games and puzzles check out for 14 days.

We will print out a receipt at the end of your check out session that will list the titles of your items, the date due and the total number of items. There is no date due stamped on any item checked out. You are also able to check the date due and how many items you have checked out on our library catalog website.

There is no grace period. Books being returned via the outside book drop are not considered overdue until the library opening time the next day.

6. Can I renew my books?

All items except for Interlibrary Loan, Book Club Sets, & Kindles can be renewed 3 times, unless the item is on hold for another patron. Items will renew automatically unless it has been renewed 3 times already or if it is on hold for another patron. You can also renew your items before they are due by using the online catalog, calling the library on the phone during library open hours and speaking to a library employee, or bringing them in to the library.

If books are renewed online on the day they are due, the renewal must be done before midnight or there will be an overdue fine assessed.

Do not ask for renewals as a part of a phone message left at the library after hours or by email message. Call and speak to a library employee during regular hours or renew online.

7. What fees does the Library charge?

As of July 1, 2021 our library is fine free. This means that we do not charge overdue fines for library items. There are other fees associated with library services/replacement.

Cost recovery fees are based on any or all of the following: average staff time associated with the service, cost of the materials consumed, and overhead costs. The following services are charged the stated fee:

• Lost or damaged library item     Replacement cost of item
• Laminating        $0.75 per foot (minimum of $1.50)
• Replacement barcode        $1.00
• Replacement RFID tag        $1.00
• Replacement DVD case        $1.00
• Replacement borrower’s card    $2.00
• Additional borrower card (beyond 1st free card)    $2.00
• Replacement CD case                    $1.00
• Copies-black & white-per page       $0.10
• Copies-color-per page                    $0.25
•  Internet session for non-American Fork Library card holders  $1.00

Non-Resident Library card fees:

• Quarterly    $25.00
• Semi-Annual    $45.00
• Annual    $80.00

8. Is there an app for that?

The BookMyne app has been phased out. Our online catalog is now mobile friendly and can be used to check your account, renew books, and put books on hold.

9. How much will I have to pay if my books are returned late?

As of July 1, 2021 our library is fine free. This means that we do not charge overdue fines for items returned late. Any item kept 28 days after the final due date is declared lost and the patron will be responsible for the replacement cost. 

10. If I find a ripped or loose page in a book I checked out, can I just tape it?

Please do not tape any books or pages. The library uses special glue to fix ripped, torn or loose pages and covers. Tape is actually bad for the paper the books are printed on. So, if you accidentally rip a page or find a torn or loose page, please gather the pieces and let a librarian know about the damage when you bring the item back.

11. Does the Library have Wi-Fi?

Yes, we have wi-fi! You need to review and agree to the terms and conditions to gain access. Wireless printing is now available by going to printeron.net/afcl/lib 

12. Can I use a computer and/or print at the Library?

Internet computers are available in the open area next to the reference desk on the 2nd floor. American Fork Library cardholders may use the internet at no charge for one 1-hour session. Individual circumstances such as taking an exam, job search, etch. may allow for an extension of session time for American Fork cardholders. Non-cardholders will be charged $1.00 per 1-hour session. Black & white prints are $0.10 per page, color prints are $0.25 per page. Prints are paid for and retrieved from the 2nd floor Pay Station. Computer use is on a first-come, first-served basis.

13. If you don’t have a book I need, what can I do?

If you have a current American Fork Library card, interlibrary loan of some items from other libraries is available. We will only process requests for items we do not have in our catalog. There is a form available at the library that you need to fill out. The process takes approximately 2 - 3 weeks.

You may also check Eagle Mountain Library, Lehi Library, Pleasant Grove Library, and Highland Library. Your American Fork Library card is accepted at these libraries as long as your card is up to date and you don't have fines over $10 or other blocks such as lost books.

We also welcome your suggestions as to what books you would like to see available in our library. Please ask for our suggest-a-book form or use our online Suggest-A-Book. However, suggesting a book does not guarantee that the book will be purchased.

14. Do you have any eBooks?

As a patron you can have access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, & videos by going to Utah’s Online Public Library and then selecting "Download & Stream," then selecting OverDrive. You can also use the Libby app on your device. For more information, visit https://americanfork.gov/668/eBooks-eAudiobooks.

15. Can I use my debit or credit card to pay my fines and fees?

The library accepts VISA, MasterCard, & Discover for library fees and purchases from the Friends of the Library bookstore.

16. Do you have an outside / after hours book drop?

Yes, our outside book drop is located on the southwest corner of the library building. All library items except Kindles, Book Club Sets, Early Literacy Kits, Launchpads, and Games/Puzzles may be deposited in these book drops. Our inside book drop is a slot located on the south end of the main desk on the ground floor.

17. Am I notified if I have overdue items?

The library can now email a preoverdue notice to you if you have registered your email address with the library. This will be sent out 3 days prior to the due date of items. If you do not wish to receive the notice, you can opt-out of this service by notifying the library staff.

We would also like to remind patrons that this is a courtesy service. If patrons do not receive the notice, due to error on our part or theirs, patrons are still responsible to turn in their items on the date they were told when they checked those items out, or there will be fines assessed to the account.

We will send you an overdue notice 1 week after your books are due back at the library. If you have provided your email address, your overdue notices and notice of items on hold will be emailed. You will receive a final notice when your items are 1 month overdue.

You are always welcome to call to find out when your items are due or access your account on our website.

18. What if I am not receiving emails from the library and I have given them my email address?

If you are not receiving emails from the library, do the following:

• Check with library staff to make sure we have your current / correct email address (only 1 email address per library account /household).
• Check your SPAM and add library@afcity.net to your address book.
• If these do not solve your problem contact your email provider for any possible solutions.

19. Can I reply to notices I receive from the library?

We ask that patrons not reply to the messages that they receive. Due to the large number of notices that we send each day, we are unable to process incoming messages.

20. Do you have reading programs for children?

There are 4 sets of programs that run throughout the year. The themes change, but the basic information remains the same. The activities include: stories, crafts, learning activities, music, and puppets.

The activities are divided into 3 groups: "Bouncing Babies" is for children 6 months-18 months and their parents/caregivers, “Toddler Tales” story times are for a parent/caregiver and a toddler 18 months to 3 years. “Preschool Pals” story times are for children 3 years old and up.

Children programs include:

• Fall activities begin in September and run for 6 weeks
• Winter activities begin in January and run for 6 weeks
• Spring activities begin in March and run for 6 weeks.
• Summer Reading usually starts in June and runs through July. 
• Bouncing Babies runs continuously throughout the year

21. What is reciprocal borrowing / North Utah County Library Cooperative?

Visit our North Utah County Library Cooperative page for more information.

22. Does the Library have a community bulletin board?

The American Fork Library provides a bulletin board for items of community interest. All notices must be approved, initialed, and dated by a Library Staff member.

Priority will be given to Library notices, followed by American Fork based community events. Other notices will be posted as space permits.

• One notice may be posted by community organizations and clubs, cultural and educational events, educational institutions, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations.
• Notices should generally be no larger than 8-1/2” x 11” but larger notices will be considered, space permitting.
• Notices may be posted for 30 days, space permitting.
• For-Profit and Services for a Fee (babysitting, camps, tutoring, lessons, etc.) are not permitted.

Library Administration has the final decision on what is or is not acceptable for the community bulletin board. We do not accept responsibility for any material, and we reserve the right to remove any notice and dispose of it, at any time. Anything posted on walls, doors, or windows will be removed.

23. What is the Library's Mission Statement?

The mission of the American Fork Library is to make a positive, transformative difference in the lives of all those we serve.

24. What can I do to help the library?

Visit our Volunteer page for information and about helping at the Library.

25. Do you accept donations?

Gifts of books or other materials are welcome, as long as they are in good condition. The librarian will be free to decide whether all or part of the gift should be integrated into the collection, discarded, sold, or exchanged. Upon receipt, all materials become the property of the Library. Please bring donations to the main desk of the Library and give to a staff member.

The Library will, if requested, provide a written acknowledgement of the receipt of gifts, but not an itemized list. In accordance with income tax regulations the Library will leave the determination of a value of the donation to the donor.