Show All Answers

1. How do I get a library card?

Kansas residents may receive a library card at no charge. For those over 18, one form of photo identification with current information showing name and address (or a photo identification with other acceptable proof of residence) must be submitted and an application filled out. Children under the age of 18 must have cards co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. This form also either authorizes or denies minors access to the public Internet computers. The patron card must be presented each time materials are checked out. Loss of the card must be reported immediately or the patron will be responsible for materials checked out on it. Replacement cards will be issued at the cost of $1.00 each.

2. Does the library have an online catalog?

Yes we do. You can access it at our library or by clicking the link below.

Sek-N-Find Catalog:

The Chanute Public Library card catalog is online! Search the Library’s collection, explore the collection of other area libraries, and have materials you find transferred to your local library! This service is available for patrons of the Chanute Public Library at no charge!

The Chanute Public Library is a member of the Southeast Kansas Library System and participates in a consortium which includes 25 libraries in the region. Users are able to search the consolidated catalog for books and materials of all 25 libraries and place a hold on items from any of the libraries. Library card holders can then use the SEK-N-Find catalog to request items to be transferred between libraries for checkout by the person requesting them. Users can limit their search to items only at Chanute by using the “Advanced Search”, or by logging in so that the catalog will recognize which library they are registered with. Users may also renew items and access their reading history once logged into their account.

Online Catalog

3. What are the library collections & lending policies?

The library annually circulates over 130,000 items, including books for all ages, magazines, music recordings, audiobooks, videos and DVDs. Special collections include large-print books and educational toys.

There is no limit on the number of items which may be borrowed by an individual except: Video cassettes and DVDs – 5 per card Reference books and rare or historically valuable books do not circulate.

Length of Loan Periods:

Adult & children’s books – 3 weeks
New fiction and designated non-fiction – 1 week
Interlibrary loan materials – set by the lending library
Magazines – 1 week Video cassettes and DVDs – 1 week
Other audio-visual materials – 3 weeks

Renewals may be made in person, over the telephone, via email or online through the
Sek N Find catalog. All materials may be renewed one time. Items borrowed on Interlibrary Loan can be renewed at the discretion of the owning library. Items which other patrons have placed a hold on cannot be renewed.

Reserved Materials:

Library patrons may reserve materials in person, over the telephone, via email or online through the Sek N Find catalog. The patron will be notified when the materials become available. Books and other materials must be picked up within 5 days of notification unless the patron requests additional time.

Return of Materials:

The patron is responsible for returning materials on or before the date due. If items are overdue, the patron may be refused the right to borrow additional materials until the missing materials are returned or replacement costs are paid. Materials are the responsibility of the owner of the card used to check them out and/or the co-signer in the case of juveniles.

Fines are $0.50 per day, with a maximum of $5.00 per item, for all materials after the grace period. Grace periods vary from 7 days for DVDs and videos to 14 days for most other materials. Fines on interlibrary loans will be based on charges made by the loaning library. An accumulated $10.00 fine will suspend borrowing privileges. Library cards must be free of any charges before Internet access will be allowed.

Materials lost or damaged well beyond normal wear and tear will be charged to the patron. Fees paid are for damage to municipal property and do not constitute a purchase of the item.

4. What other services does the library offer?

Library Services:

Reference Service: Staff is available to help you answer your questions or assist you in finding information for research. We also provide access to several research databases .

Interlibrary Loan: If we do not have the particular book or article you need, ask us to borrow it for you from another Kansas library.

Talking Books: The Federal Government provides, free of charge, special books on tape for those with visual impairment or other physical disability. Applications may be picked up at the Chanute Public Library.

Adult Programs: Other adult programs are offered throughout the year, including programs sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council and special Christmas craft programs. Ask at the library, or check our calendar, for upcoming events.

Memorial/Gift Program: You can purchase materials for the library’s collection to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, to honor a friends or a family member, or simply to give a lasting gift to the community. Book plates with the honoree’s name will be included in each book.

Internet & Word Processing: The library provides 10 public-access computers which provide access to the Internet as well as Word, Excel, and Power Point. Users are allowed 1 hour per day. Library cards are required for access, but adults can be logged on with “visitor” status. There is a charge for printing.

Book Sale: Each fall the Friends of Chanute Library sell donated or discarded books at great prices.

Kansas Library Card: Provides access to Audiobooks and More, state-sponsored databases and Homework Kansas. (LINK)http://kansas.lib.overdrive.com/470C4FA2-2B94-4146-979A-DE14B869C7D0/10/378/en/Default.htm

5. Is there a book club associated with the library?

Book Discussion Group: This group meets at the library one evening each month for an informal discussion of a book. Subjects and dates vary, so ask someone at the desk for current information.

6. Can I get eBooks from your library?

We currently do not have eBooks available for our patrons to download. You can access eBooks from the State of Kansas Website. You will need to have a State Library Card. This is different than your Chanute Public Library Card. To obtain one get with Susan or Cindy at the Adult Circulation Desk. For more information go to the link below. EZ Library

7. What services do you offer for children?

Story Time: Story Time is scheduled throughout the year for children ages 3-6 and are held in the Story Room in the Children’s Section. Class sizes are limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. Schedules vary throughout the year, so check for current offerings.

Toddler Story Time: These sessions are offered for toddlers and an accompanying adult throughout the year. No pre-registration is required, but check with the library for current scheduling.

Summer Reading Program: Beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day, youth are encouraged to join us for a summer of reading pleasure. Special programs are also offered throughout the summer. A calendar of summer events is available at the library beginning in mid-May.

Other Programs: Special craft programs and other after-school programs are offered throughout the year, so check with the library or access our calendar through facebook for details.

8. When are the Board of Trustee meetings?

Meetings of the Board of Trustees are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Leighty Conference Room at the Depot. No meeting is held in the month of August. The public is invited to attend. If anyone wishes to have business acted upon at a board meeting, they should contact the library director or Board chairman at least one week prior to the meeting so that such business may be included in the printed agenda.

9. How do I renew my items?

You can either log into the online catalog and renew your materials, or you can call (431-3820) us. Online Catalog

10. How do I log into the online catalog?

Place your entire Chanute Public Library card number into the first space, and your last name all lower case as the password. Online Catalog